If you are considering filing for the GCs bond, do it sooner. The 12.5k is for ALL claims, on a first come first serve basis… you want to be in the front of the line. We were second in line on a roofer’s bond and even though our claim was much larger and approved as valid, we got a very small payment because another claim was in before us.
Your GC might find the cash to make it all OK with the bond company and you because they don’t want their bond rates jacked up because of a claim.