Longserviceleave.com

South Australian community services portable long service

South Australia's portable long service scheme for community services workers began on 1 October 2025. It is run by the Community Services Sector Long Service Leave Board, trading as SA Portable Long Service Leave - Community Services. Service before the scheme started is not recognised.

By Sri Murugan Systems ยท Rules last reviewed

Estimate your scheme entitlement

Community Services Sector Long Service Leave Board

Enter the service the scheme has recorded for you. This is an estimate; the scheme's own statement is what counts.

From your service statement or the member portal.

$

Before tax, without overtime.

Find your number and check your service

See how to find your registration number, the member portal and what to do if service is missing.

The state long service leave calculator does not apply to this scheme. If you are covered, your leave is worked out and paid by Community Services Sector Long Service Leave Board (SA Portable Long Service Leave - Community Services) under its own rules. Check your service record with the scheme.

Who is covered

  • Workers moving between employers in the SA community services sector.
  • Employers have had to register and pay the levy since 1 October 2025.
  • This guide does not yet include the detailed coverage definitions. Check the scheme's website to see whether your role is covered.

When you qualify

You need 120 months (about 10 years) of effective service for leave, or 84 months (about 7 years) for a payment when you stop work. Service before the scheme started is not recognised.

What you get

You get 13 weeks for your first 120 months of effective service, then 1.3 weeks for each further 12 months (s 37(1)). Leave is claimed in whole days, with a minimum of 1 week (7 days) per claim. The scheme asks you to lodge at least 2 months before your leave starts.

Leaving early, illness, retirement and death

  • A payment on ceasing work with 84 or more months of effective service (under 120) where you have died (paid to your personal representative) (s 39).
  • Or where you stopped because of a physical or mental disability that prevents work in the sector for 12 months or more (s 39).
  • Or where you stopped and will not work in the sector for 12 months or more (s 39).
  • It also applies if you once had 120 months but now have under 84, or have 120 or more with leave not all taken (s 39).
  • There is no retirement or age ground.
  • A pro rata claim breaks your service. You then need another 84 months for any further benefit.

How it is paid

The industry board pays you from the industry fund, in advance for the whole leave period (s 37(7), s 38(4), s 39(1)). Employers fund it through a levy. If you have a salary-sacrifice arrangement, the board may pay part to your employer to pass on (s 58).

How to claim

Claim through the worker portal at https://portal.saplsl-community.org.au/WorkerLogin.aspx. Lodge at least 2 months before your leave starts, and claim at least 1 week (7 days).

Before you rely on this

  • The scheme started on 1 October 2025, according to the SA Attorney-General's Department. Some scheme FAQ wording still says 1 July 2025.
  • Service before the scheme started is not recognised.
  • A pro rata claim breaks your service, and you need 84 more months for any further benefit.
  • There is no retirement or age ground for early payment (s 39).

The scheme and its law

Common questions

When did the SA community services scheme start?

1 October 2025. Service before that date is not recognised.

How much leave will I get?

13 weeks for your first 120 months of effective service, then 1.3 weeks for each further 12 months (s 37(1)).

Can I get paid if I leave the sector?

Yes, with 84 or more months of effective service, if you stop and will not work in the sector for 12 months or more (s 39).

How early should I lodge a leave claim?

The scheme asks for at least 2 months before your leave starts.

Official sources

Last reviewed 3 November 2026.