What to include in a construction payment application

A payment application (an "application for payment" or "interim application") sets out the sum you consider due and how you worked it out. It isn't an invoice; in many contracts it is what starts the payment notice clock.

Checklist

• Your company name and address, and the payer's.
• The contract or order name and reference.
• An application number and the date sent.
• The valuation date or period it covers.
• The gross value of work done (and materials, where allowed) to date, ideally itemised.
• Retention deducted, and previous payments.
• The sum you consider due, and the basis of calculation.
• The VAT position (many subcontracts fall under the domestic reverse charge).

Timing and delivery

Send it when your contract says, by the method it says (email address, portal or post). Late or wrongly addressed applications are a common reason "smash and grab" claims fail. Keep proof of when and how it was sent.

NotifiedSum creates numbered PDF applications with your logo and works out the matching due, notice and final dates.