Domestic helper termination and contract-finish calculator
Enter the salary, the dates and any untaken leave to see what is owed when a helper's contract is terminated or finishes, then print a receipt for both sides to sign (or save it as a PDF). No login needed.
For reference only, not legal advice. If in doubt, check with the Labour Department.
How each amount is calculated
Daily Salary
Calculation formula: Monthly Salary × 12 ÷ 365 = Daily Salary
Salary Payable
This item only applies to salaries of one month or less. Calculation formula: Daily Salary × Working Days = Salary Payable
In Lieu of Notice Payable
One month's notice / no compensation: 0. Employer terminates immediately: the employer pays one month's wage plus food allowance. Helper resigns immediately: the helper owes one month's wage plus food allowance, so it is deducted from the total.
Rest Days
Untaken rest days and holidays: days × daily salary. Paid sick leave: days × daily salary × 4/5.
Annual Leave
Annual leave is calculated from the start date in the 'Dates and Periods' section. HK Labour Law Requirements: • Years 1-2: 7 days • Year 3: 8 days • Year 4: 9 days • Year 5: 10 days • Year 6: 11 days • Year 7: 12 days • Year 8: 13 days • Year 9 onwards: 14 days Less than 3 months employment = 0 days.
Severance & Long Service
Formula: Monthly Salary × 2/3 × Years of Service ⚠️ Important: • Only one can be selected (Severance or Long Service) • Severance requires 2+ years of service • Long Service requires 5+ years of service Dates are calculated from the 'Dates and Periods' section.
Questions employers and helpers ask
What does an employer have to pay when a helper's contract ends?
Usually: wages still owed; payment in lieu of notice if one month's notice was not given; pay for untaken annual leave, plus pro rata leave pay for the current leave year; severance or long service payment where it applies; and free return passage to the helper's place of origin (usually an air ticket) with a food and travelling allowance of HK$100 for each day of the journey. The calculator above has a line for each.
When is a helper entitled to severance payment?
When the helper has worked for the same employer for at least 24 months immediately before the end, and is dismissed, or the contract is not renewed, because of redundancy. If the employer offered in writing to renew the contract at least 7 days before it expired and the helper unreasonably refused, no severance payment is due.
When is a helper entitled to long service payment?
When the helper has worked continuously for at least 5 years and is dismissed, or the contract is not renewed, for any reason other than redundancy or summary dismissal for serious misconduct. It is also due if the helper resigns aged 65 or over on grounds of old age, resigns after a registered medical practitioner or registered Chinese medicine practitioner certifies them permanently unfit for the job, or dies in service. The same written renewal offer rule applies. A helper cannot receive both severance payment and long service payment.
How are severance payment and long service payment calculated?
Both use the same formula: last month's wages × 2/3 × years of service, with an incomplete year counted pro rata. For example, 5 years on a monthly wage of HK$5,220: HK$5,220 × 2/3 × 5 = HK$17,400.
Is untaken annual leave paid when the contract ends?
Yes. The helper is paid for annual leave not taken for each completed 12 months of service. For 3 to 12 months in the current leave year, pro rata leave pay is also due, unless the helper was summarily dismissed for serious misconduct. For example, a helper who leaves after 18 months without taking any leave is owed 7 + 3.5 = 10.5 days.
Need a new helper, or help with the paperwork after a contract ends? Directhire.hk is a licensed employment agency. WhatsApp us or download the app.
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