---
title: Employee Benefits Platform | Flexible Benefits & Employee Retention | SideUp Home
description: SideUp helps your team with tax-free student loan support and flexible benefits, all on one platform and one card, with zero ongoing admin.
---
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[](https://hi.sideup.com/?hsLang=en)
- Solutions
Pre-tax Benefits
IRS-compliant, pre-tax benefits for core needs.
- [Student Loan & Tuition Smarter education funding](https://hi.sideup.com/student-loan-repayment-benefits?hsLang=en)
- [Commuter Pre-tax transit & parking](https://hi.sideup.com/commuting?hsLang=en)
- [HRA Health Reimbursement Arrangement](https://hi.sideup.com/hra?hsLang=en)
- [Family Care Real support for caregivers](https://hi.sideup.com/family-care?hsLang=en)
Lifestyle Spending Accounts
Flexible, post-tax benefits for modern life.
- [Wellness & Fitness Gym, mental health & wellbeing](https://hi.sideup.com/wellness-fitness?hsLang=en)
- [Work From Home Home office & remote setup](https://hi.sideup.com/work-from-home?hsLang=en)
- [Food Meals, groceries & nutrition](https://hi.sideup.com/food?hsLang=en)
- [Utilities & Essential Bills Internet, phone & household bills](https://hi.sideup.com/utilities-essentials-bills?hsLang=en)
- Platform
For Employers
- [Manage Benefits Streamline your benefits administration](https://hi.sideup.com/how-to-manage-benefits?hsLang=en)
- [Integrations Connect with your favourite tools](https://hi.sideup.com/integrations?hsLang=en)
- [Trust Security, Privacy and Compliance](https://hi.sideup.com/trust?hsLang=en)
For Employees
- [How to spend benefits Discover how to use your SideUp card](https://hi.sideup.com/how-to-spend-your-benefits?hsLang=en)
- [Stayconomics](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics?hsLang=en)
Learn with Stayconomics
Explore the ideas, research, and strategies behind workplaces people choose to stay in.
[Blog Data-backed, no-fluff articles on retention, benefits, and the future of work.](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics?hsLang=en) [Podcast On Youtube and Spotify with the leaders who are actually figuring it out.](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics/podcast?hsLang=en) [Newsletter The best of what's happening in HR and employee retention, curated, concise, and worth your Monday morning.](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics/tag/newsletter?hsLang=en) [Events & Webinars Real experts, real questions, real takeaways you can use before the week is over.](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics/events-webinars?hsLang=en) [Explore by Topics Retention, benefits, HR tech, financial wellness, and more, organized by what you need.](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics/topics-1?hsLang=en)
- Company
Know more about us
Who we are, who we work with and how to reach us.
[Partnership Grow with us, as a partner, reseller or local business](https://hi.sideup.com/partnership?hsLang=en) About us The story and the people behind SideUp Brandbook Our logo, colours and voice, ready to use [Contact us Questions, ideas or a demo? Say hello](https://hi.sideup.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
- Log in
- [Employee](https://app.sideup.com)
- [Business Platform](https://admin.sideup.com)
[Book a demo](https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/lana-leles/demo)
- Solutions
- Pre-tax Benefits
- [Student Loan & Tuition](https://hi.sideup.com/student-loan-repayment-benefits?hsLang=en)
- [Commuter](https://hi.sideup.com/commuting?hsLang=en)
- [HRA](https://hi.sideup.com/hra?hsLang=en)
- [Family Care](https://hi.sideup.com/family-care?hsLang=en)
- Lifestyle Spending Accounts
- [Wellness & Fitness](https://hi.sideup.com/wellness-fitness?hsLang=en)
- [Work From Home](https://hi.sideup.com/work-from-home?hsLang=en)
- [Food](https://hi.sideup.com/food?hsLang=en)
- [Utilities & Essential Bills](https://hi.sideup.com/utilities-essentials-bills?hsLang=en)
- Platform
- For Employers
- [Manage Benefits](https://hi.sideup.com/how-to-manage-benefits?hsLang=en)
- [Integrations](https://hi.sideup.com/integrations?hsLang=en)
- [Trust](https://hi.sideup.com/trust?hsLang=en)
- For Employees
