Year-end: what should you do with your Mobility Budget balance?

Remember to use your available balance before 31 December.

Every year, on 31 December, the remaining available balance of your Mobility Budget in the Olympus app is closed.

The unused amount is then paid out in cash through your January salary, after deduction of the special social security contribution of 38.07%.

Example: if your available balance amounts to €1,000 on 31 December, you will receive €619.30 through your January salary.

Using your balance for eligible Pillar 2 expenses, when this option is provided for in your employer's mobility policy, may therefore be more financially advantageous.

A few simple ideas before the end of the year

1. Book your train or public transport journeys

Planning a city trip next year? You can already purchase your TGV, train or other public transport tickets before 31 December.

The journey may take place the following year. What matters is that the tickets are ordered and paid for before the end of the year and that the journey takes place within the European Economic Area (EEA).

You do not have to justify the number of people travelling with you or their relationship to you.

2. Buy a sustainable means of transport

Pillar 2 can finance, among other things, the purchase of a bicycle, electric bicycle, speed pedelec, scooter, personal mobility device or an electric motorcycle. Always consult your employer's policy, which may have defined restrictions on certain vehicles.

These vehicles may be new or second-hand and purchased from a shop, online or from a private individual. Since 1 January 2026, motorised vehicles purchased, rented or leased under this scheme must be CO₂ emission-free. A combustion-engine motorcycle can therefore not be financed through the Mobility Budget.

When purchasing from a private individual, use this form to properly document the transaction.

3. Also consider accessories and equipment

For eligible means of transport, you can also finance, among other things:

• a maintenance voucher or repairs at your bicycle shop;

• spare parts;

• a lock, panniers or a helmet or any bicycle-specific accessory that attaches to the sustainable vehicle;

• insurance or roadside assistance;

• appropriate safety clothing and equipment (fluorescent and/or reflective clothing).

For motorcycles, choose CE-certified protective clothing, such as a jacket, trousers or suit compliant with EN 17092, gloves compliant with EN 13594, and shoes or boots compliant with EN 13634.

4. Plan ahead for the holidays and vacations

Your Mobility Budget can also be useful during the end-of-year festivities or for your upcoming trips in Belgium or elsewhere in the EEA:

• a taxi or Uber for your journeys;

• the rental of a car, scooter, bicycle and even a motorhome;

• public transport for a getaway.

🎄 Some of these purchases can also make a nice gift to put under the Christmas tree.

Key points to remember

• The date of the purchase and the payment must fall within the current calendar year.

• Prefer electronic payment: it will make it easier to provide proof of your expense.

• Submit your reimbursement requests no later than 30 December, together with all the necessary supporting documents, to allow them to be processed before the annual closing.

• An expense must always comply with the rules applicable at your employer and the conditions of Pillar 2.

By using your available balance before 31 December for eligible Pillar 2 expenses, you can allocate 100% of your budget to your mobility choices, rather than receiving the remaining amount in cash after the 38.07% deduction.

The unused balance is legally paid out once a year under Pillar 3, after this special contribution.