Maryland Portable Benefits Success Shows a Model For States to Follow

Maryland has become the third state in the nation to complete a portable benefits pilot - highlighting how independent workers can maintain the freedom they value while accessing the benefits they want.

Following successful pilots in Pennsylvania and Georgia, DoorDash launched and funded a four-month portable benefits pilot in Maryland, bringing more than 4,000 Dashers into the program. DoorDash and Dashers contributed more than $800,000 to their portable benefits accounts, setting aside money to be used for healthcare, paid time off, retirement, and more, an independent analysis from BW Research showed. Crucially, an overwhelming majority (96%) of participants support legislation requiring companies to contribute to flexible benefit accounts while preserving independent contractor status.

Key findings from the Maryland portable benefits pilot include:

• Improved Financial Security for Dashers: 74% of participants reported feeling more financially secure as a result of the pilot program.

• More Dashers Gained New Benefits: 72% of participants reported that the pilot enabled them to obtain benefits they otherwise wouldn't have access to.

• Dashers Received Significant Earnings To Portable Accounts: During the July-October 2025 pilot, DoorDash contributed more than $800,000 to participating accounts. With participant contributions and interest, total funds exceeded $860,000.

• Financial Security and Flexibility Were Prioritized: Dashers primarily used funds to meet everyday needs and build financial resilience - prioritizing paid time off (31.6%), emergency savings (25.2%), retirement savings (8.5%), and healthcare (7%).

"Nothing could be more pro-worker than expanding access to benefits like paid time off and healthcare in a way that protects the flexibility workers want and need," said Max Rettig, Vice President of Public Policy at DoorDash. "Three states have now proven that flexibility and security can go hand in hand. With so many Americans struggling with the cost of living and the affordability crisis, this is exactly the kind of common sense reform that should be on the top of every policymaker's agenda. We're grateful to Governor Moore for leading the way and exploring pro-worker policies that reflect what so many Americans want."

Together, the results of these three pilots offer a clear roadmap for policymakers to take action to expand access to benefits to more Americans - all without sacrificing their flexibility.

Key Findings in Maryland:

With overwhelming participant support, DoorDash is looking forward to engaging with lawmakers to expand portable benefits for app-based workers across the country, ensuring they gain meaningful financial protections without sacrificing the flexibility they value.

Read the full report here.