- [How to spend benefits](https://hi.sideup.com/how-to-spend-your-benefits?hsLang=en)
- [Stayconomics](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics?hsLang=en)
- Learn with Stayconomics
- [Blog](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics?hsLang=en)
- [Podcast](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics/podcast?hsLang=en)
- [Newsletter](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics/tag/newsletter?hsLang=en)
- [Events & Webinars](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics/events-webinars?hsLang=en)
- [Explore by Topics](https://hi.sideup.com/stayconomics/topics-1?hsLang=en)
- Company
- Know more about us
- [Partnership](https://hi.sideup.com/partnership?hsLang=en)
- About us
- Brandbook
- [Contact us](https://hi.sideup.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
- Log in
- [Employee](https://app.sideup.com)
- [Business Platform](https://admin.sideup.com)
- [Book a demo](https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/lana-leles/demo)
The benefits your employees want
# Stop losing talent. Start helping with student debt
Offer up to $5,250 per employee each year in tax-free student loan support, alongside other flexible benefits. Everything your team wants, delivered through one platform and one card, with zero ongoing admin.
[Book a 15-min demo](https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/lana-leles/demo)
The problem
## Student debt follows your team to work
Balances keep growing, payments keep landing and support at work hasn't caught up with real life. The pressure doesn't stay at home. It shows up at work, and eventually it walks out the door.
$1.7 trillion
in federal student loans, owed by 42.6 million Americans
Federal Student Aid, March 2026
10.3%
of student loan balances are 90 or more days delinquent
New York Fed, Q1 2026
0.5–2×
an employee's annual salary: what it can cost to replace them
Gallup
$1 trillion
lost by U.S. businesses every year to voluntary turnover
Gallup
The good news? Up to $5,250 per employee each year can go toward student loans, tax-free, and the rule is now permanent.
IRS Section 127, made permanent by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025). Conditions apply.
## Why offer student loan benefits?
It's not just a perk. It's a strategic advantage for your business and a life-changer for your team.
Book a 15-min demo
### Close critical roles faster
When you offer student loan support, you give top candidates a compelling reason to choose you over the competition.
.png?width=30&height=30&name=Heart%20(1).png)
### Stop the turnover cycle
When you help alleviate the financial stress of student debt, your team is more focused, engaged, and loyal.
.png?width=30&height=30&name=Dollar%20(1).png)
### $5,250 tax-free
Section 127 educational assistance: up to $5,250 per employee each year, free of income and payroll tax, and now permanent.
-1.png?width=30&height=30&name=Clock%20(1)-1.png)
### Easy setup
Direct payments to loan servicers, with compliance built in. We handle the details, so you get the credit for helping.
How it works
## You set it up once. SideUp handles the rest.
From cards to compliance.
1Quick to set up
### Add your team
Sync your employees from your HRIS, or add them manually. Then choose your benefits, decide when they're paid out and how your company funds them.
2Their choice
### We invite your team
SideUp emails each employee an invitation to the app. Once they've completed onboarding, their card is issued and they choose the benefits that fit their life.
3Minimal ongoing work
### Manage it month by month
Track spend and take-up, and keep your compliance information in one place. Pre-tax limits are tracked automatically, so you're always ready.
[Book a 15-min demo](https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/lana-leles/demo)
Mascot: the cat holding the lime SideUp card (PNG, transparent)
The math
## Every $100 goes further
The same $100, two ways. One costs you more and gives your employee less.
Paid as salary
Costs you$107.65
Your employee keepsabout $70
Given as a tax-free student loan benefit with SideUp
Costs you$100
Your employee keeps$100
Illustrative: assumes the 22% federal bracket and 7.65% FICA for both employee and employer. State and local taxes vary.
