elance.com ELANCE Disatisfied with project - provider no longer registered - unable to return Escrow payment - 6 month rule Mountain View, California

I paid $350 into Escrow re a project for 60 SEO Links from a provider that failed to provide reports and project outcomes within specified period. Due to unforseen personal circumstances it was over the 6 month deadline period that I was able to pursue the provider further - unfortunately they no longer exist on Elance.

The project is not completed to satisfaction and a year later $350 sits in Escrow and I'm unable to return it to my paypal account.

I've tried on a couple of occasions to contact Elance - but all I receive is set of instructions including forms to fill in that specify a 6 month deadline less a set number of days - over which the Escrow money appears to roll up to the Bank of Elance.

As I say, project was not completed to time or satisfaction, I was over the 6 month deadline re claiming with supplier - but they no longer exist - and I seem unable to get my $350 back.

Please assist.

Sarah