What you get if you leave after 20 years
The payout depends on why the job ends. These are the weeks paid at exactly 20 years under the Long Service Leave Act 1976 (ACT), with the value before tax at three weekly pay rates.
| If you | Leave paid out | At $1,200 a week | At $1,800 a week | At $2,400 a week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resign | 17.33 weeks | $20,796 | $31,194 | $41,592 |
| Employer ends the job | 17.33 weeks | $20,796 | $31,194 | $41,592 |
| Made redundant | 17.33 weeks | $20,796 | $31,194 | $41,592 |
| Resign because of illness or a pressing need | 17.33 weeks | $20,796 | $31,194 | $41,592 |
| Retire | 17.33 weeks | $20,796 | $31,194 | $41,592 |
| Dismissed for serious misconduct | 17.33 weeks | $20,796 | $31,194 | $41,592 |
How it is worked out
If you resign
The ACT gives 6.07 weeks after 7 years, then 0.8667 weeks for each further completed year: 6.0667 + 13 × 0.8667 = 17.33 weeks. It is paid out whatever the reason you leave. Part years after 7 do not count.
If you are made redundant
The ACT gives 6.07 weeks after 7 years, then 0.8667 weeks for each further completed year: 6.0667 + 13 × 0.8667 = 17.33 weeks. It is paid out whatever the reason you leave. Part years after 7 do not count.
While you are still employed
The ACT gives 6.07 weeks after 7 years, then 0.8667 weeks for each further completed year: 6.0667 + 13 × 0.8667 = 17.33 weeks. Part years after 7 do not count.
What a few extra months change
After 7 years only completed years add to ACT leave, so part years do not count.
| Situation | 20 years | 20 years 6 months |
|---|---|---|
| Still employed (can take) | 17.33 weeks | 17.33 weeks |
| Resign | 17.33 weeks | 17.33 weeks |
| Made redundant | 17.33 weeks | 17.33 weeks |
Your own dates, pay and leave already taken change the result. Use the ACT calculator for your exact figure, and check the ACT rules on what counts as service.
Common questions
How much long service leave do I get after 20 years in the ACT?
You can take 17.33 weeks of long service leave. The ACT gives 6.07 weeks after 7 years, then 0.8667 weeks for each further completed year: 6.0667 + 13 × 0.8667 = 17.33 weeks. Part years after 7 do not count.
Is long service leave paid out if I resign after 20 years in ACT?
Yes: 17.33 weeks. The ACT gives 6.07 weeks after 7 years, then 0.8667 weeks for each further completed year: 6.0667 + 13 × 0.8667 = 17.33 weeks. It is paid out whatever the reason you leave. Part years after 7 do not count.
What if I am made redundant after 20 years in ACT?
You are paid 17.33 weeks. The ACT gives 6.07 weeks after 7 years, then 0.8667 weeks for each further completed year: 6.0667 + 13 × 0.8667 = 17.33 weeks. It is paid out whatever the reason you leave. Part years after 7 do not count.
Do part years count after 20 years in ACT?
After 7 years only completed years add to ACT leave, so part years do not count.
Other milestones
Figures calculated with this site's ACT rules, last reviewed 3 November 2026. An award or agreement can give you more.