Workers

You’ve worked hard for 7 years. Now it’s time to claim your long service leave benefit and take a break. Here’s what to do and what to expect.

Before you claim

Check if you’re eligible
You need at least 7 years of continuous service in the construction industry to claim long service leave benefit.

Plan ahead for busy periods
We process thousands of claims during peak times. To avoid delays, submit early if you’re planning leave during:

• Christmas holidays (submit by late October).
• Easter holidays (submit by late February).
• School holidays.
• End of financial year.

Processing time

• Standard: 1–4 business days.
• Peak periods or complex claims: Up to 15 business days or more.

How to claim

Before you start your claim, have these ready:

• Your recent payslips: We usually calculate your rate of pay based on an average of the ordinary pay reported to us by your employer(s), but we may need your payslips to confirm your ordinary pay (wages).
• Your bank account details: Include your BSB and account number. Double-check them – wrong details will delay your payment.
• Your tax file number (optional): If you don’t provide your TFN, we must withhold tax and the Medicare levy at the top marginal rate.

When you’re ready to claim:

1. Log in to the LeavePlus portal.
2. Select ‘Submit a claim’.
3. Fill in the form with:
   • How much leave you want to be paid for (the minimum is 1 week (5 days) unless leaving the industry).
   • Your bank account details.
   • Tax free threshold election.
4. Upload your payslips if requested.
5. Submit and wait for your confirmation email.

Need help? Email claims@leaveplus.com.au

Types of claims

If you’re currently employed
You can claim anywhere from 1 week (5 days) minimum up to your total available balance. In most cases, your rate of pay will be calculated as an average of the ordinary pay reported to us by your employer(s).

Important: Make sure your employer has agreed to any time off work before you submit your claim.

If you’re between jobs
You can claim your benefit anywhere from 1 week (5 days) minimum up to your total available balance. In most cases, your rate of pay will be calculated as an average of the ordinary pay reported to us by your employer(s).

Found work before we’ve paid your benefit? If you wish to cancel your claim, contact us immediately. Email claims@leaveplus.com.au or call 1300 264 683 with your registration number and personal details.

If you’ve left the industry or retired
When you leave the industry permanently, we’ll pay out your entire available balance as an eligible termination payment. We’ll need to verify all service up until your finish date, including any annual leave or RDOs that were paid out.

Claiming long service leave without taking a break

Long service leave is designed to give you time off from physically and mentally demanding work to protect your wellbeing. If you do want to claim without taking leave, make sure:

• Your employer knows you’re not taking unpaid leave.
• You understand the tax implications – this payment counts as taxable income and may affect your total income for the year.

How your payment is calculated and paid

In most cases, we work out your long service leave rate of pay by averaging the ordinary pay your employer(s) has reported to us.

We calculate it automatically
When you make a claim, we’ll usually show your rate of pay.

If we need more information
Sometimes we can’t calculate your rate immediately. We might:

• Contact your employer for wage details
• Ask you to upload payslips

If you think the rate of pay determined for your claim is lower than your current/most recent rate of pay earned, you can ask us to review it within 30 days of payment.

How you’ll be paid
We’ll pay your benefit directly into your bank account in one transaction usually within 1–3 business days.

You’ll get:

• An email when your claim is approved.
• A pay statement showing your gross payment and tax withheld.

Tax and your TFN

Tax is calculated at a weekly rate – not on the full amount at once.

• You must tell us if you’re claiming the tax-free threshold. We can’t advise if you’re eligible for the tax-free threshold – check with the ATO.
• If you don’t provide your TFN, we must withhold tax and the Medicare Levy at the top marginal rate.

Manage your service

Ready to claim your long service leave benefit?

Important: Claims must be submitted in the state where your most recent service (60+ days) was recorded. If your last service was in Victoria, LeavePlus will process your claim.