Leave Pay Calculator

How the Leave Pay Calculator Works

The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) establishes minimum leave entitlements for all employees in South Africa, including domestic workers. Leave pay is calculated at the same rate as the employee's regular remuneration for the days taken - leave is paid leave and cannot be offset against wages already paid.

The daily rate is derived from the monthly salary using the standard conversion: monthly salary ÷ 21.67 (the average number of working days per month). This is the same daily rate used by SARS for UIF benefit calculations and is the recognised South African method for converting monthly to daily remuneration.

Three types of leave are covered in this calculator:

• Annual leave (BCEA s.20): 21 consecutive days per 12-month leave cycle, or 1 day per 17 days worked. Paid out on termination.
• Sick leave (BCEA s.22): 30 days per 3-year cycle. Not paid out on termination but paid when taken. The first 6 months of employment use a reduced rate (1 day per 26 days worked).
• Family responsibility leave (BCEA s.27): 3 days per leave cycle for birth of a child, illness of a family member, or death of a close family member.

Employees may also be entitled to additional leave beyond the BCEA minimums if their employment contract or sectoral determination provides for it. The calculator reflects statutory minimums only.

How to Use This Calculator

1. 1

   Select the leave type

   Choose annual leave, sick leave, or family responsibility leave. The calculator adjusts the maximum number of days and the statutory note for each type.

2. 2

   Enter your monthly salary

   Use your gross monthly salary before tax. The daily rate is derived as monthly salary ÷ 21.67. For variable remuneration (commission, allowances), include all taxable components that form part of regular remuneration.

3. 3

   Enter the number of leave days

   Enter the actual days of leave being taken or being calculated. For termination payouts, enter the number of accrued annual leave days outstanding as shown on the leave record.

4. 4

   Review the leave pay value

   The result shows the daily rate and total leave pay. For payroll purposes, this amount is included in the employee's remuneration for the pay period and is subject to PAYE in the normal way - leave pay is not a tax-free payment.

5. 5

   For annual leave payouts on termination

   When an employee resigns, is dismissed, or retrenches, all outstanding annual leave must be paid out. Calculate the accrued days (1 day per 17 days worked for any incomplete leave cycle) and multiply by the daily rate. This amount is included in the final payslip and is taxable in the normal way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days of annual leave am I entitled to in South Africa?

Under BCEA section 20, every employee is entitled to 21 consecutive days of annual leave per 12-month leave cycle, or 1 day for every 17 days worked (whichever is greater). '21 consecutive days' is not the same as 21 working days - it includes weekends. However, if the employer grants leave in working days, it must be at least 15 working days (21 calendar days minus 6 weekend days) to be compliant. Most South African employers grant leave in working days and give 15 or more working days.

Can my employer pay out my annual leave instead of giving me time off?

The BCEA prohibits employers from paying out annual leave in lieu of granting the actual leave during the leave cycle - with one exception: at the termination of employment. Employees must be granted annual leave to rest. An employer who consistently pays out leave instead of granting time off is in breach of the BCEA. Only outstanding leave at the time of termination (resignation, dismissal, retrenchment) can be paid out.

How is sick leave calculated under the BCEA?

Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid sick leave in every 3-year leave cycle. In the first 6 months of employment, the entitlement is 1 day for every 26 days worked. After 6 months, the full 30-day cycle begins. The employer may require a medical certificate for absences exceeding 2 consecutive days, or if the employee has been absent more than twice in an 8-week period. Sick leave does not carry over beyond the 3-year cycle and is not paid out on termination.

What is family responsibility leave and when can I take it?

Family responsibility leave (BCEA s.27) entitles eligible employees to 3 paid days per leave cycle for the following events: the birth of a child (applies to both parents); the illness of a child (under 18 in the employee's care); or the death of a spouse/life partner, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling. The employer may ask for reasonable proof (birth certificate, medical certificate, death certificate). This leave only applies to employees who have worked for more than 4 months and at least 4 days per week.

What happens to my leave if I am retrenched?

On retrenchment, all outstanding paid annual leave must be paid out at the employee's regular daily rate. This is a legal obligation - the employer cannot withhold it. Additionally, if the retrenchment is genuine (operational requirements under s.189 of the Labour Relations Act), the employee is entitled to severance pay of at least 1 week's remuneration per completed year of service. The leave payout and severance pay are separate entitlements and both form part of the final payment.

Can I take maternity leave in South Africa and still receive a salary?

The BCEA entitles pregnant employees to 4 consecutive months of unpaid maternity leave (BCEA s.25). The employer is not obliged to pay the salary during this period. However, employees who have contributed to UIF can claim UIF maternity benefits (up to 17.32 weeks at 38–60% of salary). Some employers voluntarily top up the UIF benefit to full pay - check your employment contract. The BCEA also provides for 10 consecutive weeks of parental leave (paternity leave) and adoption leave, both also claimable from UIF.