DoorDash Pilots Portable Benefits Savings Program for Pennsylvania Dashers

DoorDash Inc. has introduced a pilot benefits program in Pennsylvania, offering employees, known as Dashers, a portable savings plan for six months, the delivery service firm announced Wednesday. The initiative covers various expenses such as retirement savings; health, dental and vision insurance; and paid time off, in an attempt to address benefit offerings for part-time gig workers.

Independent contractors, like Dashers, can now access benefits typically only available with traditional employment. The pilot, scheduled to run from April through September, allocates funds for the benefits to eligible Dashers in Pennsylvania while receiving the backing of the state.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

Via the portable benefits tool Stride, users can assign their portable benefits savings to applicable categories of their choosing, according to DoorDash. Additionally, they can access details regarding available benefits offerings.

Specifics of the pilot program include:

• Dashers in Pennsylvania who earn at least $1,000 in the second quarter of the year (excluding tips) from DoorDash can qualify to establish a Stride Save account and receive deposits into their portable benefits savings;
• Eligible Dashers will receive deposits equivalent to 4% of their earnings before tips; and
• Employees have the option to contribute their own funds to the account, which remains portable after the program ends, along with all deposited funds.

A spokesperson for DoorDash employment laws have historically prevented independent contractors, even those whose hours more closely resemble full-time employment, from getting those benefits. 

“We’re proud that dashing has helped millions of people achieve greater financial security, but we know that outdated rules have meant there are trade-offs for those who dash more consistently and may be missing out on important benefits,” said Tony Xu, DoorDash’s CEO and co-founder, in a statement. “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.”

According to DoorDash, the typical Dasher dedicates fewer than four hours per week to deliveries, and most Dashers have additional income sources or obligations that grant them access to benefits such as retirement savings or health care.