housing & healthcare (EN) sub
Housing and healthcare benefits for hospitality workers in the United Kingdom
If you work in hospitality in the United Kingdom – as a cook, chef, kitchen assistant,
service staff, bar staff, cleaner or hotel employee – you may be eligible for various
housing and healthcare benefits. The UK has a different system compared to EU countries,
but still offers important financial and medical support for workers.
1. Housing Benefit and Universal Credit (Housing Element)
The United Kingdom does not have a rent allowance like the Netherlands, but it does offer
two key schemes that support tenants:
1. Housing Benefit
This benefit is mainly available to:
- people who already received housing support before 2019
- pensioners
- specific special cases
2. Universal Credit – Housing Element
This is the current system supporting tenants with rent costs.
The amount depends on:
- your income
- your rent level
- where you live (local housing allowance limits)
- your household composition
Support can range from £200 to £900 per month,
especially in expensive areas such as London.
➜ Official information:
Housing Benefit – gov.uk
Universal Credit – gov.uk
2. NHS – free healthcare in the United Kingdom
The UK operates one of the most well-known healthcare systems in the world: the NHS.
Anyone who pays taxes is automatically entitled to NHS healthcare.
What is covered by the NHS?
- GP appointments
- hospital care
- surgical procedures
- emergency care (A&E)
➜ Official NHS information:
NHS – Help with Health Costs
3. Other social benefits for workers
- Working Tax Credit (legacy system, being phased out)
- Universal Credit (income-related)
- Child Benefit
➜ Overview:
Benefits – gov.uk
4. What do these benefits mean for hospitality workers?
- £200 – £900 per month through Universal Credit (housing support)
- Full access to NHS healthcare
- Child benefits and income support
5. United Kingdom in the European context
Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, it remains a popular destination for hospitality workers.
On our overview page
Hospitality benefits in Europe
you can see how the UK compares with other countries.
