Several non-wage benefits for soldiers serving in the Hungarian Defence Forces and defence-sector employees have been improved from 1 January, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced in a statement.

According to the minister, reimbursement for travel to local and intercity duty stations has been raised to 100 per cent on a net basis. County and nationwide public transport passes can now be claimed for both local and long-distance travel, while mileage reimbursement for car use has increased to 30 forints per kilometre.

The employer contribution for those with voluntary pension fund membership has also doubled, rising to a gross 14,200 forints per person per month.

Eligibility rules for SZÉP card benefits related to children under the age of 10 have been adjusted in a favourable way. From this year, the full benefit is granted even during periods of long-term foreign service, as well as in cases where employment begins or ends during the year. Eligible employees are entitled to a net SZÉP card allowance of 39,063 forints per child once a year.

The minister also highlighted that the foreign service allowance for soldiers and defence employees serving in international military missions has been increased by 10 per cent.

Housing-related support has been expanded as well. The maximum amount of repayment assistance available through application has been raised to a gross 1 million forints, while housing allowances can now reach up to a gross 750,000 forints. In addition, the maximum employer loan available for home purchase or construction has increased to a gross 10 million forints.

Looking ahead, Szalay-Bobrovniczky added that from 2026 the maximum defence-sector contribution towards residential care for retired personnel will more than double, rising to 5 million forints as part of enhanced support for those in retirement.

Related articles: