Nearly half of companies will increase cafeteria allowances for manual workers this year

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 02. 24. 10:02

In 2025, significant changes took place in the field of fringe benefits in Hungary: the range of available subsidies was expanded and new elements were added to the system. “According to our survey, 40 percent of Hungarian companies have increased or plan to increase the cafeteria amount for manual workers this year. One of the most important changes from 2025 will affect the SZÉP card: 50 percent of the amount loaded onto the accounts can now be spent on home renovation expenses, and the government has also introduced the Active Hungarians Pocket. Despite this, about 5 percent of the companies we surveyed only plan to increase the SZÉP card amount for the time being,” emphasizes Magdolna Mihályi, CEO of Jobtain HR Service Provider.

According to expert forecasts, the annual amount of fringe benefits may increase by an average of 8-13 percent in 2025. The SZÉP card’s budget increased to HUF 560,000 in 2025. From 2025, the SZÉP card offers new usage options, for example, 50 percent of the amount topped up can be used for home renovation. In addition, the Active Hungarians’ Pocket has been introduced, which can be used for recreational, leisure and sports purposes, up to a monthly value of HUF 10,000. Certain benefits, such as cultural tickets and sports events, can be given tax-free up to the minimum wage.

“Our research confirmed that one of the most popular fringe benefits in blue-collar jobs is the SZÉP card, with 80 percent of the companies surveyed providing it to their manual workers. This is followed by travel allowance (55 percent), as well as crèche, kindergarten, childcare, and education allowance (65 percent)”

– highlights Magdolna Mihályi. She adds: 30 percent of the companies participating in the survey offer cultural entrance tickets to their blue-collar employees in addition to their salary, but several companies also support visits to leisure and sports events (15 percent). Some companies also offer health allowances, meal allowances, and attendance bonuses.