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Healthcare Provider Update: Provides medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, HSAs/FSAs, fertility assistance, and generous parental leave. As ACA premiums rise, DoorDashs tech-forward benefits and wellness reimbursements help employees manage healthcare costs effectively Click here to learn more
How DoorDash employees can navigate federal student loan repayment: This article provides a framework for DoorDash employees to understand the current federal student loan landscape and make the most of available repayment options and employer benefits, suggests Tyson Mavar, a representative from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
Wesley Boudreaux of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, advises DoorDash employees with federal student loans to take stock of their current repayment plan and explore the updated options available now that the pandemic-era payment pause has ended.
In this article, we will cover:
The end of the federal student loan payment pause: A summary of the pandemic-era moratorium and what happened when repayment resumed.
The effects on DoorDash employees: How the current repayment environment affects both personal and Parent PLUS Loans.
New employer benefits and available programs: What DoorDash employees can take advantage of under current law.
Background: The student loan payment pause has ended.
Federal student loan repayment resumed on September 1, 2023, after more than three years of pandemic-era relief. The COVID-19 payment pause, which began in March 2020 under the CARES Act, was extended multiple times. After the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2023 ruling blocked broad student loan cancellation, the final pause ended and repayment restarted. The Department of Education implemented a one-year on-ramp period through October 2024, during which missed payments did not trigger credit reporting -- but interest continued to accrue. As of late 2024, standard monthly repayment is fully in effect for all DoorDash employees with federal student loans.
DoorDash employees nearing retirement should be aware that Parent PLUS Loans -- federal loans that parents can take out to help pay for their children's education -- resumed repayment along with all other federal loans in 2023. Income-driven repayment (IDR) options remain available for eligible borrowers. DoorDash employees should note, however, that the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan -- introduced in 2023 as the most generous IDR option -- was blocked by federal courts in 2024 and is currently in administrative forbearance while legal challenges are resolved. Time spent in SAVE forbearance does not count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and borrowers cannot make qualifying PSLF payments while in the plan. Two other IDR plans -- Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) -- are being phased out and will end in mid-2028. The standard 10-year repayment plan and Income-Based Repayment (IBR) remain fully available.
Does interest accrue during current forbearance periods?
Yes. Unlike the pandemic-era pause, the SAVE administrative forbearance does accrue interest. DoorDash employees enrolled in SAVE who are in administrative forbearance may wish to consider voluntary payments to prevent interest buildup.
Do private student loans qualify for income-driven repayment?
No. DoorDash employees should remember that private student loans are not eligible for federal IDR plans, PSLF, or federal forbearance protections. Only federal government-held loans -- including Federal Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and FFEL Program loans held by the Department of Education -- are eligible.
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DoorDash employees whose employer offers student loan repayment assistance should be aware of a significant development: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, permanently extended the employer benefit allowing companies to contribute up to $5,250 per year toward an employee's student loan repayment on a tax-free basis. This benefit was originally a temporary CARES Act provision. DoorDash employees are encouraged to check with their HR department to determine whether this benefit is available and to contact their loan servicer to review their current repayment plan status.
Sources:
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U.S. Department of Education. 'Federal Student Loan Payment Restart.' StudentAid.gov, 2023, studentaid.gov/announcements-events/covid-19 .
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U.S. Department of Education. 'Repayment Plans.' StudentAid.gov, 2025, studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans .
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NPR. 'Federal student loans are changing. Here’s what to expect in 2026.' NPR, December 2025, www.npr.org .
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U.S. Congress. One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Signed July 2025.
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Federal Reserve Bank of New York. 'Household Debt and Credit Report.' Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Q4 2025, www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc .
What is the 401(k) plan offered by DoorDash?
The 401(k) plan at DoorDash is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary before taxes.
Does DoorDash match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, DoorDash offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings faster.
How can DoorDash employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
DoorDash employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the employee benefits portal during the enrollment period or after they become eligible.
What are the eligibility requirements for DoorDash's 401(k) plan?
To be eligible for DoorDash's 401(k) plan, employees typically need to meet certain criteria, such as being a full-time employee and reaching a specific duration of employment.
Can DoorDash employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, DoorDash employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time through the employee benefits portal.
What investment options are available in DoorDash's 401(k) plan?
DoorDash's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk levels.
Is there a vesting schedule for DoorDash's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, DoorDash has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.
How can DoorDash employees access their 401(k) account information?
DoorDash employees can access their 401(k) account information online through the designated retirement plan administrator's website.
What happens to a DoorDash employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?
If a DoorDash employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to a new employer's plan, an IRA, or cash out, subject to tax implications.
Are there any fees associated with DoorDash's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related expenses associated with DoorDash's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
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