Rent allowance and care allowance hospitality industry workers in the Netherlands

If you work in the hospitality industry in the Netherlands – for example, as a cook, chef, kitchen assistant, waitress,
cleaner, bar staff or hotel employee – then you may be eligible for
rent allowance and healthcare allowance hospitality workers. This financial support can make a big difference in your take-home pay each month
.

1. Rent supplement for hospitality workers.

Rent supplement is a contribution from the Dutch government for people who live independently and have a
lower or middle income. Many hospitality workers miss out on money while they are entitled to it.

Amounts (2025 – indicative)

• Up to about €450 per month in rent allowance.

Income limits (2025 – indicative)

• Single: up to €35,500 gross per year
• With partner: up to €47,250 gross per year

Main conditions of rent allowance

• Independent living space (own toilet, kitchen and front door).
• Lease in your name.
• Registered at the rental address in the municipality.
• Valid BSN number.

➜ Request or calculate?

Rent supplement through the Tax Office

2. Health care benefit for hospitality workers.

Everyone in the Netherlands must have basic health insurance. For lower-income workers –including many hospitality workers – there is care allowance. This also falls under
rent allowance and healthcare allowance hospitality workers benefits.

Amounts (2025 – indicative)

• €100 to €130 per month care allowance.

Income limits (2025 – indicative)

• Single: up to €37,500 gross per year
• With partner: up to €47,250 gross per year

➜ Official application:

Care allowance through the Tax Office

3. What do rent allowance and health care allowance hospitality industry workers get?

Together, rent allowance and healthcare allowance can add up to:

• €300 – €600 per month
• €3,600 – €7,200 per year

For many hospitality workers, this makes the difference between just making ends meet or actually having money left over.

4. How to apply for benefits.

You need:

• DigiD
• Your lease and the exact rent amount per month
• Your health care policy and monthly premium
• An estimate of your gross annual income

Make a trial calculation first:

Trial calculation of surcharges

5. The Netherlands in European context

The Netherlands has one of the strongest systems of housing and care support for workers,
certainly compared to other European countries. On our theme page
Benefits hospitality Europe
see how the Netherlands compares to countries such as Germany, Belgium, Austria, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

6. Join our international community

Want to know more about living, working, benefits, housing and salaries in the hospitality industry in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe?
Join our international community:

Chefs from Europe – Work Abroad (Official Group)