How many weeks is 10 years long service leave?

In most Australian states — NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, and TAS — 10 years of continuous service entitles an employee to 8.67 weeks (approximately 2 months) of long service leave. South Australia and the Northern Territory are more generous at 13 weeks (3 months) for 10 years of service. The ACT uses a different formula based on continuous accrual.

Do you get paid LSL after 7 years?

It depends on your state. In Victoria and the ACT, employees become entitled to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service — so yes, you can take or be paid LSL after 7 years. In other states (NSW, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT), the full entitlement threshold is 10 years, but pro-rata payouts on termination are available after 5–7 years depending on the state.

How much leave do you get after 10 years of service?

8.67 weeks (approximately 2 months) in most states — NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, and TAS. South Australia and the Northern Territory provide 13 weeks (3 months). Additional leave continues to accrue beyond 10 years at rates that vary by state. Part-time and casual employees receive the same number of weeks but calculated at their average ordinary hours.

How do I calculate long service leave in NSW?

In NSW, the formula is: Years of service × 0.8667 × ordinary weekly pay. For example, 10 years × 0.8667 = 8.67 weeks. For pro-rata on termination after 5 years: years of service ÷ 10 × 8.67 weeks. For part-time/casual: total ordinary hours worked ÷ 52 ÷ 10 × 0.8667 = weeks of LSL. Use the official NSW Long Service Leave Calculator at nsw.gov.au for exact figures.

When do employees become entitled to long service leave?

In Victoria and ACT, employees are entitled to LSL after 7 years of continuous service. In all other states and territories, the threshold is 10 years. However, pro-rata entitlements on termination are available earlier (typically after 5–7 years depending on the state).

How much long service leave do employees accrue?

Most states provide 8.67 weeks (approximately 2 months) for 10 years of service — at an accrual rate of 0.8667 weeks per year. South Australia and the Northern Territory are more generous at 13 weeks (3 months) for 10 years. Additional leave accrues after the initial threshold at varying rates depending on the state.

Do part-time employees get long service leave?

Yes, part-time employees are entitled to LSL. Their entitlement is calculated based on their ordinary hours of work. If hours have varied over the service period, the entitlement is typically based on the average weekly hours worked over the full service period.

Are casuals entitled to long service leave?

Casual employees can be entitled to LSL if they work on a regular and systematic basis. This is assessed based on the pattern of work and expectation of ongoing employment. The threshold and calculation can be complex for casuals — seek state-specific advice.

What counts as continuous service for LSL?

Continuous service includes all periods of employment with the same employer, including periods of authorised leave (paid and unpaid). Most states specify that certain breaks (like unpaid parental leave) may not count as service but don't break continuity. Always check your specific state legislation.

How is the pay rate calculated for LSL?

LSL is generally paid at the employee's ordinary rate of pay at the time they take the leave. This typically includes base rate, regular loadings, and allowances that are part of their ordinary pay. Some states have specific rules about what's included.

Can LSL be cashed out instead of taken as leave?

This varies by state. NSW and Victoria generally don't permit cashing out. Queensland requires QIRC approval. SA, WA, Tasmania, and ACT allow cashing out by agreement. Always check state legislation and ensure any agreement is in writing.

How do I calculate LSL for an employee who changed from full-time to part-time?

Calculate the total service in each employment type separately, then aggregate. Alternatively, some employers calculate based on the average hours over the entire service period. Check your state legislation for the prescribed method.

Do employees get LSL payout when they resign?

In most states, employees who resign after the pro-rata qualifying period (typically 5–7 years) are entitled to a pro-rata payout. The qualifying period and calculation method varies by state. Check your state legislation for specific requirements.

What about LSL on dismissal?

Employees dismissed after the pro-rata qualifying period are generally entitled to payout. However, employees dismissed for serious misconduct may forfeit their entitlements in some states. Check your state legislation carefully.

Do I need to pay out accrued LSL on termination?

Yes, if the employee has completed the pro-rata qualifying period in their state (usually 5–7 years). The payout is calculated as the accrued entitlement multiplied by their ordinary rate of pay. This applies regardless of whether the employee resigned or was terminated.

What is portable long service leave?

Portable LSL allows workers in certain industries to accumulate LSL across multiple employers. It applies to construction, cleaning, security (in some states), and community services. Industry-specific schemes manage the entitlements.

HOW-TO GUIDE

How to calculate long service leave

A complete guide to calculating long service leave entitlements in Australia, including state-by-state requirements, pro-rata calculations, and termination payouts. Links to LSL policy templates.

