Progress Claim
Last reviewed 13 June 2026 by Nick Lim, finance broker (FBAA).
Progress Claim is a request for payment a builder submits at set stages of a construction project, billing for work completed since the last claim. In Australia these are usually tied to fixed stages, slab, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion, and are protected by state Security of Payment legislation. Construction loans release funds against approved progress claims through staged drawdowns, with each claim verified before the drawdown is paid, often by a quantity surveyor.
Why Progress Claim Matters
Progress claims control when construction funds are released, so getting them right keeps a build on track.
- Billed at set construction stages, not all up front
- Trigger staged drawdowns from a construction loan
- Each claim usually verified before the drawdown is paid
- Tied to the milestones in a fixed price building contract
- Often checked by a quantity surveyor
Common Features of Progress Claim
- Stage-based invoicing (slab, frame, lock-up, fixing, completion)
- Supported by photos, invoices and inspections
- Lender releases funds against approved claims
- Retention may be held until the final claim
- Backed by state Security of Payment laws
Official reference: business.gov.au
What is a progress claim?
A builder's request for payment for work completed at a construction stage, used to trigger a drawdown from a construction loan.
How do progress claims work with a construction loan?
The lender releases funds in staged drawdowns against each approved claim, rather than all at once.
Who checks a progress claim?
The lender, and often a quantity surveyor, verify the work before releasing funds.
What stages are progress claims made at?
Typically slab, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion, as set in the fixed price building contract.
Can a progress claim be disputed?
Yes, and state Security of Payment laws set out how disputes and adjudication are handled.