Write your letter
When to use this letter
- Your job is ending and you have unused long service leave, or pro rata leave, that should be paid out.
- You want a written statement of how the payout was worked out, so you can check it.
What to include
- Your last day of work.
- The weeks you believe are owed, and the amount if you have worked it out.
- A request for a statement showing the service counted, any periods left out and the weekly rate used.
Sample letter (New South Wales)
This is what the tool writes for New South Wales with 13 weeks of leave and the names left blank. The sample uses a last day of 26 February 2027. Choose your state above and the wording, sections and notice periods change to match.
11 January 2027
Payment of long service leave on leaving
Dear [Manager name],
My employment with [Employer name] ends on 26 February 2027. I am writing about my unused long service leave.
Please pay my long service leave entitlement of 13 weeks immediately, as section 4(5)(a) of the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW) requires.
Please also give me a written statement showing my start date, the service counted, any periods excluded, the leave already taken, the weekly rate used, and the amount paid, so I can check it.
If you calculate a different amount, please explain how, with the section of the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW) or the award or agreement you rely on.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
When unused leave must be paid in each state
The letter quotes your state's rule. Here it is for every state and territory.
| State | When unused leave must be paid |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Immediately (s 4(5)(a)) |
| Victoria | On the day my employment ends (s 9) |
| Queensland | The Act does not set a time. The letter asks for it with your final pay. |
| Western Australia | On the day my employment ends (s 9(2A)) |
| South Australia | Immediately (s 8(4)) |
| Tasmania | The Act does not set a time. The letter asks for it with your final pay. |
| Australian Capital Territory | The Act does not set a time. The letter asks for it with your final pay. |
| Northern Territory | As soon as practicable |
See all long service leave letters.
Common questions
When must unused long service leave be paid when I leave?
It depends on the state. NSW: Immediately (s 4(5)(a)); Victoria: On the day my employment ends (s 9); Queensland: The Act does not set a time. The letter asks for it with your final pay; WA: On the day my employment ends (s 9(2A)); SA: Immediately (s 8(4)); Tasmania: The Act does not set a time. The letter asks for it with your final pay; ACT: The Act does not set a time. The letter asks for it with your final pay; NT: As soon as practicable.
Official sources
- Long Service Leave Act 1955 No 38
- Long Service Leave Act 2018 (No. 12 of 2018)
- Industrial Relations Act 2016 - Chapter 2, Part 3, Division 9 (Long service leave), ss 93-114
Rules last reviewed 3 November 2026. Every figure comes from the Acts, the regulators, the ATO and the AASB; see sources and method.