10 min read • Updated 22 Apr 2026

Written by

Georgia Morgan

General information only – not legal advice

This guide provides general information about long service leave in Australia. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.

HR Hub disclaimer • Modern Awards • Fair Work

What is long service leave?

Long service leave (LSL) is a period of paid leave granted to employees who have worked for the same employer for an extended period — typically 7–10 years depending on the state or territory. Unlike annual leave and personal leave which are part of the National Employment Standards, LSL is governed by state and territory legislation.

This means entitlements vary depending on where the employee works. Awards and enterprise agreements may also provide better entitlements than state minimums — always check award rates and any applicable penalty rates for your industry.

8.67 wks

after 10 years in most states

13 wks

after 10 years in SA and NT

7 yrs

threshold in VIC and ACT (not 10)

NSW and victoria LSL formula quick reference

NSW formula shown. Other states use the same accrual rate but have different thresholds and pro-rata rules — see the state table below.

Full-time employees

Years of service × 0.8667 × ordinary weekly pay = LSL payment

Example: 10 years × 0.8667 = 8.67 weeks

Pro-rata on termination (after 5 years, NSW)

Years of service ÷ 10 × 8.67 = weeks of LSL

Example: 7 years ÷ 10 × 8.67 = 6.07 weeks

Part-time / casual employees

Total ordinary hours worked ÷ 52 ÷ 10 × 0.8667 = weeks of LSL

Unsure about casual vs part-time costs? Use our casual vs part-time cost calculator.

NSW LSL Calculator Vic Gov LSL calculation guide NSW LSL guide Payroll cost calculator

STEP-BY-STEP

How to calculate long service leave in 6 steps

Follow this process to correctly calculate long service leave entitlements.

Identify the applicable legislation

Determine which state or territory LSL law applies to your employee based on where they usually work.

Tips

LSL is governed by state/territory legislation, not federal
The relevant law is usually where the employee primarily works
Check if an award or enterprise agreement provides better entitlements
Some industries have portable LSL schemes (construction, cleaning)

Calculate continuous service

Determine the employee's continuous service period, including any breaks that count as service.

Tips

Start date is usually the first day of employment
Paid leave (annual, sick, parental) counts as service
Unpaid leave usually doesn't count but may not break continuity
Check state rules for what breaks continuity vs pauses accrual

Determine the entitlement threshold

Check when the employee becomes entitled to LSL in their state or territory.

Tips

Most states: 10 years for full entitlement
VIC and ACT: 7 years for full entitlement
Pro-rata access available after 5–7 years in most states
Some awards provide earlier access or additional entitlements

Calculate the LSL entitlement

Apply the state formula to calculate the number of weeks of LSL the employee has accrued.

Tips

Standard: 8.67 weeks (2 months) for 10 years service
NT and SA: 13 weeks for 10 years service
Additional accrual continues after the threshold
Part-time: calculate based on ordinary hours worked

Calculate the payment rate

Determine the pay rate for LSL, which is typically the employee's ordinary pay rate at the time of taking leave.

Tips

Usually paid at the employee's ordinary rate at time of leave
May include regular overtime or allowances if consistently worked
Check state legislation for specific inclusions/exclusions
Commission-based employees may have special calculation rules

Process the leave or payout

Either allow the employee to take leave or calculate a payout on termination.

Tips

LSL can usually be taken as full pay, half pay, or double time at half pay
Pro-rata payouts apply on termination after qualifying period
Some states require payout even if employee resigns
Cashing out restrictions vary by state

Need to calculate pro-rata leave for other leave types? Or final pay on termination including LSL payouts? See our related guides.

BY STATE

Long service leave entitlements by state and territory

Entitlements vary significantly. See also our NSW LSL guide and Victoria LSL guide for state-specific detail.

State/Territory	Threshold	Entitlement	Pro-rata access	Cash out
New South Wales	10 years	8.67 weeks (2 months)	After 5 years on termination	Not permitted
Victoria	7 years	8.67 weeks	After 7 years	Not permitted
Queensland	10 years	8.67 weeks	After 7 years on termination	By agreement (QIRC approval)
South Australia	10 years	13 weeks	After 7 years on termination	By agreement
Western Australia	10 years	8.67 weeks (2 months)	After 7 years on termination	By agreement
Tasmania	10 years	8.67 weeks	After 7 years on termination	By agreement
Northern Territory	10 years	13 weeks (3 months)	After 7 years on termination	Not specified
ACT	7 years	6.07 weeks (approx)	After 5 years on termination	By agreement

Important: This is a simplified summary. State legislation should always be checked for complete rules, including service calculation methods, exclusions, and special circumstances. Use the Business QLD LSL calculator for QLD, and the NSW calculator linked above for NSW.

