Meituan has officially rolled out a pilot pension insurance scheme for its delivery riders, initially available in Quanzhou, Fujian, and Nantong, Jiangsu. The program targets all riders who meet specific income thresholds—achieving the required monthly earnings and maintaining eligibility for at least three months over a six-month period. Meituan will subsidize 50% of their pension insurance costs.

This initiative responds to the urgent need for long-term social security among gig economy workers, particularly highly mobile food delivery riders. The scheme stands out for its flexibility, adhering to a "four no" principle: no prior qualifications, no location restrictions, no minimum working hours or order requirements, and no limitations on delivery types. This ensures broad inclusivity.

Riders can enroll without commitments or invitations, needing only to meet basic national eligibility criteria. Once enrolled, they automatically qualify for subsidies. The program breaks from traditional social security models tied to fixed employment relationships, offering greater accessibility for mobile workers.

Given that 81.6% of Meituan's riders are migrant workers—40% of whom work across provinces—the scheme allows them to choose whether to enroll in their hometown or workplace, with equal subsidies provided. This addresses the challenge of securing pension benefits while working away from home.

The program also accommodates riders' seasonal work patterns, such as returning home during farming seasons or adjusting delivery schedules. Eligibility requires just three months of qualifying income within a six-month span, ensuring flexibility without jeopardizing benefits.

With no performance evaluations, seniority, or tenure requirements, the pilot is open to all riders, including those working short-term. This strengthens the safety net for gig workers, reinforcing Meituan's commitment to a multi-tiered social security system.

Building on its existing occupational injury coverage, Meituan's pension pilot marks a deeper effort to solve retirement security challenges for flexible workers, offering new practical solutions.