Long Service Leave Calculator (Australia)
When will you qualify for long service leave? Enter your employment start date and state below to see your eligibility date and how many weeks you're entitled to. Long service leave is governed by state and territory legislation in Australia — it varies significantly depending on where you work.
Long service leave by state & territory
Each Australian state and territory has its own Long Service Leave Act. Here's the summary as at 2026:
| State / Territory | Qualifying period | Weeks entitled | Pro-rata after |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 10 years | 8.67 weeks (2 months) | 5 years (qualifying termination) |
| Victoria | 7 years | 6.07 weeks | 7 years (any reason) |
| Queensland | 10 years | 8.67 weeks (2 months) | 7 years (qualifying termination) |
| Western Australia | 10 years | 8.67 weeks (2 months) | 7 years (qualifying termination) |
| South Australia | 10 years | 13 weeks (3 months) | 7 years (qualifying termination) |
| Tasmania | 10 years | 8.67 weeks (2 months) | 7 years (qualifying termination) |
| ACT | 7 years | 6.07 weeks | 5 years (qualifying termination) |
| Northern Territory | 10 years | 13 weeks (3 months) | 7 years (qualifying termination) |
These are baseline state entitlements. Modern awards, enterprise agreements and individual contracts can provide more generous entitlements. Industry-specific portable schemes may also apply.
What "qualifying termination" means for pro-rata
If your employment ends before you reach the full LSL qualifying period (10 years in most states), you may still be entitled to a pro-rata cash payment — but typically only if the termination was for a "qualifying reason":
- Redundancy
- Death of the employee (paid to estate)
- Illness or incapacity
- Domestic or pressing necessity (in some states)
- Reaching retirement age (in some states)
Pro-rata is generally not payable if you resign for reasons other than the above before the qualifying period. Victoria is the major exception — pro-rata applies after 7 years for any reason.
How continuous service is calculated
Long service leave is based on continuous service with the same employer. Most leave types (annual leave, personal leave, parental leave, long service leave taken, public holidays) count as continuous service. Periods that may not count:
- Unpaid leave longer than a specified threshold (varies by state, often 12 months)
- Unauthorised absences
- Periods of casual or seasonal work in some states (rules tightening — check your state)
A transfer between related employers (group companies, change of business owner) usually preserves continuous service. Always confirm with your HR team.
Casual employees and long service leave
Whether casuals accrue long service leave has changed across states over recent years:
- NSW — Continuous casual service counts.
- VIC — Continuous casual service counts (under the 2018 Act).
- QLD — Continuous casual service counts.
- Other states — Rules are mixed. Many awards and agreements include casuals.
The general direction is towards including casuals where the employment relationship is genuinely ongoing.
Need to plan around the eligibility date?
Use the Days From Date Calculator to count days between your start date and any future milestone.
Open Days From Date CalculatorFrequently asked questions
Official sources by state
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Long service leave overview
- NSW — Long service leave
- Business Victoria — Long service leave
- Business Queensland — LSL entitlements
- WA — Long service leave
- SA — Long service leave
This calculator and guide are general information only and not legal advice. Long service leave rules differ by state and may be modified by your award, agreement or contract. For tailored advice, contact your state employment authority or an Australian employment lawyer.