Free tool

Final Pay Timing

FINAL PAY TIMING

NES says final pay is "as soon as reasonably practicable" — usually the next normal pay cycle, capped at 21 days. Most awards set 7 days. Pick your situation to see your expected date + what should be in the payment.

End date (last day worked)

Pay cycle

Reason for leaving

What entitlements should the final pay include?

Unused annual leaveAccrued time in lieu (TOIL)Unused long service leave (7+ years usually, pro-rata in some states)

Your expected final pay timing

Most likely date

Tue, 14 July 2026

Next normal fortnightly cycle.

Hard deadline

Tue, 21 July 2026

21 days max under most awards.

Components in your final pay:

Outstanding ordinary wages (hours worked up to end date)
Always included.
Unused annual leave (paid out at base rate, sometimes plus 17.5% leave loading)
Paid in lieu — check your award for leave-loading inclusion (typically yes for permanents in most awards).

What if my final pay is late?

Day 1 late: send a polite written email to payroll + your manager, reference your end date and the entitlements you're expecting.
Week 1 late: escalate in writing, cite NES s 90 (annual leave payout) and your award's final-pay clause. Ask for a payment date.
Week 2-3 late: contact the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94 or online tip-off). Most unpaid-final-pay cases resolve at the FWO contact stage.
Beyond 21 days: serious breach. File a small claims wage recovery via the Federal Circuit and Family Court (up to $20,000) or seek legal advice. 6-year recovery limit.