As momentum builds across the country to expand access to portable benefits for independent workers, clear signs of progress are emerging at the state level. Last year, DoorDash launched a first-of-its-kind portable benefits savings pilot for Dashers in Pennsylvania. Today, we’re proud to share the final results of that pilot from a new report, DoorDash’s Portable Benefits Savings Program for App-Based Workers: A Success Case in Pennsylvania, which demonstrates just how powerful these benefits can be in improving financial security for Dashers and strengthening independent work.
The report, authored by ndp | analytics, provides compelling evidence that portable benefits programs can work at scale — and can meet the diverse needs of today’s workers without sacrificing the independence they value.
Key Findings:
Increased Access to Benefits: Two-thirds of Dashers who lacked access to benefits gained new access through the pilot. Among those without prior access, 89% said the program made them feel more financially secure, and 97% would feel even more secure if the program became permanent.
Strong Financial Impact: The top 10% and 1% of earners received more than $580 and $1,000 in benefits respectively, with over a third of all funds remaining in interest-bearing accounts even after the program ended.
Diverse, Flexible Usage: Dashers used their benefits to support time off, build emergency savings, and cover health and dental expenses. One Dasher described it as “a little bit of buffer money,” helping them feel more secure each month.
The pilot demonstrated that app-based workers can be empowered with meaningful benefits while preserving the flexibility and autonomy that draw so many to this work. As one Dasher put it, “It’s a great program…so gig workers can get benefits that they might not have access to.”
DoorDash is proud to lead the way on solutions that meet the moment. We look forward to working with policymakers, advocates, and Dashers to expand access to portable benefits nationwide — because flexibility and security shouldn’t be a tradeoff.
Read the full report here.
