"451.01 yuan! Meituan's social security subsidy just arrived!" exclaimed Liu Yong, a 47-year-old gig delivery rider, excitedly sharing the news with his wife. Liu, who previously worked in Shenzhen and Dongguan and contributed 68 months of social security payments, saw his coverage lapse after switching jobs to food delivery in Chengdu. In July, Meituan launched a pilot program in Chengdu offering a 50% subsidy on pension insurance contributions for eligible riders. Liu promptly enrolled and received the subsidy.

"Securing social insurance is my top priority. Meituan's subsidy program is excellent—it eases the financial burden for riders like me. With another 12–13 years of contributions, I can start receiving my pension," Liu remarked.

Starting today, all types of riders on Meituan's platform who meet local pension insurance eligibility criteria and voluntarily enroll can access the same subsidy, making Meituan the first company in the industry to roll out a nationwide social security subsidy program for its entire rider workforce. The initiative is expected to benefit over 8 million riders.

Since July 2022, Meituan has participated in a pilot program for occupational injury protection for gig workers, now expanded to 17 provinces and cities, providing riders with workplace injury coverage. By the end of September, Meituan's contributions exceeded 2 billion yuan, covering 13 million riders. Building on this, the company developed a pension insurance plan in 2024, refining details under regulatory guidance before launching trials in early 2025.

From February this year, with support from local labor authorities and unions, Meituan's outreach teams held over 10,000 consultation sessions at social security centers, union stations, rider hubs, and street booths to explain the program and guide enrollment. The company has also hosted more than 500 roundtables with riders and experts, incorporating thousands of suggestions into policy improvements.

"Next, we will deepen our 'basic + advanced + lifestyle' benefits model for riders," Meituan stated, announcing upcoming trials for parental and harvest leave, alongside expanded perks like meal subsidies and family travel benefits.

Currently, Meituan has established a multi-tiered welfare network for riders. Basic protections include pension subsidies, occupational injury insurance, accident coverage, and adverse weather allowances. Advanced benefits extend to critical illness support for riders and their families, education funds, and workplace perks like meals, health checkups, women’s care, and vocational training.