Extended leave & LWOP
Whether planned or unplanned, taking extended leave or leave without pay (LWOP) can impact your income both now and in the future.
We explain how your leave effects your defined benefit.
Fund rules differ
Select your fund to view the details
- CSS
- DFRDB
- MilitarySuper
- PSS
The general rule for leave without pay (LWOP) is that member and productivity contributions are payable when the leave period is less than 21 days. These contributions are not permitted during LWOP of greater than 21 days, unless certain criteria are met.
Contributions may be permitted for:
- Maternity or parental leave
- Compassionate reasons
- Accompanying an ADF spouse on a posting
- Study, training or other activity approved as relevant to ADF requirements
- Temporary physical or mental incapacity
|
Type of LWOP |
Contributions payable for |
EBM accrues (when contributions paid) |
|
Maternity or parental |
9 months |
Yes, limited to 9 months |
|
Compassionate reasons |
2 years |
No |
|
Accompanying an ADF spouse |
2 years |
No |
|
Study, training or other activity |
No limit |
Yes, limited to 12 months |
|
Temporary physical or mental incapacity |
No limit |
Yes, limited to 12 months with written approval of Department of Defence |
If you wish to make contributions during LWOP (where you are permitted), you should make arrangements to do so before the leave period ends.
While on long service leave, you are required* to pay member contributions as normal. Your full-time equivalent super salary is reported while you are on leave. If you are on long service leave at half pay, both member and productivity contributions remain payable on your full-time equivalent salary. Your Final Average Salary (FAS) is unaffected, and your Employer Benefit Multiple (EBM) will continue* to accrue.
*Unless you have ceased member contributions due to reaching your Maximum Benefit Limits (MBLs).