DoorDash Announces Portable Benefits Savings Program For Dashers in Pennsylvania

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 “We’re proud that dashing has helped millions of people achieve greater financial security, but we know that outdated rules have meant there are trade-offs for those who dash more consistently and may be missing out on important benefits.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.