Too many hardworking Americans like me rely on app-based work to make ends meet, but we’re often left without the safety nets that traditional jobs provide.
The portable benefits pilot program that DoorDash started here in Georgia has shown there’s a better way — one that gives independent workers access to basic protections without taking away the flexibility that makes this work possible.
Now it’s up to Congress to take what’s worked here and make it permanent, so working people across the country like me can keep earning, stay healthy, and plan for the future with a little more peace of mind.
My name’s Jeff, and I live just outside of Atlanta with my wife and our three kids — they’re 5, 10, and 12. I’ve been delivering with DoorDash for four years now, and it’s been a real blessing for my family. I get to earn money on my schedule and still be there for my kids when they need me most.
Before I started doing this kind of work, I had a full-time job working in security. It was steady, but the hours were long and rigid. I missed a lot — family time, dinners, just moments with friends and loved ones. Eventually, I realized that wasn’t the life I wanted.
That’s when I started delivering, and honestly, it changed everything. Now I can take my kids to school, work during the day, and still be home to help with homework or cook dinner. That freedom means everything to me.
But here’s the thing — even though flexible work like dashing has been around for years, our country still hasn’t caught up. Outdated federal laws make it feel like you have to choose between flexibility with no benefits, or benefits with no flexibility. That old-school thinking puts workers like me in a bind.
That’s why the portable benefits pilot program DoorDash launched for six months here in Georgia was such a big help. It’s a simple idea, but it makes a world of difference — money set aside that workers like me can use for health care, dental visits, or even saving for a rainy day.
I used some of my benefits for a physical exam — the first one I’d had in a while. Knowing I could afford it without cutting into my weekly budget felt like a huge relief. I’m planning to use some next for a dentist visit, which I’ve been putting off.
Through the portable benefits program, I even saved up enough to start an emergency fund. Just a little money set aside gives me peace of mind knowing that if my car breaks down or an unexpected bill comes up, I’ve got something to rely on.
Portable benefits help keep folks like me healthy, working, and taking care of our families. Being part of the program gave me stability and confidence without taking away the flexibility that makes app-based work so valuable.
That’s why I need our lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to make portable benefits permanent. Having this program for even just six months proved that it works — for real people like me who are out here every day making deliveries, supporting local restaurants, and keeping our economy and communities moving.
I’m proud of what I do. I love that I can earn an honest living while still being there for my kids. Portable benefits help me do both — and I hope our leaders in Congress see that and take action to keep this program going strong for all of us.