$5,250
**a year, tax-free**, toward each employee's student loans
7.65%
**employer FICA saved** on every dollar given as a tax-free benefit
Permanent
**no expiry date** on tax-free student loan repayment since 2025
Based on IRS Section 127 and 2026 payroll tax rules. Conditions apply to each exemption.
Real people, real benefits
## Real support for real life
One card, one monthly statement. Pre-tax benefits and Lifestyle Spending Accounts, all working together.
Student Loan & Tuition
Family Care
Commuter
Wellness & Fitness
The SideUp MarketplaceOptional
## Every dollar goes further. And stays local.
A network of independent partners, there whenever you want it. Local businesses where your team can unlock exclusive discounts and freebies, and experts your company can call on.
For your team
### Local favorites, with extras
Cafes, gyms, shops and everyday services near your people. Where a partner chooses to offer it, SideUp members get a discount or a little extra.
✓
Exclusive discounts and freebies for members
✓
Spend your budget with local businesses whenever you like
A Saturday around the neighborhood
The Corner Cafe
$8.95
Marketplace discount
−$1.35
Saved this month
$9.60
Illustrative example
For your company
### Experts when you need them
Independent partners who can help you run the business, introduced through SideUp. Where a partner chooses to, they offer SideUp customers something extra.
HR consultingBookkeepingCulture trainingLeadershipEmployment lawRecruitingBenefits consultingPayroll
✓
Introductions to independent experts, no obligation
✓
Offers for SideUp customers, set by each partner
[Book a 15-min demo](https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/lana-leles/demo)[Run a business or offer a service? Join the Marketplace →](https://hi.sideup.com/partnership?hsLang=en)
Marketplace partners are independent businesses and are not part of SideUp. Offers are set by each partner and may change. Joining is free for partners today.
This side up ↑
## No forms. No chasing. Just tap.
VISA
VISA
ALEX MORGAN
Illustrative example
A card that works where your budget does, and nowhere it shouldn't
Your phone is your wallet. Add the card and tap away
Local favorites that throw in a little extra
Benefits, right side up.
Explore our benefits
## Benefits for every part of life
Watch each benefit in action, then tap through to see how it works. Swipe to explore them all.
[Pre-tax Student Loan & Tuition Repayment help and tuition support that builds loyalty. Learn more →](https://hi.sideup.com/student-loan-repayment-benefits?hsLang=en)[Lifestyle Wellness & Fitness Gym, therapy, classes and recovery. Support the whole person. Learn more →](https://hi.sideup.com/wellness-fitness?hsLang=en)[Lifestyle Work From Home Internet, ergonomic setup and coworking. Power their productivity. Learn more →](https://hi.sideup.com/work-from-home?hsLang=en)[Pre-tax Family Care Childcare, elder care and support for the people they love. Learn more →](https://hi.sideup.com/family-care?hsLang=en)[Lifestyle Food Lunch stipends, groceries and meal kits. Fuel their day. Learn more →](https://hi.sideup.com/food?hsLang=en)[Lifestyle Pet Care Vet visits, food, supplies and daycare for the pets they love. Learn more →](https://hi.sideup.com/pet-care?hsLang=en)[Reel: Utilities video pending 9:16, 6 to 10 s, muted loop Essential Utilities & Essential Bills Phone, electricity, internet and household bills. Learn more →](https://hi.sideup.com/utilities-essentials-bills?hsLang=en)[Reel: HRA video pending 9:16, 6 to 10 s, muted loop Healthcare HRA Employer-funded healthcare reimbursements. Learn more →](https://hi.sideup.com/hra?hsLang=en)[Reel: Commuter video pending 9:16, 6 to 10 s, muted loop Pre-tax Commuter Smarter commute spending for transit and parking. Learn more →](https://hi.sideup.com/commuting?hsLang=en)
FAQ
## Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about employee benefits platforms and how SideUp works.
