16.05.2025 18:30
The Association of Meal Card Services announced that the final decision made by the Council of State has confirmed that meal card benefits are exempt from social security premiums. The statement also emphasized that the Council of State clearly stated that the use of meal cards not only in restaurants and cafes but also in supermarkets and other food businesses does not alter their nature as in-kind assistance.
The Meal Card Services Association announced that the Council of State has revealed its decision regarding meal cards. While meal cards will be exempt from social security premiums, they will continue to be used in supermarkets.
The Council of State made a noteworthy decision regarding meal card applications that directly affect millions of employees. With this decision, the meal card assistance provided by employers to their employees will continue to be exempt from social security premiums.
With this decision, both the social rights of employees have been protected, and the long-standing practice in the business world has been legitimized by a high court ruling.
"IT MEANS THE PROTECTION OF A LONG-STANDING RIGHT"
In a statement made by the Meal Card Services Association, it was noted that the Council of State's decision confirmed the nature of meal assistance as in-kind aid. The statement emphasized that this decision shows that the established system protecting employees' social rights has also been approved by the judiciary. "Employees will continue to benefit from this social assistance without interruption. This decision means the protection of a long-standing right for both employers and employees," it was stated.
USAGE IN SUPERMARKETS WILL CONTINUE
The statement also pointed out that with the widespread adoption of remote and hybrid working models, the need for flexible solutions in meal assistance has increased. It was clearly stated that the Council of State indicated that the use of meal cards not only in restaurants and cafes but also in supermarkets and other food businesses does not undermine the nature of in-kind aid. It was emphasized that this situation does not prevent the continuation of the exemption from social security premiums due to the aid being provided through invoiced and closed-loop systems.
COST ADVANTAGE FOR EMPLOYERS, MORE SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYEES
With the decision, the meal assistance provided by employers to their employees can be sustained without entering into premium burdens. It was noted that this situation would pave the way for employers to increase the amount of meal assistance provided to employees. The statement included, "Thanks to the decision, both the cost barrier has been removed, and the motivation for employers to increase meal support has strengthened."