Long Service Leave Queensland Calculator
In Queensland you earn 8.6667 weeks of long service leave after 10 years. Between 7 and 10 years you only get a pro-rata payout if your employment ends in particular ways. Enter your details below to see where you stand.
Queensland — the rules
Under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld), you are entitled to 8.6667 weeks after 10 years of continuous service. After that you earn a further 4.3333 weeks for every additional 5 years.
A pro-rata entitlement applies from 7 years only if employment ends because the employee dies; the employee ends it through illness, incapacity or domestic necessity; or the employer dismisses them for a reason other than misconduct.
Resigning for a new job before 10 years does not give you a pro-rata entitlement.
| Service | What you get |
|---|---|
| Under 7 years | Nothing |
| 7 to under 10 years | Pro-rata, for the qualifying endings above only |
| 10 years or more | Full entitlement for any ending (less leave already taken) |
Worked example: 9 years, resigning due to illness, $1,400 a week
Nine years is 9/10 of the 8.6667-week entitlement, which is 7.80 weeks. Because the resignation is due to illness, pro-rata applies: 7.80 × $1,400 = $10,920.00.
Taking the leave vs being paid out
Long service leave is normally taken as time off while you are employed, by agreement with your employer. If employment ends and you qualify, the unused entitlement is paid out.
Arrangements to be paid instead of taking leave while still employed are restricted, so check the Queensland Government guidance before agreeing to anything.
Frequently asked questions
How much long service leave do I get in Queensland?
You get 8.6667 weeks after 10 years of continuous service, then 4.3333 weeks for every further 5 years.
I resigned after 8 years in Queensland — do I get pro-rata long service leave?
Only if you resigned because of illness, incapacity or domestic necessity. Resigning for a new job before 10 years does not qualify. Pro-rata also applies if you die or your employer dismisses you for a reason other than misconduct.
Do casuals get long service leave in Queensland?
Yes, if their service is continuous. The Act covers casual employees with continuous service.
Can my Queensland employer pay out my long service leave?
If your employment ends and you qualify, the accrued entitlement is paid out. Being paid instead of taking leave while still employed is restricted, so check the official guidance first.
How is Queensland long service leave taxed when paid out?
A payout is a lump sum included in your assessable income and generally taxed at your marginal rate, with tax withheld by your employer. A small portion of very old service may be treated differently — check with the ATO or a tax adviser.
Related calculators
General information only, not legal or financial advice. Awards, agreements and contracts can give you more than the legislation. Confirm your entitlement with your employer or the relevant state authority.