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Long Service Leave in New South Wales (NSW) 2026 — Your Rights & Entitlements

Last updated: March 2026

Long service leave in New South Wales is governed by the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW). Unlike most other workplace entitlements, long service leave varies significantly between states and territories.

In NSW, employees are entitled to 2 months (8.67 weeks) of long service leave after 10 years of continuous service with the same employer.

After the initial 10 years, employees accrue long service leave at the rate of 2 months for every 10 years of service. Leave is paid at the employee's ordinary pay rate.

Pro-rata access: Pro-rata available after 5 years if terminated by employer (other than serious misconduct) or due to illness, incapacity, or domestic pressing necessity.

Key Facts: Long Service Leave in NSW

  • Qualifying period: 10 years of continuous service
  • Entitlement: 2 months (8.67 weeks) of paid leave
  • Governed by: Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW)
  • Pro-rata: Pro-rata available after 5 years if terminated by employer (other than serious misconduct) or due to illness, incapacity, or domestic pressing necessity
  • Long service leave is paid at the employee's ordinary pay rate
  • Service with related entities may count towards continuous service
  • Unpaid leave and parental leave may or may not break continuity depending on circumstances

Calculate Your Entitlements

Use our free long service leave calculator to calculate your specific entitlements based on your circumstances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much long service leave do I get in New South Wales?
In New South Wales, you're entitled to 2 months (8.67 weeks) of long service leave after 10 years of continuous service with the same employer, under the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW).
Can I get pro-rata long service leave in NSW?
Pro-rata available after 5 years if terminated by employer (other than serious misconduct) or due to illness, incapacity, or domestic pressing necessity. This means you may be able to access a proportional amount of leave before reaching the full qualifying period.
What happens to my long service leave if I resign in NSW?
If you resign after completing the full qualifying period (10 years), you are entitled to be paid out your accrued long service leave. If you resign before this, you generally won't receive pro-rata payment unless specific circumstances apply under the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW).
Does long service leave in New South Wales differ from other states?
Yes. Long service leave varies significantly across Australia. New South Wales provides 2 months (8.67 weeks) after 10 years. By comparison, SA and NT offer 13 weeks after 10 years, while the ACT requires only 7 years for 6.07 weeks. Victoria allows pro-rata access from 7 years.

Long Service Leave in Other States

VICVictoriaQLDQueenslandWAWestern AustraliaSASouth AustraliaTASTasmaniaACTAustralian Capital TerritoryNTNorthern Territory

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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.