When Will My Final Pay Land?
Resigned, dismissed or made redundant? See your expected final pay date + what should be included (annual leave, TOIL, LSL, redundancy, notice in lieu) + what to do if it's late.
Last verified: 16 May 2026FINAL 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.
What entitlements should the final pay include?
Your expected final pay timing
Most likely date
Sat, 30 May 2026
Next normal fortnightly cycle.
Hard deadline
Sat, 6 June 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.
Related Articles
Australian employers must pay all final entitlements within 7 days of termination. Learn what's included in final pay, what to do if your employer doesn't pay, and how to enforce your rights in 2026.
Annual Leave Payout Calculator — How Much Will You Get? (2026)Calculate how much your accrued annual leave is worth when you leave a job. Covers payout formula, leave loading, tax treatment on resignation vs redundancy.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.