Who Can Make a Claim Under the Security of Payments Act NSW?
Security of Payments Act (SoPA)

The Security of Payments Act (SoPA) in NSW functions as a fundamental legal instrument that protects construction industry suppliers, subcontractors and contractors when it comes to receiving their payments on time. Under the Security of Payments Act NSW which group of people qualify to submit claims? Let’s break it down.
Eligibility to Make a Claim Under SoPA
1. Any person who performs construction work or provides related goods and services through a contract in New South Wales can submit a claim under this Act. This includes:
- Builders
- Civil contractors
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Painters
- Any other construction trade professionals
2. The Act provides payment claim coverage for professionals who offer industrial services to construction developers. This includes:
- Architects
- Engineers
- Surveyors
- Project managers
- Quantity surveyors
3. Construction materials suppliers and equipment vendors involved with construction projects are able to file a valid claim. This includes:
- Concrete suppliers
- Steel manufacturers
- Timber suppliers
- Machinery and equipment rental companies
4. When directly contracted with a project owner or principal a head contractor obtains the right to request progress payments if payments exceed the agreed intervals.
5. The payment claim rule applies to both subcontractors and their lower-tier contractors working under head contractors who have direct project contracts.
6. The Act extends its coverage to all construction payments involving both public and private funding sources because it provides payment claims to eligible people no matter the type of client.
Who Cannot Make a Claim?
Among the various professionals within the construction industry who fall under coverage the exception applies to specific cases.
- A homeowner involved in residential construction deals cannot use the Act unless they directly enter into a contract to build their own house.
- SoPA does not accept claims from people whose employment earns them a salary due to existing employment contracts.
- The Security of Payments Act does not cover professionals who deliver services outside construction work whether they offer legal counsel or marketing assistance.
How to Make a Payment Claim Under SoPA?
Individuals with rights to claim under Security of Payments Act NSW should follow this procedure:
- Present a payment claim to the respondent which contains detailed work descriptions alongside the owed amount as well as SoPA mention.
- The respondent needs to pay the demanded amount or to present a payment schedule within the required ten business days deadline.
- You can proceed with adjudication through an Authorised Nominating Authority (ANA) if payment does not arrive and when disputes emerge.
- A court enforcement process becomes available for payment recovery when you win adjudication rulings by an authority appointee.
The Security of Payments Act NSW functions as an important construction sector instrument to deliver timely payments. Any individual working on a construction project either as a contractor or subcontractor or supplier or consultant can file a claim within this framework. By following proper procedures your rights as a professional and following due processes boosts your chances to prevent payment disputes and sustain a steady financial stream.
An expert construction law specialist can provide you with direction to navigate SoPA claims. When consulting about SoPA claims work with a professional experienced in construction law. Businesses that follow Act requirements protect themselves from delayed payments and monetary losses.


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