What must a residential payment claim include?

Under Australia’s Security of Payment (SOP) laws, a payment claim is a formal request for payment made by a contractor, consultant, or supplier for construction work or related services. To be valid, especially in residential builds, it must meet specific legal requirements:

Clear identification of the work or services provided

• Describe the work completed or goods/services supplied.

• Include dates, locations, and reference to contract milestones or stages (e.g. slab, frame, fixing).

• Be specific enough for the recipient to understand what they’re being charged for.

The claimed amount

• State the exact amount being claimed, including GST if applicable.

• This can be a progress payment, final payment, or variation.

Date of the claim

• Include the date the claim is served. This starts the countdown for the payment schedule response.

Statement under the Act (if required)

• In NSW and some other jurisdictions, the claim must include the phrase:

• “This is a payment claim made under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act [year]”

• This statement is essential for invoking the protections and timelines under the Act.

Supporting documentation (recommended)

• Attach invoices, timesheets, delivery dockets, or progress photos to support the claim.

• While not mandatory, this helps avoid disputes and speeds up approval.

Templates and tools

To simplify the process and ensure compliance:

• Standard payment claim templates are available from:

• State building authorities (e.g. NSW Fair Trading, QBCC)

• Industry bodies like HIA and Master Builders

• Legal and construction advisory firms

My Build Hub offers:

• Pre-loaded templates for payment claims and variation notices

• Auto-fill features based on your project data

• Tracking tools for claim dates, responses, and payment status

• Alerts for SOP deadlines and compliance checks

Using these tools helps ensure your claims are valid, timely, and professionally presented, reducing the risk of rejection or dispute.

Bottom line: A valid residential payment claim must clearly describe the work, state the amount, include the date, and reference the SOP Act where required. Templates and digital tools like My Build Hub make it easier to stay compliant and organised