It is a statutory benefit paid by an employer to an employee as a token of appreciation for long-term service. It is governed by the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. Gratuity is payable when an employee resigns, retires, or is superannuated after completing at least five years of continuous service with a single employer. It is also payable in case of sickness or disablement.
The final gratuity amount depends on two key factors: your last drawn salary (specifically, basic salary plus dearness allowance) and your total tenure of service. Gratuity is often an important element of an employee’s retirement benefits package.