Amounts paid before they're earned (8)
I believe the answer is:
advances
'amounts paid before they're earned' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for advances that I've seen before include "Moves or puts forward" , "Promotes" , "Improvements; moves forwards" , "Progresses" , "Loand - or amorous approaches" .)