Long Service Leave Calculator — NSW
This is a NSW long service leave (LSL) calculator. Enter years of continuous service and the ordinary weekly pay to estimate the LSL entitlement under the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW). In NSW, employees become entitled to LSL after 10 years of continuous service, with a pro-rata entitlement payable on termination after 5 years in certain circumstances.
What this calculator does
The Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW) provides that employees who complete 10 years of continuous service with one employer are entitled to 2 months (8.6667 weeks) of long service leave on ordinary pay. Additional leave accrues at the rate of 4.3333 weeks per 5 years of service thereafter. A pro-rata payment is due on termination after 5 years of service in specified circumstances (employer-initiated termination, redundancy, illness, or domestic pressing necessity).
Legal basis
LSL in NSW is governed by the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW). The 10-year entitlement is in s 4(1). The pro-rata entitlement on termination after 5 years is in s 4(2). The accrual rate of 2 months per 10 years is in s 4(1). The Act applies to employees not covered by a federal award or agreement that provides a more favourable LSL entitlement.
How the calculation works
For 10+ years: LSL = (years of service / 10) × 8.6667 weeks × ordinary weekly pay. For 5–10 years on qualifying termination (employer-initiated, redundancy, illness, death): pro-rata LSL = (years / 10) × 8.6667 weeks × ordinary weekly pay. Under 5 years: no entitlement. The Act uses a "month" definition that converts to 8.6667 weeks per 10 years of service.
Interactive calculator coming soon
For an employee with 12 years of continuous service at $1,900 ordinary weekly pay: LSL = (12 / 10) × 8.6667 weeks × $1,900 = 10.4 weeks × $1,900 = $19,760 gross.
In the meantime, use the worked example above to validate your figures and confirm the final amount with the relevant revenue office or authority before relying on it in a matter.
Start free trialWhat you fill in
- Years of continuous service (number): Must be a positive number (decimals allowed)
- Ordinary weekly pay (AUD) (currency): Must be a positive number
- Reason for termination (if applicable) (select): Required
Limitations
- Does not model broken service or service across related employers (s 4(5))
- Does not calculate the interaction with federal awards or enterprise agreements that may provide more generous LSL
- Assumes continuous full-time service — part-time employees accrue on a pro-rata basis
- Does not calculate PAYG withholding or the concessional tax treatment of bona fide redundancy LSL payments
- Does not address the Building and Construction Industry Long Service scheme (separate portable scheme)
What to do next
Verify years of continuous service from employment records. Check whether a federal award or enterprise agreement provides a more favourable LSL entitlement. For underpayment claims involving LSL, Quillio quantifies the full termination entitlement schedule — see /practice-areas/employment-lawyers.
Calculator FAQs
When does LSL vest in NSW?
Under s 4(1) of the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW), the full entitlement vests after 10 years of continuous service. A pro-rata entitlement is payable on certain terminations after 5 years under s 4(2).
What triggers the pro-rata entitlement?
After 5 but before 10 years, pro-rata LSL is payable if the employment ends due to employer-initiated termination, redundancy, the employee's illness or incapacity, domestic or other pressing necessity, or death.
Can LSL be taken during employment?
Yes — after 10 years, an employee can apply to take LSL as paid leave. The employer and employee must agree on the timing. LSL can be taken in one block or, by agreement, in separate periods of at least one day.
Does the Act apply to all NSW employees?
The Act applies to NSW employees not covered by a federal award or enterprise agreement that provides a more favourable LSL entitlement. Many federal awards now contain LSL terms that align with or exceed the state Act.
How is service calculated for part-time workers?
Part-time employees accrue LSL based on their ordinary hours. The entitlement is pro-rated by the ratio of part-time hours to full-time hours over the period of service.
Is LSL paid at the current rate?
Yes — LSL is paid at the employee's ordinary pay rate at the time the leave is taken or paid out. This includes the base rate and any regular loadings but typically excludes overtime.
Is this legal advice?
No — this is an entitlement calculator. Disputes about continuous service, broken service, or the applicable instrument should be referred to an employment lawyer.
Get help with the matter
For employment lawyers, Quillio calculates complete termination entitlements including LSL, annual leave, notice, redundancy, and superannuation — all in one schedule ready for a letter of demand or brief. See /practice-areas/employment-lawyers.
This calculator estimates the LSL entitlement under the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW). Federal awards or enterprise agreements may provide different entitlements. Confirm service records and the applicable instrument before relying on the figure.
Quillio handles the next steps.
The calculator gives you the number. Quillio handles the rest of the matter — drafting, review, research, and correspondence. The free trial requires no credit card.
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