What you get if you leave after 5 years
The payout depends on why the job ends. These are the weeks paid at exactly 5 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 | Nothing | - | - | - |
| Employer ends the job | 4.33 weeks | $5,196 | $7,794 | $10,392 |
| Made redundant | 4.33 weeks | $5,196 | $7,794 | $10,392 |
| Resign because of illness or a pressing need | 4.33 weeks | $5,196 | $7,794 | $10,392 |
| Retire | Nothing | - | - | - |
| Dismissed for serious misconduct | Nothing | - | - | - |
How it is worked out
If you resign
Between 5 and 10 years NSW only pays out if your employer ended the job (not for serious misconduct), you were made redundant, or you resigned because of illness, incapacity or a pressing domestic need. An ordinary resignation before 10 years gets nothing.
If you are made redundant
Between 5 and 10 years NSW pays a pro rata amount if your employer ended the job (not for serious misconduct), you were made redundant, or you resigned because of illness, incapacity or a pressing domestic need: 5 years × 8.67 ÷ 10 = 4.33 weeks.
While you are still employed
You can take long service leave after 10 years. So far you have built up about 4.33 weeks, which becomes available at 10 years (8.67 weeks).
Your next milestone is 10 years, when 8.67 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 | 5 years | 5 years 6 months |
|---|---|---|
| Still employed (can take) | 0 weeks | 0 weeks |
| Resign | 0 weeks | 0 weeks |
| Made redundant | 4.33 weeks | 4.77 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 5 years in New South Wales?
You cannot take leave yet. You have built up about 4.33 weeks, which becomes available later. You can take long service leave after 10 years. So far you have built up about 4.33 weeks, which becomes available at 10 years (8.67 weeks).
Is long service leave paid out if I resign after 5 years in NSW?
No. Between 5 and 10 years NSW only pays out if your employer ended the job (not for serious misconduct), you were made redundant, or you resigned because of illness, incapacity or a pressing domestic need. An ordinary resignation before 10 years gets nothing.
What if I am made redundant after 5 years in NSW?
You are paid 4.33 weeks. Between 5 and 10 years NSW pays a pro rata amount if your employer ended the job (not for serious misconduct), you were made redundant, or you resigned because of illness, incapacity or a pressing domestic need: 5 years × 8.67 ÷ 10 = 4.33 weeks.
Do part years count after 5 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.