Walmart, one of the largest private employers globally, offers comprehensive benefits supporting the financial, physical, and educational well-being of its workforce. These programs provide associates with resources for personal development, healthcare access, and future planning. The company structures its benefits to be accessible, acknowledging the varied needs of a diverse workforce. Understanding these offerings helps current and prospective associates maximize the value of their employment.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness Coverage
Walmart provides various tiers of medical, dental, and vision coverage to suit different employee needs and budgets. Associates can choose from multiple medical plans, often starting at a low biweekly premium. The plans meet the “minimum value” standard required by the Affordable Care Act.
Virtual healthcare programs are a prominent feature. Associates in most medical plans have access to virtual visits with a doctor at no cost, including telemedicine options for urgent and primary care. Emotional well-being benefits, such as no-cost, confidential counseling sessions, are available to all associates and their household family members from the first day of employment.
For complex medical needs, the Centers of Excellence program grants access to specialized facilities and top specialists for conditions like cancer, surgery, and fertility care. Services received through this program are often covered at no cost for those enrolled in most Walmart medical plans. Eligibility varies by job classification, but associates can enroll during the annual enrollment period or following a qualifying life event.
Financial Security and Retirement Planning
The company offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match. Walmart matches contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 6% of an associate’s eligible annual pay. Associates can start making contributions immediately after their hire date. The company match begins after the first work anniversary, provided the associate has worked at least 1,000 hours in that year.
The Associate Stock Purchase Plan (ASPP) allows associates to buy company stock through payroll deductions. Walmart offers a 15% match on the first $1,800 purchased annually, resulting in a maximum bonus of $270 per year. This plan enables employees to become partial owners of the company.
Associates also have access to various insurance options that protect their income and family. These offerings include company-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Optional coverage is available for long-term disability, critical illness, and accident insurance, providing protection against unexpected events.
Generous Paid Time Off and Leave Programs
Walmart’s Paid Time Off (PTO) system includes regular PTO and Protected PTO (PPTO). Regular PTO is for planned absences, such as vacations, and requires prior management approval. Accrual rates depend on the associate’s employment status and tenure.
PPTO is designed for unplanned absences, such as illness or family emergencies, and does not require prior approval. Using PPTO to cover an absence protects the associate from receiving attendance occurrences or points. Hourly associates can carry over up to 80 hours of combined regular PTO and PPTO into the new plan year.
For major life events, the company offers paid leave programs, including paid parental leave. Hourly associates are eligible for up to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave and six weeks of paid parental leave. Associates can also utilize short-term disability coverage to protect their income if they are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury.
Educational Advancement Opportunities
The Live Better U (LBU) program helps associates earn college degrees and professional certificates. The program covers 100% of the cost for tuition, books, and fees for eligible associates enrolled in partner institutions. Available programs include associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, plus career diplomas in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and business analytics.
This educational benefit is available to full-time and part-time hourly and salaried associates, often starting on their first day of employment. Associates have access to an education coach to help them navigate their academic path and provide career guidance. The program removes financial barriers to education, supporting career growth without incurring student debt.
Exclusive Employee Discounts and Perks
A frequently used benefit is the Associate Discount Card, which provides a 10% discount on most purchases at Walmart stores and online. The discount applies to regularly priced general merchandise and has been expanded to include nearly all grocery items, such as meat, dairy, and dry goods, year-round. Associates typically become eligible for the card after completing 90 days of employment.
While the discount applies broadly, certain exclusions remain, such as alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, and clearance items. Associates also receive a free Walmart Plus membership, which offers benefits like free shipping and fuel discounts. Further perks are available through the Walmart Associate Discount Center portal, providing savings on non-Walmart brand items such as travel, cell phone plans, and movie tickets.