Walmart is one of the world’s largest private employers, offering a comprehensive benefits package that represents a substantial part of total compensation. Understanding the scope of this offering is important for current and prospective associates. The benefits portfolio is structured to provide support across various aspects of an associate’s life, from immediate health needs and daily savings to long-term financial security and career development. This overview details the programs designed to support the well-being and growth of its employees.
Health and Wellness Coverage
The health benefits portfolio is designed to accommodate diverse needs through multiple plan options, with eligibility depending on an associate’s employment status and tenure. Full-time and part-time associates can select from plans such as Premier, Contribution, Saver, Local, and eCommerce PPO options, allowing for flexibility in coverage and cost. Medical coverage starts at approximately $38.30 per biweekly pay period for some plans.
A key feature is the Centers of Excellence program, which provides access to specialized care (such as for certain surgeries or cancer treatments) at no cost under most medical plans. This program connects associates with top-tier facilities and specialists across the country. Beyond physical health, the company supports emotional well-being by offering no-cost, confidential counseling sessions with licensed professionals to all associates and their household family members.
Virtual healthcare is integrated into most medical plans, offering no-cost visits for urgent care needs and mental health services, including access to therapists and psychiatrists. Dental and vision insurance are also included in the comprehensive Associates’ Health and Welfare Plan. These components cover routine preventative care as well as more complex procedures.
Financial Security and Retirement Planning
The company provides mechanisms for building long-term financial stability through a competitive retirement savings program and opportunities for stock ownership. The 401(k) Plan allows associates to contribute between 1% and 50% of their eligible pay, offering both pre-tax and Roth contribution options. The company provides a matching contribution equal to 100% of the first 6% of compensation deferred into the plan.
All associate contributions, rollover contributions, and the company’s matching contributions are 100% vested immediately. This immediate vesting ensures the company match belongs to the associate right away, regardless of their length of service. Eligibility for the company match begins after an associate has completed 1,000 hours of service within a consecutive 12-month period.
The Associate Stock Purchase Plan (ASPP) allows associates to purchase company stock through automatic payroll deductions (1% to 15% of eligible compensation). Walmart provides a 15% match on the first $1,800 an associate purchases each year, translating to an additional $270 annually in company stock. The benefits portfolio also includes income protection, such as company-paid and voluntary life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
Compensation for Time Away from Work
Compensation for time away differentiates between planned and unplanned absences, providing flexibility and protection for attendance records. The Paid Time Off (PTO) system includes Regular PTO for planned time, and Protected PTO (PPTO) for unexpected absences like illness or emergencies. Regular PTO requires prior management approval, while PPTO can be used for unplanned time off without advance permission, preventing the absence from negatively impacting attendance.
PTO accrual rates depend on the associate’s employment status and length of service, with full-time and longer-tenured associates accruing time faster. Unused PPTO typically rolls over into the next year. Unspent Regular PTO may be eligible for cash-out if certain balance thresholds are met at the end of the plan year.
The company also offers specific leaves for family events. New parents are eligible for up to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave for biological mothers and up to six weeks of paid parental leave for all other new parents. Associates receive three days of paid bereavement leave following the death of an immediate family member.
Educational and Professional Development Programs
Career growth and skill development are supported through the Live Better U (LBU) program, which provides associates with debt-free educational opportunities. LBU covers 100% of tuition and books for eligible associates pursuing academic and professional credentials. This benefit is available to all full-time and part-time hourly and salaried associates starting on their first day of employment.
The program offers a diverse selection of educational paths, including bachelor’s degrees in fields such as business administration, supply chain management, and cybersecurity. Associates can also pursue various short-form certificates and courses in high-demand areas like data analytics and software development. The curriculum is updated to align with the company’s future workforce needs, helping to upskill associates for potential internal roles. The program also includes foundational learning options, like high school completion and language learning, and provides student coaching.
Employee Perks and Discounts
Beyond the major insurance and savings programs, associates receive several immediate perks. The primary retail benefit is the Associate Discount Card, which provides a 10% discount. This discount applies to regularly priced general merchandise and fresh produce, and is available to associates and their spouses or dependents after 90 days of employment.
While the discount generally excludes most non-produce groceries and certain items, the company typically expands the discount to include most grocery items during the holiday season. US field associates receive a complimentary Walmart+ membership, which includes benefits like free shipping and fuel discounts. Sam’s Club associates receive a free Sam’s Club Plus membership.
The company also maintains the Associates in Critical Need Trust (ACNT). This non-profit fund provides grants of up to $1,500 to eligible associates experiencing financial hardship due to unexpected events like a major illness or disaster.