Employment Lawyers · Employment & Labour Law

How Much Severance Am I Owed

Calculate your severance entitlement in Australia. Our national team provides expert legal guidance on unfair dismissal, redundancy pay, and wrongful termination claims.

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How Much Severance Am I Owed in Australia
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, eligible employees dismissed due to redundancy are entitled to a minimum notice period and severance pay, with the amount scaling based on years of service. Each listed firm provides a critical initial assessment to determine if your termination was lawful and calculates the full severance package you are owed, including potential claims for unfair dismissal. We operate a national practice, offering this essential review to employees across Australia. For comprehensive support on workplace rights from the outset, consider our online legal consultation service available throughout Australia.

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Process

Employment law in Australia

Our assessment follows a rigorous, three-step methodology grounded in Australian employment law. First, we conduct a detailed review of your employment contract, payslips, and termination correspondence against the National Employment Standards (NES) and any applicable modern award. We then calculate your statutory entitlements, including redundancy pay—which can be up to 16 weeks' wages for long-serving employees—and accrued leave. Finally, we analyze the circumstances of your dismissal to identify potential additional claims, such as for unfair dismissal, which must be lodged with the Fair Work Commission within 21 days. This structured approach ensures a precise and actionable evaluation of your legal position.

Local Considerations — Australia

Severance entitlements and dismissal processes are federally governed by the Fair Work Act 2009, ensuring a consistent legal framework nationwide. However, practical application can be influenced by state-based court precedents and the specific modern awards that vary by industry and location. For instance, employees in the mining sectors of Western Australia or the finance hubs of New South Wales may be covered by distinct awards with different redundancy provisions. Our national team is adept at navigating these regional and industrial nuances, providing tailored advice whether you are in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth. Understanding the local industrial landscape is key to accurately calculating what you are owed.

At a Glance

ParameterReference Value
Statutory Redundancy Pay Scale4 to 16 weeks' pay
Unfair Dismissal Lodgement Deadline21 days from termination
Minimum Notice Period Range1 to 5 weeks
Common Assessment Review Period2 to 5 business days

Standards & Compliance

  • Fair Work Act 2009
  • National Employment Standards (NES)
  • Relevant Modern Award
  • Fair Work Regulations 2009

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Our team reviews your project and issues an initial report at no cost.

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Our national team is ready to provide a clear, authoritative assessment of your severance entitlements. We encourage you to act promptly to understand and secure your full legal rights following a dismissal anywhere in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is severance pay calculated in Australia?

Severance, or redundancy pay, is calculated based on your length of continuous service. The Fair Work Act provides a scale from 4 weeks' pay for at least one year of service, up to 16 weeks' pay for 9 or more years. This is in addition to your notice period and any accrued annual and long service leave entitlements.

What is the time limit to challenge a dismissal?

An application for unfair dismissal must be lodged with the Fair Work Commission within 21 calendar days after the dismissal takes effect. This is a strict deadline, making prompt legal assessment critical to preserving your right to claim.

Does misconduct affect my severance entitlement?

Yes. If you are dismissed for serious misconduct, you may forfeit your right to a notice period and redundancy pay. However, the definition of serious misconduct is strict. We review the allegations to determine if your employer's classification was legally justified.

How much does a severance assessment cost in Australia?

The cost for a detailed severance assessment depends on the complexity of your employment history, the specific awards involved, and whether court documents need analysis. We provide transparent fixed-fee quotes for this initial review after understanding your situation. The best approach is to request a specific, obligation-free quote tailored to your case.