The Block cast still waiting on prize money nine weeks after finale: 'Really struggling'

The Block finale may have aired in the first few days of November, but the stars have reportedly yet to receive any of the money they earned from the reality show.

Steph and Gian won $1.75m, including $100,000 in prize money; Eliza and Liberty won $1.05 million; Kyle and Leslie earned $130,000; Kristy and Brett walked away with $65,000, and Leah and Ash's property was passed in.

An insider reveals to Yahoo Lifestyle that the cash that contestants win on The Block "does not get paid the way audiences would think".

"It's not like Big Brother or Australian Idol in the early 2000s where the money would be in your account a week later," the source says. "Channel Nine doesn't actually pay the prize money straight away. It comes into their account in blocks."

RELATED:

• The Block's Kristy says she has TV and radio deals 'banging down her door'

• The Block's Kristy finally reveals how she and Leah mended their friendship

• The Block's Kyle and Leslie call out Leah and Kristy's 'disappointing' edit

It's believed that the prize money is broken up into three separate instalments, with the first payment made around February or March this year and the rest being paid over an eight-month period.

"All the contestants are told this before signing up for the competition, but at that stage of the process, excited applicants don't really turn their nose up when reading that part of their contract," the insider continues.

Winners Steph and Gian are yet to see a dollar of their $1.75m prize money and Kristy and Brett have also not received any of their $65,000. While Leah and Ash aren't waiting on any prize money, it's also believed they have yet to receive their $80,000 Ford Mustang.

"There are quite a few processes that need to be completed before the money can be exchanged," the source adds. "And while it is a lengthy process, it does make you wonder if this is a tactic to keep their contestants in line for longer and make sure the secrets of The Block are kept quiet while contestants are still in the media.

"Their lives have been thrown into complete chaos, and the perception that some of these contestants are now millionaires couldn't be further from the truth.

"Some of these contestants have been really struggling to keep up with their usual spending. Their friends and family treat them like millionaires. However, it is fair to expect that these guys have less cash flow than they usually would."

While it seems as though the contestants have been enjoying endless parties and collaborations on social media, this has seemingly started to "run thin" for some.

SHOP:

• The 'game changing' beauty brand supermodel Robyn Lawley swears by

• The popular body wash that gets rid of back pimples for good: 'Amazing'

• Koala's award-winning sofa beds are what every Aussie home needs

"They all want their money," the insider confirms, adding: "The realities are setting in for sure."

Yahoo Lifestyle has approached Nine for comment.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.