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 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 | Nothing | - | - | - |
| Employer ends the job | Nothing | - | - | - |
| Made redundant | Nothing | - | - | - |
| Resign because of illness or a pressing need | Nothing | - | - | - |
| Retire | Nothing | - | - | - |
| Dismissed for serious misconduct | Nothing | - | - | - |
How it is worked out
If you resign
SA pays nothing for less than 7 completed years.
If you are made redundant
SA pays nothing for less than 7 completed years.
While you are still employed
In SA you get 13 weeks after 10 years, then 1.3 weeks for each further completed year.
Your next milestone is 10 years, when 13 weeks in total become available.
What a few extra months change
Only completed years count in SA. Six extra months make no difference until the year is complete.
| Situation | 5 years | 5 years 6 months |
|---|---|---|
| Still employed (can take) | 0 weeks | 0 weeks |
| Resign | 0 weeks | 0 weeks |
| Made redundant | 0 weeks | 0 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 5 years in South Australia?
You cannot take leave yet. You have built up about 6.5 weeks, which becomes available later. In SA you get 13 weeks after 10 years, then 1.3 weeks for each further completed year.
Is long service leave paid out if I resign after 5 years in SA?
No. SA pays nothing for less than 7 completed years.
What if I am made redundant after 5 years in SA?
Nothing is paid. SA pays nothing for less than 7 completed years.
Do part years count after 5 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.