Payment Bond Claims

Note: it is always wise to obtain a copy of the actual payment bond for any specific language. 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Projects 

Sub—if you have a direct contract with a GC you have up to a year after you last performed material or labor on the job site to bring claim under the bond. Sub should provide written notice earlier than that.  

Supplier—with direct contract with bonded principle (either sub or GC) you have up to one year after you last supplied material to the job to bring suit. 

Supplier & Second tier subs—no direct contract with principal of bond requires you to send written notice to Surety Company and the principal within 65 days of the last day you either supplied material or labor to project. The suit has to be brought within one year. 

Please note that in Massachusetts punch list work does not count as labor or materials supplied. 

State of Connecticut Projects 

Suppliers & Subcontractors---notice to the surety with a copy to the principals required by those with contracts with the principal or with the principals subcontractor within 180 days of when payment was due, if the work was included in a payment requisition or estimate, or when the last work was performed, if the work was not included in the requisition of estimate. 

Suit must be filed within one year of the applicable due date.  

In CT law requires that payment be made to subcontractors and suppliers within 30 days of the contractors receipt of payment by the owner.  

Federal Projects 

Sub—with notice not required when sub has written contract with GC must bring suit within 1 year.

Supplier—notice within 90 days of last supplied labor or material to the job site.  

 

To be cautious it may be prudent to put in a payment claim whenever your owed payment is late (more than 90 days).

 

 

Please note this is not a legal opinion and we suggest any specific issues be discussed with your Attorney.