> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gusher.gitbook.io/gusherdao/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gusher.gitbook.io/gusherdao/protocol-details/rewards-distribution/external-protocol-rewards.md).

# External Protocol Rewards

**External Protocols**: partners and integrators not including unshETH and gUSHer, such as Arbitrum, Ankr, etc.

Rewards that are earned by gushyUSH staking and vote-locked positions originating from 'external' protocols' (ARB, for example) are available to be claimed by users using an epoch-based system. Epoch 0 will last for 4 weeks, with subsequent epochs lasting 2 weeks. Claim are enabled only after an epoch has been incremented.

Users must be staked or vote-locked from the beginning of a particular epoch to the end to qualify. Rewards are paid pro rata, taking the user's contribution relative to overall contributions.

{% hint style="info" %}
Note: Epoch 0 calculations are unique as they do not require use contributions at the launch of gUSHer to qualify.
{% endhint %}