NSW Long Service Leave Calculator
Estimate a New South Wales long service leave entitlement under the Long Service Leave Act 1955. The first milestone is 2 months (8.6667 weeks) after 10 years of continuous service. Each further completed 5 years adds 1 month. After 5 years, a pro-rata payment can apply when employment ends for a reason listed in the Act.
How the NSW Act amounts are worked out
Section 4 of the Long Service Leave Act 1955 sets the table. After 10 years of continuous service the worker is entitled to 2 months. After each further 5 years the worker is entitled to another month. A month means 4⅓ weeks, so the first block is 8.6667 weeks and each later block is 4.3333 weeks. While the job continues, incomplete years after a milestone are not yet an extra month.
When employment ends after 10 years, unused leave is paid for the whole period of service on the basis of 2 months for 10 years (the Act also states 3 months for 15 years — the yearly rate is the same). After at least 5 years but before 10 years, that same yearly rate is used only when a listed reason applies. NSW Industrial Relations publishes the official Dean example: service from 1 November 2009 to 1 May 2015 on a store closure is 4.76 weeks.
NSW long service leave table
| Continuous service | While still employed | If employment has ended |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | No takeable leave | No payment |
| 5 years up to 10 years | No takeable leave | Pro-rata at 2 months / 10 years, only on a listed reason |
| 10 years up to 15 years | 2 months (8.6667 weeks) | Pro-rata for the whole period, any reason |
| 15, 20, 25 years and so on | Add 1 month (4.3333 weeks) at each completed block | Milestones plus leftover years at the same yearly rate |
What this calculator does not cover
Transmission of business, deemed continuous service, cashing out by agreement, ordinary-pay definitions for casual or commission workers, and portable industry schemes are outside this page. Annual leave under the NES is a different entitlement — use the annual leave calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much long service leave do I get in NSW after 10 years?
The Long Service Leave Act 1955 gives 2 months of paid leave after 10 years of continuous service with the same employer. The Act defines a month as 4⅓ weeks, so that first milestone is 8.6667 weeks. Each further completed 5 years adds 1 month (4.3333 weeks). NSW Industrial Relations publishes the same table.
Can I get a pro-rata payment before 10 years?
After at least 5 years, a proportionate amount on the basis of 2 months for 10 years can be paid if employment ends because the employer terminates the worker for a reason other than serious and wilful misconduct, the worker resigns because of illness, incapacity, domestic or other pressing necessity, or the worker dies. The official Dean example (1 November 2009 to 1 May 2015, store closure) is 4.76 weeks.
What happens if I leave after 10 years but before 15 years?
While you remain employed, only the first 2-month milestone is takeable. If employment ends for any reason after 10 years, unused leave is paid for the whole period of service at the same rate (2 months for 10 years, which the Act also expresses as 3 months for 15 years).
Is the entitlement counted in weeks or hours?
The Act measures the entitlement in weeks, not days or hours. This calculator also multiplies weeks by the ordinary weekly hours you enter so you can see an hour figure. Payment is at ordinary pay as defined in the Act, which can differ from a simple hourly rate.
Does the NSW Act cover every worker in NSW?
No. NSW Industrial Relations regulates the 1955 Act. Some workers instead use a federal award or agreement, a public-sector instrument, or a portable industry scheme (for example building and construction, contract cleaning, community services, or black coal). This page only applies the 1955 Act table.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is general information about the published NSW Act and NSW Industrial Relations guidance. It is not legal advice and not financial product advice. In line with ASIC’s general-information approach, we do not recommend a product. Confirm your position with NSW Industrial Relations or a qualified adviser.
Disclaimer
This page is general information only. It is not legal advice, not an official NSW assessment, and not financial product advice. In line with ASIC guidance, we do not recommend a product. Confirm the covering Act or instrument with NSW Industrial Relations or a qualified adviser before you act.