What is an employee benefits platform?
An employee benefits platform is software that lets employers offer, manage, and administer a range of benefits, like flexible spending, recognition, and financial wellness, in one place, and lets employees choose and use the benefits that matter to them.
How do flexible employee benefits work?
Instead of one fixed package for everyone, employees get an allowance they can allocate across categories like wellness, family care, commuting, or student loans, based on what actually fits their life.
Can employees choose their own benefits?
Yes. With SideUp, employees pick from a menu of eligible categories and vendors rather than being locked into a single, one-size-fits-all benefit.
How does the tax-free student loan benefit work?
Employers can provide up to $5,250 per employee each year in student loan repayment or educational assistance, free of income and payroll tax, under IRS Section 127. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made the student loan provision permanent in 2025 and indexes the limit for inflation after 2026. Conditions apply, so confirm your plan with your tax advisor.
Are employee benefits taxable?
Some are and some aren't; it depends on the benefit type. Certain categories, like qualifying student loan assistance, can be offered tax-free up to IRS limits, while others are treated as taxable income. Our benefit pages explain each rule in plain English, and they're a summary, not tax advice.
How does SideUp integrate with payroll?
SideUp connects with common payroll and HRIS systems so benefit allowances, deductions, and reporting sync automatically, with no manual reconciliation required.
How quickly can we go live?
Quickly. How long it takes depends on your company, but it comes down to three things: setting up enrollment, uploading your employees, and communicating the program to your team in the right way.
Can employers offer different benefits to different employees?
Yes. SideUp supports eligibility rules by role, location, tenure, or employment type, so benefits can flex to fit different segments of your workforce.
What is the SideUp Marketplace?
A network of independent partners. Local businesses such as cafes, gyms and shops can offer SideUp members discounts and freebies, and experts such as HR consultants, bookkeepers and training providers are available to your company. It's an optional extra, so you and your team use it as much or as little as you like. Each partner is an independent business and sets its own offers.
## Give your employees the power of choice.
### Ready to modernize your benefits?
Stop guessing what your team wants. Let them choose the benefits that actually matter to their lives. Start your free trial today.
[](https://sideup.com)
Benefits that work for everyone.
### Products
- [Student Loan & Tuition](https://hi.sideup.com/student-loan-repayment-benefits?hsLang=en)
- [Wellness & Fitness](https://hi.sideup.com/wellness-fitness?hsLang=en)
- [Work from Home](https://hi.sideup.com/work-from-home?hsLang=en)
- [Family Care](https://hi.sideup.com/family-care?hsLang=en)
- [Food](https://hi.sideup.com/food?hsLang=en)
- [Utilities & Essential Bills](https://hi.sideup.com/utilities-essentials-bills?hsLang=en)
- [HRA](https://hi.sideup.com/hra?hsLang=en)
- [Recognition](https://hi.sideup.com/recognition?hsLang=en)
### Platform
- [Manage Benefits](https://hi.sideup.com/how-to-manage-benefits-old?hsLang=en)
- [Integrations](https://hi.sideup.com/integrations?hsLang=en)
- [Ways to spend benefits](https://hi.sideup.com/how-to-spend-your-benefits?hsLang=en)
### Privacy
- [Privacy Policy](https://hi.sideup.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en)
- [Terms & Conditions](https://hi.sideup.com/terms-conditions?hsLang=en)
### Log in
- [Business Platform](https://hi.sideup.com/admin.sideup.com?hsLang=en)
- [Employee Portal](https://hi.sideup.com/customer.sideup.com?hsLang=en)
[Contact us](https://hi.sideup.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
SideUp Visa® Commercial cards are powered by Stripe and issued by Celtic Bank. Stripe Issuing balances are provided in the US by Stripe Payments Company, licensed money transmitter, with funds held at Stripe’s bank partners, Members FDIC. 919 North Market Street, suite 950 – Wilmington – DE - 19801
© 2026 SideUp. All rights reserved.
Book a demo
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