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 1955 (NSW), 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
After 10 years NSW pays your leave whatever the reason you leave: 20 years × 13 weeks ÷ 15 = 17.33 weeks.
If you are made redundant
After 10 years NSW pays your leave whatever the reason you leave: 20 years × 13 weeks ÷ 15 = 17.33 weeks.
While you are still employed
NSW gives 8.67 weeks after 10 years, then 4.33 weeks for each further 5 years. You can take 17.33 weeks now. Leave for part of a 5-year period is paid out only when you leave.
Your next milestone is 25 years, when 21.67 weeks in total become available.
What a few extra months change
Part years count when you leave: NSW pays a proportion for your whole service, including months and days.
| Situation | 20 years | 20 years 6 months |
|---|---|---|
| Still employed (can take) | 17.33 weeks | 17.33 weeks |
| Resign | 17.33 weeks | 17.77 weeks |
| Made redundant | 17.33 weeks | 17.77 weeks |
Your own dates, pay and leave already taken change the result. Use the NSW calculator for your exact figure, and check the NSW rules on what counts as service.
Common questions
How much long service leave do I get after 20 years in New South Wales?
You can take 17.33 weeks of long service leave. NSW gives 8.67 weeks after 10 years, then 4.33 weeks for each further 5 years. You can take 17.33 weeks now. Leave for part of a 5-year period is paid out only when you leave.
Is long service leave paid out if I resign after 20 years in NSW?
Yes: 17.33 weeks. After 10 years NSW pays your leave whatever the reason you leave: 20 years × 13 weeks ÷ 15 = 17.33 weeks.
What if I am made redundant after 20 years in NSW?
You are paid 17.33 weeks. After 10 years NSW pays your leave whatever the reason you leave: 20 years × 13 weeks ÷ 15 = 17.33 weeks.
Do part years count after 20 years in NSW?
Part years count when you leave: NSW pays a proportion for your whole service, including months and days.
Other milestones
Figures calculated with this site's NSW rules, last reviewed 3 November 2026. An award or agreement can give you more.