PayLab sets up your Claims to be cumulative each month.
Overview
In PayLab, claims are cumulative by default. Each month’s claim represents the total progress to date against a contract line item. PayLab then automatically calculates the amount still owing by subtracting previously approved claims.
To record progress, you can choose from four different entry methods. This flexibility allows you to match your claim entry with the way progress is measured in your project.
Methods of Entering Progress
When preparing a claim, you may enter work completed using any one of the following methods. PayLab will automatically calculate the equivalent values across all fields.
1. % to Date
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Enter the percentage of total work completed for the line item.
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This is the most common and straightforward method.
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Example: A $100,000 line item is 25% complete → PayLab records $25,000 as the cumulative value.
2. Quantity to Date
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Enter the cumulative quantity of work completed (e.g., cubic metres of concrete poured, square metres of flooring installed).
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PayLab multiplies the entered quantity by the unit rate from your contract to determine the cumulative dollar value.
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Example: 500 units completed at $200 per unit → $100,000 cumulative claim.
3. Claimed to Date ($)
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Enter the total dollar amount claimed to date for that line item.
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Useful when the client or subcontractor reports progress as a cumulative dollar figure rather than a percentage or quantity.
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Example: Enter $40,000 → PayLab calculates that 40% of a $100,000 line item is complete.
4. This Claim ($)
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Enter the value you want to claim for the current period only.
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PayLab will add this amount to the previously approved claims to calculate the new cumulative value.
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Example: $15,000 claimed this month, with $10,000 previously approved → PayLab records $25,000 cumulative (25%).
Example: Cumulative Claiming in Action
Consider a contract line item valued at $100,000.
- January:
- You enter 10% to date.
- PayLab records %10,000 as cumulative.
- Claim Approved.
- February:
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You enter another 15% (making 25% cumulative), or alternatively enter $25,000 claimed to date, or $15,000 this claim.
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PayLab calculates the cumulative total as $25,000.
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Since $10,000 is already approved, the February claim will be for the outstanding $15,000.
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Why Cumulative Claiming matters
- Ensures progress is tracked consistently across periods.
- Prevents duplication of previously approved amounts
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Provides flexibility in how progress is recorded
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Offers transparency in both cumulative and period-by-period reporting
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Aligns claim records with planned expenditure and project forecasts
Key Takeaway
In PayLab, claims are always cumulative, but you can choose how to enter your progress: % to Date, Quantity to Date, Claimed to Date ($), or This Claim ($). Regardless of the method, PayLab automatically ensures accuracy by calculating cumulative totals and deducting prior approvals.