Long Service Leave SA
: Your Entitlement, Pro-Rata and Payout
Last updated August 2026
Reviewed by the Australian Unions policy team, August 2026
Based on our affiliated unions’ experience helping South Australian members, most are surprised their entitlement is larger than a worker doing the same job over the border.
Long service leave in South Australia at a glance
Employees are entitled to long service leave after an extended period of service with an employer. Your specific entitlements to long service leave will be determined by state or territory long service leave legislation, or (if you are covered by a pre-reform award) by the National Employment Standards under the Fair Work Act.
This page specifically outlines the rules and entitlements for workers in South Australia under the Long Service Leave Act 1987 (SA). These rules will apply unless you are covered by a federal pre-modern award. An enterprise agreement can also provide more generous long service leave entitlements.
For general information, visit our main Long Service Leave factsheet.
How much long service leave do you get in South Australia?
South Australian workers are entitled to a generous amount of long service leave, often more so than in some other states.
After 10 years
In South Australia, you are eligible for 13 weeks of paid long service leave after 10 years of continuous service with the same employer. This is significantly more than the approximately 8.6667 weeks typically received in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.
Beyond 10 years
After completing 10 years of service, you continue to accrue additional long service leave at the rate of 1.3 weeks for each subsequent year of continuous service.
Pro-rata after 7 years
Even if you don’t reach 10 years of continuous service, South Australian law provides for a pro-rata payment of your accrued long service leave after 7 years under certain conditions. The next section explains these conditions in more detail.
Pro-rata long service leave in South Australia
South Australian legislation offers specific provisions for pro-rata long service leave, allowing workers to access a portion of their entitlement even before completing the full 10 years.
When pro-rata is payable
If your employment ends after 7 years but before 10 years of continuous service, you are entitled to be paid out your accrued pro-rata long service leave. This includes if your employment ends by resignation, dismissal or if your employer makes your role redundant.
Before you qualify
If your employment ends before you have completed 7 years of continuous service, generally you are not entitled to long service leave (unless specific award or agreement provisions apply).
- Example from the front lines:
“Sarah, a retail worker in Adelaide, contacted her union after leaving a job after six and a half years. She was distraught she’d missed out on any long service leave payout. Her union advised that under the Long Service Leave Act 1987 (SA), the 7-year mark is crucial for pro-rata entitlements, highlighting the importance of knowing your rights before making big decisions.”
If the worker is really impacted, the union will provide advice that there is no entitlement. They might provide advice that it’s worth asking the employer, just in case. The worst thing that will happen is that the employer will say no. It’s worth a shot.
How long service leave is calculated in South Australia
Calculating your long service leave entitlement in South Australia is based on your period of continuous service and your ordinary weekly pay.
The weekly pay rate
Long service leave is paid at your ordinary weekly rate of pay (excluding any overtime, shift premiums and penalty rates).
If your hours of work changed, or if you worked casual or part-time immediately before taking long service leave, your payment will be calculated by:
- Averaging all hours worked (including overtime hours) over the last 3 years (156 weeks) of employment.
Example 1: Worked Full-Time the Whole Time
Sarah has worked full-time (38 hours per week) for the last 10 years and earns $30 per hour.
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- Ordinary weekly hours: 38
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- Ordinary hourly rate: $30
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- Weekly pay rate: 38 × $30 = $1,140
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- When Sarah takes long service leave, she is paid $1,330 per week (excluding overtime and penalty rates).
Example 2: Worked Full-Time, Then Changed to Part-Time
Michael worked:
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- Full-time (38 hours per week) for 8 years
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- Part-time (20 hours per week) for the last 2 years
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- His ordinary hourly rate is $30 per hour.
To calculate his long service leave pay, his employer averages all hours worked over the last 3 years:
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- 1 year at 38 hours = 1,976 hours
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- 2 years at 20 hours = 2,080 hours
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- Total hours over 3 years = 4,056 hours
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- Average weekly hours:
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- 4,056 ÷ 156 weeks = 26 hours per week
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- Long service leave pay:
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- 26 × $30 = $780 per week
When Michael takes long service leave, he is paid $780 per week (excluding overtime and penalty rates).
If your employer normally provides you with accommodation, but not while you’re on leave, your ordinary weekly rate of pay needs to be increased. This amount should represent the value of the accommodation.
Worked South Australian long service leave calculation example
Let’s look at an example for a full payout at 10 years:
Worked Example: Full LSL Payout in SA
Meet David, a full-time employee in South Australia who has completed 10 years of continuous service.
- Weekly Ordinary Pay: $1,330 = 38 (Ordinary weekly hours) x $35 (Ordinary hourly rate)
- Entitlement: 13 weeks of paid leave
- Total LSL Payout: $1,330 (weekly pay) x 13 (weeks) = $17,290
What counts as continuous service
Continuous service refers to the unbroken period of your employment with the same employer, determining your eligibility and amount of long service leave.
