benefit tourist

benefit tourist

A popular term for a non-British citizen (e.g., from the EU) who comes to the UK to live off social security and other entitlements, including child benefit, child tax credit, state pension credit, jobseeker’s allowance, and employment and support allowance. Because these benefits are only afforded to those who meet the UK’s “right-to-reside” test, the European Commission has threatened legal action against Britain saying its rules on welfare discriminate against foreigners.