Long Service Leave After 5 Years
See your LSL entitlement by state, calculate payout values, and check pro-rata eligibility.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
After 5 years, you are not yet fully entitled to long service leave in any state. However, NSW offers pro-rata entitlements after 5 years if your employment is terminated.
LSL Entitlement by State After 5 Years
| State | Qualifying Period | Weeks Entitled | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 10 years | 4.33 weeks | Pro-rata |
| Victoria | 7 years | — | Not yet |
| Queensland | 10 years | — | Not yet |
| South Australia | 10 years | — | Not yet |
| Western Australia | 10 years | — | Not yet |
| Tasmania | 10 years | — | Not yet |
| Northern Territory | 10 years | — | Not yet |
| Australian Capital Territory | 7 years | — | Not yet |
Pro-rata entitlements typically apply only when employment is terminated by the employer, or in cases of redundancy or resignation. Check your state legislation for specific conditions.
LSL Payout Value After 5 Years
Estimated payout value at common salary levels (using the most common entitlement of 8.667 weeks per 10 years):
| Annual Salary | Weekly Rate | LSL Weeks (4.33) | Payout Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $1,153.85 | 4.33 | $5,000.19 |
| $80,000 | $1,538.46 | 4.33 | $6,666.92 |
| $100,000 | $1,923.08 | 4.33 | $8,333.65 |
| $120,000 | $2,307.69 | 4.33 | $10,000.38 |
SA and NT provide 13 weeks per 10 years — payouts in those states would be approximately 50% higher than shown above.
Pro-Rata Entitlement After 5 Years
Pro-rata long service leave allows you to receive a proportional entitlement before completing the full qualifying period. This typically only applies when your employment ends (resignation, termination, or redundancy).
New South Wales: Pro-rata of 4.33 weeks (available after 5 years on termination).
Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory: No general pro-rata entitlement before the qualifying period. You need to reach 7 years.
Can You Be Paid Out Instead of Taking Leave?
During employment: In most states, you can agree with your employer to cash out some of your long service leave. However, some states require you to take a minimum period of leave first. Rules vary — check your state legislation.
On termination: All accrued long service leave must be paid out in your final pay when employment ends, regardless of the reason for leaving. This is a legal requirement in all states.
LSL on Redundancy or Termination
When your employment ends after 5 years:
- States with pro-rata entitlements (NSW after 5 yrs, QLD & WA after 7 yrs) will pay out a proportional amount if your employment is terminated.
- States without pro-rata provisions will not pay out LSL if you haven't reached the qualifying period.
- Pro-rata typically applies to termination by the employer, redundancy, and sometimes resignation — rules vary by state.
- LSL payouts may be subject to different tax treatment depending on the reason for termination and your years of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much long service leave do I get after 5 years?
After 5 years, you may qualify for pro-rata long service leave in some states if your employment ends. NSW allows pro-rata after 5 years, and Queensland and WA after 7 years. Victoria and the ACT have a 7-year qualifying period for full entitlement.
Can I cash out long service leave instead of taking it?
In most states, you can cash out long service leave by agreement with your employer, but the rules vary. Some states require you to take at least a minimum period of leave before cashing out the rest. When employment ends, all accrued LSL must be paid out regardless.
What is the long service leave entitlement by state in Australia?
NSW, QLD, WA, and TAS: 8.667 weeks after 10 years. Victoria: 8.667 weeks after 7 years. SA and NT: 13 weeks after 10 years. ACT: 6.067 weeks after 7 years. Additional service beyond the qualifying period accrues proportionally.
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.