An employment separation certificate provides basic details about a terminated worker’s employment. An employee will need this certificate to apply for Centrelink benefits.

The document includes

  • an employee’s period of employment
  • the reason for stopping work
  • average gross weekly wage, and
  • information about a final gross payment.

You are legally required to provide this certificate if an ex-employee asks for it.

It is important the certificate is properly authorised, or at the very least sighted by management.

It must also accurately state the reason for stopping work. An incorrect reason may lead to unintended and problematic consequences. For example, an employee was told his employment had been terminated because of operational requirements. He was given a separation certificate that claimed unsatisfactory work performance. He then used the information on the certificate to make an unfair dismissal claim (see Jut v Lantog Pty Ltd t/a Advance Metal Industries Australia, Print R8737, [1999] 1036 AIRC, Harrison C).

How to get an employment separation certificate

You can download an employment separation certificate here.

Fill out an employment separation certificate when any of the following applies:

  • someone stops working for you
  • an employee decreases their working hours or changes from full-time to casual work.

Employment separation certificates: Centrelink

Employment separation certificates help ensure Centrelink pays people the right amount from the correct date. You need to complete the certificate within 14 days of a request.