Today we’re proud to announce a first-of-its-kind initiative to establish a portable benefits savings program for Dashers through a six-month pilot in Pennsylvania. Eligible expenses covered under this program will include retirement savings; health, dental, and vision insurance; and paid time off.
We know that more people than ever are looking to supplement their traditional jobs and responsibilities with opportunities to earn extra income that move them closer to their financial goals. Many people who choose to earn with DoorDash value being able to balance dashing with other responsibilities — in fact, the average Dasher spends less than 4 hours per week on delivery, and the vast majority of Dashers have other sources of income or responsibilities that already provide them with access to benefits like retirement savings or healthcare.
However, workers shouldn’t be forced to choose between employment with benefits or flexible work without them. A promising approach is the concept of “portable benefits,” which would allow independent contractors like Dashers to receive extra savings for these benefits — traditionally only available through employment — with support from companies like DoorDash.
The pilot, which will run from April through September 2024, provides eligible Dashers in the Keystone State with funds for these important benefits without sacrificing the independence that defines this kind of work.
“DoorDash’s new pilot program for Pennsylvania Dashers is a positive step forward, as it can give Pennsylvania workers greater access to benefits,” said Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania. “My Administration looks forward to seeing the results of this program, and we will continue working to protect and expand the rights of all workers in Pennsylvania.”
“We believe that everyone deserves access, choice, and security when it comes to how they want to work,” said Tony Xu, DoorDash CEO and co-founder. “We’re proud that dashing has helped millions of people achieve greater financial security, but we know that outdated rules have meant there are trade-offs for those who dash more consistently and may be missing out on important benefits. Instead of settling for the way it has always been done, we can continue to try new things and expand the safety net in ways that provide both flexibility and security.
"I'm proud to partner with Governor Shapiro to bring portable benefits to Pennsylvania Dashers. I hope this program will provide an example of how we can better meet the unique needs of those who do this kind of work.”
Through the portable benefits platform Stride, participants can allocate their portable benefits savings to eligible categories most relevant to them, as well as access helpful information about benefits offerings.
Specifics of this pilot program include:
Pennsylvania Dashers who earn at least $1,000 in the second quarter of the year (excluding tips) through the DoorDash platform will be eligible to open a Stride Save account and receive deposits into their portable benefits savings.
For the duration of the pilot, participating Dashers will receive deposits equal to 4% of their pre-tip earnings.
Participating Dashers will be able to contribute personal funds as well, and the account and all funds will remain portable with them.
DoorDash has long been a champion for advocating for innovative solutions that protect the flexibility we know Dashers overwhelmingly value while expanding and strengthening access to meaningful benefits and protections. We’ve partnered with leading national organizations to improve financial well-being and economic opportunity for Dashers, as well as supported legislative proposals across the country to provide independent workers with portable benefits.
As we move forward, we’re more eager than ever to work with those who share our goals to ensure all workers in Pennsylvania and across the country have the choice to work as they want, access to income when they need it, and the security that benefits and protections provide.
*Stride Savings LLC is a financial technology company and is not a bank. Banking services are provided by i3 Bank, Member FDIC.