Long service leave accrual and unpaid leave
Generally, periods of unpaid leave (like unpaid parental leave) will not break your continuous service. However, the period of the absence will not be counted for the purposes of leave accrual. Other approved absences, such as paid or unpaid sick leave, do count towards leave accrual.
Casual and seasonal work
For casual and seasonal workers in South Australia, continuous service can still accrue if your employment is considered regular and systematic, with a reasonable expectation of ongoing employment. This means sporadic work might not count, but consistent casual shifts over many years often do. Learn more about casual workers.
South Australia vs other states
Long service leave entitlements are primarily governed by state and territory laws, leading to variations across Australia. South Australia’s entitlement of 13 weeks after 10 years of continuous service is more generous compared to the approximately 8.6667 weeks offered in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. Find out more about long service leave in other states.
Portable long service leave in South Australia
South Australia operates a portable long service leave scheme specifically for workers in the construction and community services industries. This means your long service leave accumulates even if you change employers within the construction sector and community services sector, as long as you remain registered with SA Portable Long Service Leave. If you work in construction or community services, check if you are registered with SA Portable Long Service Leave to ensure your entitlements are protected.
When long service leave is paid out
If you are entitled to long service leave and your employment ends, any untaken long service leave must be paid out as part of your final pay. This includes both full entitlements after 10 years and pro-rata entitlements after 7 years under the specific conditions outlined above.
What to do if your South Australian long service leave is wrong
If you suspect your long service leave calculation or entitlement is incorrect, follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm your continuous service dates
Precisely identify your employment start date and any significant breaks in service. Review your employment contract and payslips.
Step 2: Calculate what you are owed
Use the SA entitlement rules (13 weeks after 10 years, 1.3 weeks for each year thereafter) to perform a preliminary calculation of your entitlement.
Step 3: Raise it with your employer in writing
Send a clear, concise email to your employer stating your concerns and providing your calculation. Keep a copy for your records.
Step 4: Get your union involved
If your employer disputes your entitlement or continuous service, or if you need help with the process, your union can provide free advice, assistance, and representation. Unions are experts at chasing unpaid long service leave and resolving continuous service disputes. Join your union today.
Step 5: The SA government avenue
If the issue remains unresolved, you may consider contacting SafeWork SA. For construction industry and community services workers, you can contact SA Portable Long Service Leave.
Frequently asked questions
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How much long service leave do you get in South Australia?
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In South Australia, you are entitled to 13 weeks of paid long service leave after 10 years of continuous service with the same employer. After 10 years, you accrue 1.3 weeks for each subsequent year.
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Is long service leave in SA more than other states?
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Yes, South Australia’s entitlement of 13 weeks after 10 years is generally more generous than the approximately 8.6667 weeks received in states like NSW, VIC, QLD, and WA.
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Do you get pro-rata long service leave in SA if you resign?
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Yes, if your employment ends after 7 years but before 10 years of continuous service, you are entitled to be paid out your accrued pro-rata long service leave (approximately 1.3 weeks’ leave for every completed year of service). If your employment ends before 7 years’ service, there is no entitlement to be paid out long service leave.
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How is long service leave calculated in South Australia?
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Long service leave is calculated based on your period of continuous service and your ordinary weekly rate of pay. For example, 10 years of service equals 13 weeks’ pay at your ordinary rate.
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Can long service leave be cashed out in South Australia?
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Yes, long service leave can be cashed out in South Australia. To cash out your long service leave, You will need to:
- Have completed 10–years of continuous service
- Your employer will need to agree
- This agreement needs to be recorded in writing and signed by you and your employer; and
- Keep a copy of the agreement for your records.
There can sometimes be tax implications being paid out leave in a lump sum. Consider getting financial advice for your individual circumstances.
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Is long service leave taxed in South Australia?
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Long service leave payouts are considered part of your income and are subject to normal income tax. However, specific tax rules and concessions can apply depending on your individual circumstances.
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Do casual employees get long service leave in South Australia?
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Yes, casual employees in South Australia can be entitled to long service leave if their employment is regular and systematic and they have a reasonable expectation of ongoing work over the required continuous service period.
Think your long service leave is wrong? Your union can help
Don’t let your hard-earned long service leave go unpaid. Just like the member in Geelong who narrowly missed out, many Victorian workers are unaware of their full entitlements. If you suspect your long service leave calculation is incorrect, or you’re owed a payout, your union can provide expert advice and representation. We’ll help you understand your rights, deal with your employer, and chase what you’re owed. Join your union today for support.
Go deeper
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