EXAMPLES

Long service leave calculation examples

See how LSL calculations work in practice across different scenarios.

Full-time employee, 10 years service (NSW)

Calculation: 10 × 0.8667 = 8.67 weeks

Pay: 8.67 weeks × ordinary weekly rate

Entitled to 8.67 weeks (approximately 2 months) of LSL

Employee resigns after 7 years (NSW)

Calculation: 7 ÷ 10 × 8.67 weeks = 6.07 weeks pro-rata

Pay: 6.07 weeks × ordinary weekly rate

Entitled to 6.07 weeks pro-rata payout on termination

Part-time employee, 10 years (VIC) — 20 hrs/week average

Calculation: (20 hrs × 52 weeks × 10 yrs) ÷ 52 × 0.8667 ÷ 10 = 8.67 weeks at 20 hrs

Pay: 20 hrs/week × ordinary hourly rate × 8.67 weeks

Entitled to 8.67 weeks at their average 20 hours per week

Employee with 15 years service (SA)

Calculation: 13 weeks (first 10 yrs) + (5 × 1.3 weeks) = 19.5 weeks

Pay: 19.5 weeks × ordinary weekly rate

Entitled to 19.5 weeks of LSL

AVOID THESE

Common long service leave calculation mistakes

These errors can lead to underpayment claims and compliance issues.

Applying wrong state legislation

Risk: Incorrect entitlements calculated, potential underpayment claims.

Solution: Use the legislation for where the employee primarily works, not where the business is registered.

Forgetting part-time adjustments

Risk: Overpaying or underpaying part-time employees.

Solution: Calculate LSL based on average ordinary hours worked over the service period.

Not including all service

Risk: Undercalculating entitlements, employee complaints.

Solution: Include all continuous service including periods of paid leave.

Incorrect termination payouts

Risk: Underpayment claims, Fair Work complaints.

Solution: Check state rules for pro-rata payouts on resignation vs dismissal.

Ignoring award entitlements

Risk: Missing additional entitlements that exceed state minimums.

Solution: Check if the applicable award provides better LSL terms.

Use leave management software to track continuous service automatically and flag when employees approach entitlement thresholds. Our casual vs part-time cost calculator helps with workforce cost comparisons.

RESOURCES

Official calculators and regulatory sources

Use these official sources to verify entitlements for your state.

NSW LSL Calculator Vic Gov LSL guide Business QLD LSL calculator Fair Work — LSL overview

NSW long service leave guide Victoria long service leave guide LSL policy template EOFY payroll guide Leave & availability in RosterElf Payroll integration

Track long service leave

RosterElf maintains accurate service records and calculates LSL entitlements based on your state requirements. Built for Australian small businesses.

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Related guides

More resources for leave calculations and payroll compliance.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

In most Australian states — NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, and TAS — 10 years of continuous service entitles an employee to 8.67 weeks (approximately 2 months) of long service leave. South Australia and the Northern Territory are more generous at 13 weeks (3 months) for 10 years of service. The ACT uses a different formula based on continuous accrual.
It depends on your state. In Victoria and the ACT, employees become entitled to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service — so yes, you can take or be paid LSL after 7 years. In other states (NSW, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT), the full entitlement threshold is 10 years, but pro-rata payouts on termination are available after 5–7 years depending on the state.
8.67 weeks (approximately 2 months) in most states — NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, and TAS. South Australia and the Northern Territory provide 13 weeks (3 months). Additional leave continues to accrue beyond 10 years at rates that vary by state. Part-time and casual employees receive the same number of weeks but calculated at their average ordinary hours.
In NSW, the formula is: Years of service × 0.8667 × ordinary weekly pay. For example, 10 years × 0.8667 = 8.67 weeks. For pro-rata on termination after 5 years: years of service ÷ 10 × 8.67 weeks. For part-time/casual: total ordinary hours worked ÷ 52 ÷ 10 × 0.8667 = weeks of LSL. Use the official NSW Long Service Leave Calculator at nsw.gov.au for exact figures.

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How to calculate long service leave

What is long service leave?

NSW and victoria LSL formula quick reference