Use this free long service leave calculator to see how many weeks you have built up in your state, what the leave is worth and whether it is paid out when you leave.
Australia · all statesLong Service Leave Calculator
Estimate only, because it is based on each state’s long service leave law. Also, awards, agreements and breaks in service can change the result.
Our free long service leave calculator works out how much long service leave you have built up anywhere in Australia, so you can plan a break or check a final payout. To begin with, choose your state and enter your start date. Then add your weekly pay, and the calculator shows the weeks, the dollar value and whether the leave is payable if you leave.
How the Long Service Leave Calculator Works
In general, long service leave is a paid break for staying with one employer for a long time. Since each Australian state sets its own rules, the calculator uses the law where you work.
Firstly, it measures your continuous service in years.
Then it multiplies the years by 0.867 or 1.3 weeks.
Finally, it checks whether the leave is payable when you leave.
The formula
Weeks = Years × 0.8667 (or 1.3 in SA and NT) · Value = Weeks × weekly pay
Long Service Leave Calculator Examples
For example, here are three common cases, so you can see how the rules change by state.
To illustrate, Mia has worked in Sydney for 10 years on $1,500 a week.
- Firstly: 10 × 0.8667 8.67 weeks
- Then: × $1,500 $13,000
- Also: can take it Yes
Similarly, Tom has 12 years in Adelaide on $1,400 a week.
- Firstly: 12 × 1.3 15.6 weeks
- Then: × $1,400 $21,840
- Also: paid if he leaves Yes
In contrast, Ana resigns in Brisbane after 8 years for personal reasons.
- Firstly: 8 × 0.8667 6.93 weeks
- Then: resigning before 10 years Not payable
- But if made redundant Payable
Long Service Leave by State
Overall, this table compares the main rules. In short, the last column shows when you are paid pro rata leave if you leave early.
| State | Full entitlement | Leave | Weeks per year | Pro rata from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 10 years | 8.67 weeks | 0.867 | 5 years, some reasons |
| Victoria | 7 years | 6.07 weeks | 0.867 | 7 years, any reason |
| Queensland | 10 years | 8.67 weeks | 0.867 | 7 years, some reasons |
| Western Australia | 10 years | 8.67 weeks | 0.867 | 7 years, most reasons |
| South Australia | 10 years | 13 weeks | 1.3 | 7 years, most reasons |
| Tasmania | 10 years | 8.67 weeks | 0.867 | 7 years, some reasons |
| ACT | 7 years | 6.07 weeks | 0.867 | 5 years, some reasons |
| Northern Territory | 10 years | 13 weeks | 1.3 | 7 years, some reasons |
Pro Rata Payment When You Leave
If you leave before the full entitlement, you may still be paid for the leave built up so far. For instance, in Victoria and Western Australia, you are paid after 7 years for almost any reason. On the other hand, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory usually pay early only when your employer ends the job, or when you resign due to illness or a pressing need. Also, serious misconduct can remove the pro rata payment in most states.
What Counts as Continuous Service?
Generally, paid leave, workers compensation and short stand-downs all count as service. In addition, a change of business owner usually doesn’t break your service. However, unpaid leave may not count towards your years, although it usually doesn’t break continuity either.
How Your Leave Is Paid
Long service leave is paid at your ordinary weekly rate, so overtime and most allowances aren’t included. Meanwhile, for part-time and casual staff, the pay is usually based on average weekly hours over the past year or longer. Therefore, enter an average weekly figure if your hours change.
How to Use This Calculator
- To begin with, choose the state or territory where you work.
- Then enter your start date, and leave the end date as today or your last day.
- After that, add your ordinary weekly pay and your situation.
- Finally, press Calculate leave to see your weeks, value and payout.
More Pay Calculators
These tools also help with pay and leave. Besides, you can browse all our financial calculators.
Long Service Leave Calculator FAQs
How many weeks of long service leave do you get after 10 years?
Generally, you get 8.67 weeks in most states, which is about two months. However, South Australia and the Northern Territory give 13 weeks after 10 years.
Can I get long service leave after 7 years?
Yes, especially in Victoria and the ACT, where you can take it after 7 years. In addition, most other states pay pro rata leave after 7 years if you leave for certain reasons.
Is long service leave paid out when I resign?
Above all, it depends on your state and your service. For example, in Victoria, it is paid after 7 years for any reason, while NSW usually needs 10 years if you resign.
Do casual workers get long service leave?
Yes, casuals can qualify, as long as their work is regular and continuous with the same employer. Therefore, a long-term casual builds up leave like other staff.
Is a long service leave payout taxed?
Yes, unused leave paid when you leave is taxable. Specifically, for most service after 17 August 1993, it is taxed at your normal marginal rate.
Can I cash out my leave instead of taking it?
Most states don’t allow it while you are still employed. However, a few allow it in limited cases, so check your state’s rules or your agreement first.
Disclaimer: Overall, this calculator gives an estimate for general information only and is not legal advice. Also, awards, agreements and special industry schemes can change your entitlement, so check your state’s long service leave rules or ask your employer.