Housing and healthcare benefits for hospitality workers in Ireland

Working in hospitality in Ireland – as a chef, kitchen assistant, service staff,
housekeeping or bar staff – can offer additional benefits on top of your salary.
Ireland provides several forms of support for workers on lower or middle incomes.
These housing and healthcare benefits in Ireland for hospitality workers
can significantly reduce your monthly costs.

1. Housing support in Ireland (HAP & social housing)

Ireland offers different schemes to help keep housing affordable.
The most relevant for hospitality workers are:

• HAP – Housing Assistance Payment:
  a rent support scheme for tenants on lower incomes.
• Social housing:
  long-term affordable rental housing provided through local authorities.

Indicative guidelines (region-dependent)

• The contribution can cover a significant part of the monthly rent.
• HAP is income-related and varies per county or city.

General conditions

• You live in Ireland or are relocating to Ireland.
• Your income is within the limits set by the local authority.
• Your rental agreement meets local authority requirements.

➜ Official information:

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) – Government of Ireland

2. Health insurance and medical support in Ireland

Ireland does not have a healthcare allowance like the Netherlands,
but it does provide important income-related medical support.
These fall under the broader category of
housing and healthcare benefits in Ireland for hospitality workers.

• Medical Card –
  free or heavily subsidised medical care.
• GP Visit Card –
  free GP visits under an income-related scheme.

Important notes (may change annually)

• Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards have income thresholds.
• Eligibility can apply even at modest income levels.

➜ Official application and details:

Medical Card & GP Visit Card – HSE Ireland

3. What can these benefits mean in practice?

Depending on your personal and family situation, benefits may include:

• Housing support through HAP or social housing,
  potentially amounting to several hundred euros per month.
• Full or near-full medical cost coverage
  with a Medical Card.

For many hospitality workers, this can make a substantial difference
to monthly living costs and financial stability.

4. How do you apply for support?

Applications usually require:

• Employment and income documentation
• Rental contract (for HAP)
• Address registration in Ireland
• Personal identification and tax details

➜ Overview of social supports:

Department of Social Protection – Government of Ireland

5. Ireland in the European context

Ireland offers substantial housing and healthcare supports,
although its systems differ from those in other European countries.

On our overview page
Benefits for hospitality workers in Europe
you can compare Ireland with other European destinations.

6. Join our international community

Want to learn more about living, working, allowances,
salaries and accommodation in hospitality across Europe?

Chefs from Europe – Work Abroad (Official Group)