Long Service Leave Calculator — NSW
Work out your long service leave entitlement under the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW). Enter your service and weekly pay below to see your leave in weeks and its dollar value. The calculator is set to New South Wales, and you can switch states if you need to.
Long service leave in NSW — the rules
In NSW you earn 2 months' leave (8.6667 weeks) after 10 years of continuous service with the same employer. After that, you earn 1 month for every further 5 years.
You can also qualify for pro-rata leave from 5 years if your employment ends because your employer ends it (other than for serious misconduct), you leave because of illness, incapacity or domestic or other pressing necessity, or you die. Resigning for a new job before 10 years does not give you pro-rata leave.
Long-term casuals with continuous service are covered in NSW, and their service counts for as long as it remains continuous.
Pro-rata entitlement by length of service
| Length of service | What you get |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | Nothing |
| 5 to under 10 years | Pro-rata for the qualifying endings above; nothing for an ordinary resignation |
| 10 years or more | Full entitlement for any ending (less leave already taken) |
Worked example
Sam has worked for the same NSW employer for 10 years and earns $1,500 a week. Entitlement: 8.6667 weeks × $1,500 = $13,000.00. If Sam has already taken some leave, that time is deducted before the payout is worked out.
Taking the leave vs being paid out
Long service leave is normally taken as time off while you are still employed. When employment ends, any accrued entitlement is paid out and taxed as a lump sum. Use the Final Pay Calculator to see the net picture alongside your other final pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much long service leave do I get in NSW?
Under the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW), you are entitled to 2 months (8.6667 weeks) of paid leave after 10 years of continuous service. After that you earn a further 1 month for every additional 5 years of continuous service.
I resigned after 7 years in NSW — do I get pro-rata long service leave?
Usually not. Pro-rata leave from 5 years applies only if your employer ended your employment (other than for serious misconduct), you left because of illness, incapacity or domestic or other pressing necessity, or you died. Resigning to take another job before 10 years does not qualify.
Do casuals get long service leave in NSW?
Yes. Long-term casuals are covered in NSW, and their service counts for as long as it remains continuous. Regular casual work with the same employer over many years can build up an entitlement.
Can my employer pay out my long service leave instead of giving me time off?
Generally, leave is meant to be taken as time off while you are employed, so a payout in place of leave is not the normal arrangement. If your employment ends and you have an accrued entitlement, it is paid out. Check your situation with NSW Government guidance or the Fair Work Ombudsman.
How is NSW long service leave taxed when paid out?
A payout on termination is paid as a lump sum and is generally included in your assessable income. Your employer withholds tax, and the final amount is settled when you lodge your tax return. Use the Final Pay Calculator for the net picture, and check the ATO for your circumstances.
Related calculators
Calculations use the rules of the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW) and are estimates only.
This calculator provides general information and estimates only. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Awards, agreements and contracts may give you more. Confirm your entitlement with your employer or the NSW Government.