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 1987 (SA), 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 | 26 weeks | $31,200 | $46,800 | $62,400 |
| Employer ends the job | 26 weeks | $31,200 | $46,800 | $62,400 |
| Made redundant | 26 weeks | $31,200 | $46,800 | $62,400 |
| Resign because of illness or a pressing need | 26 weeks | $31,200 | $46,800 | $62,400 |
| Retire | 26 weeks | $31,200 | $46,800 | $62,400 |
| Dismissed for serious misconduct | 26 weeks | $31,200 | $46,800 | $62,400 |
How it is worked out
If you resign
After 10 years SA pays 1.3 weeks for each completed year whatever the reason you leave: 20 × 1.3 = 26 weeks.
If you are made redundant
After 10 years SA pays 1.3 weeks for each completed year whatever the reason you leave: 20 × 1.3 = 26 weeks.
While you are still employed
SA gives 13 weeks for the first 10 years and 1.3 weeks for each further completed year: 20 × 1.3 = 26 weeks. Part years do not count.
What a few extra months change
Only completed years count in SA. Six extra months make no difference until the year is complete.
| Situation | 20 years | 20 years 6 months |
|---|---|---|
| Still employed (can take) | 26 weeks | 26 weeks |
| Resign | 26 weeks | 26 weeks |
| Made redundant | 26 weeks | 26 weeks |
Your own dates, pay and leave already taken change the result. Use the SA calculator for your exact figure, and check the SA rules on what counts as service.
Common questions
How much long service leave do I get after 20 years in South Australia?
You can take 26 weeks of long service leave. SA gives 13 weeks for the first 10 years and 1.3 weeks for each further completed year: 20 × 1.3 = 26 weeks. Part years do not count.
Is long service leave paid out if I resign after 20 years in SA?
Yes: 26 weeks. After 10 years SA pays 1.3 weeks for each completed year whatever the reason you leave: 20 × 1.3 = 26 weeks.
What if I am made redundant after 20 years in SA?
You are paid 26 weeks. After 10 years SA pays 1.3 weeks for each completed year whatever the reason you leave: 20 × 1.3 = 26 weeks.
Do part years count after 20 years in SA?
Only completed years count in SA. Six extra months make no difference until the year is complete.
Other milestones
Figures calculated with this site's SA rules, last reviewed 3 November 2026. An award or agreement can give you more.