Riders across China have started receiving pension insurance subsidies from Meituan, with payments automatically credited to their accounts via the platform’s app. Li Caiyuan, a 35-year-old rider from Shandong working in Beijing’s Tongzhou district, confirmed the subsidy’s arrival on December 12. “It’s hassle-free—no need to apply, the money just shows up,” he said.
Under Meituan’s subsidy program, riders who meet local social insurance contribution thresholds for at least three months within a six-month period are eligible for a 50% subsidy on their pension insurance premiums. The initiative, rolled out nationwide in November, aims to ease financial burdens for gig workers.
In Hangzhou, rider Li Hongguang received a subsidy of 407.2 yuan, alleviating concerns over fluctuating income and complex cross-regional enrollment procedures. “Now I can consistently pay my premiums without worry,” he remarked.
To address riders’ queries, Meituan has set up over 600 consultation windows in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, offering guidance on enrollment and subsidy eligibility. Local authorities have also streamlined processes, assisting with transfers, location choices, and benefit calculations.
Meituan has optimized the subsidy scheme to accommodate riders’ high mobility and regional shifts, removing restrictions and basing subsidies on income rather than location. This ensures riders retain subsidies even if they relocate. Data shows over 70% of Meituan riders work across multiple cities, necessitating flexible support.
Riders like Chi Chongzhu in Fuzhou and Li Yi in Xiangtan now contribute just 400 yuan monthly toward pensions, with long-term financial security in sight. Meituan continues to expand rider welfare programs, including occupational injury coverage and initiatives like “harvest leave,” backed by a planned 10-billion-yuan investment over five years.
Industry experts emphasize the need for collaborative efforts to address gig workers’ social security challenges, advocating scalable solutions for cross-regional benefit portability.
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