Under 7 years: the Act pays no long service leave, even on redundancy (s 5(3)).
From 7 to under 10 years: you are paid 1.3 weeks for each completed year of service, at your ordinary weekly rate immediately before your job ends (s 5(3), s 8(4)). At 7 years that is 9.10 weeks, at 8 years 10.40 weeks and at 9 years 11.70 weeks.
10 years or more: all untaken leave is paid out (s 5(2)). That is 13 weeks for the first 10 years plus 1.3 weeks for each further completed year, less any leave you have taken (s 5(1)).
Only completed years count (s 5(7)). If your redundancy takes effect a few weeks before a work anniversary, that part year is not paid. Check your exact start date and any unpaid leave or breaks that do not count as service (s 6(2)).
If the business is sold rather than closed, your position may be different. Service with the old employer counts if a new employer takes over all or part of the business (s 3(1), s 3(3)). SafeWork SA says that if you are rehired within 2 months of a sale, your entitlement keeps accruing. In that case your long service leave carries over instead of being paid out.
The payment is due immediately when your employment ends (s 8(4)). Your weekly rate leaves out overtime, shift premiums and penalty rates (s 3(2)). If you worked part-time, casual or varying hours in the last 3 years, it is based on your average weekly hours over those 3 years (s 3(2)).
Common questions
Do I get long service leave if I am made redundant after 7 years in SA?
Yes. You are paid 1.3 weeks for each completed year of service (s 5(3)).
Which pay rate is used if I am made redundant?
Your ordinary weekly rate immediately before your employment ends (s 8(4)). If your hours varied in the last 3 years, your average weekly hours over those 3 years are used (s 3(2)).
What if the business is sold and the new owner keeps me on?
Your service with the old employer counts with the new one (s 3(1), s 3(3)), so your leave carries over rather than being paid out.
Official sources
- Long Service Leave Act 1987 (SA)SA Government - legislation.sa.gov.au
- Guide to long service leave (2025)SafeWork SA
- Long service leaveSafeWork SA
Rules last reviewed 3 November 2026.