Longserviceleave.com

Half pay and double pay long service leave in Victoria

Half pay: yes. Double pay: no. Here is what the Long Service Leave Act 2018 (Vic) and the regulator say, and a calculator for the weeks and pay.

By Sri Murugan Systems ยท Rules last reviewed

Work out half pay or double pay

Long Service Leave Act 2018 (Vic)

The result starts with what the Act allows in Victoria.

From your payslip or our calculator.

$

Before tax.

To show the last day of leave.

Half pay in Victoria: yes

An employee can ask to take twice the period of long service leave at half their ordinary pay, for example 13 weeks becomes 26 weeks at half pay. The employer must agree unless it has reasonable business grounds to refuse. (Long Service Leave Act 2018 s 22)

Double pay in Victoria: no

Workforce Inspectorate Victoria says taking half the leave at double pay is not permitted, because it breaches the Act's ban on cashing out long service leave.

An award, enterprise agreement or public-sector rule can allow more than the Act. See the Victoria long service leave calculator for how many weeks you have.

Common questions

Is half-pay long service leave worth less?

No. The total is the same: 13 weeks at full pay or 26 weeks at half pay are both worth 13 weeks of ordinary pay. The leave lasts longer and each pay is smaller.

Can my employer refuse half-pay leave?

In Victoria, only on reasonable business grounds (s 22). In WA the employer does not have to agree (s 9(1C)). In SA the regulator says the employer does not have to allow it. Elsewhere the Act does not provide for it at all.

Can I take long service leave at double pay in Victoria?

No. Workforce Inspectorate Victoria says taking half the leave at double pay is not permitted, because it breaches the Act's ban on cashing out long service leave.

Official sources

Rules last reviewed 3 November 2026. Every figure comes from the Acts, the regulators, the ATO and the AASB; see sources and method.