If you have been trying to figure out what Kroger benefits you keep after leaving, you are not alone
Between the union contracts, the division-specific policies, and the four different portals you probably used while employed, getting a straight answer about post-separation benefits at Kroger can feel like a research project. It doesn’t help that the answer to nearly every question starts with “it depends on your local CBA.”
This guide cuts through the confusion by starting with the problems people actually run into and working backward to solutions.
Problem #1: “I don’t know if my health insurance is still active”
Kroger’s health insurance termination date varies depending on whether you are a union or non-union associate. For most non-union salaried and management employees, coverage ends on the last day of the month in which your employment ended, similar to other large retailers.
For union associates (the majority of Kroger’s workforce), the answer depends on your local UFCW contract. Some union health plans are administered separately through union trust funds, which means your coverage end date, COBRA eligibility, and even the administrator you contact are all different from what a non-union employee would experience. Your union steward or local UFCW hall is the fastest way to get your specific answer.
Regardless of union status, COBRA rights still apply. You should receive election paperwork within 14 to 44 days of losing coverage, and you have 60 days to elect. COBRA lets you keep your current plan for up to 18 months at full cost plus a 2% fee. If that’s too expensive, check the Healthcare Marketplace or Medicaid options.
Problem #2: “What happens to my Kroger pension?”
This is the benefit most unique to Kroger among the 22 companies we cover. Some long-tenured Kroger employees, especially those in certain UFCW locals, still have a pension plan. Pensions at Kroger are rare in the broader retail industry, and the rules around them are entirely governed by your union contract and the specific pension trust fund.
If you have a pension, here is what matters:
Vesting. Most Kroger pension plans require 5 years of service for vesting. If you left before reaching that threshold, you may not be entitled to any pension benefit. If you are vested, the pension is yours and will be payable when you reach the plan’s retirement age (typically 65, sometimes earlier with reduced benefits).
Getting information. Contact your local union hall or the pension fund administrator directly. Kroger’s main HR line (1-800-952-8889) can sometimes point you to the right fund, but the union is usually more helpful here.
Don’t confuse pension with 401(k). These are separate. Your 401(k) through Kroger follows standard rules (see below). Your pension is a defined-benefit plan paid by the union/company trust.
Problem #3: “My 401(k) is stuck and I can’t figure out how to move it”
Kroger’s 401(k) plan is managed through a third-party administrator. After leaving, you can:
- Leave the balance in Kroger’s plan (if over $5,000)
- Roll it over to an IRA or new employer plan
- Cash it out (subject to 10% penalty and income taxes if under 59½)
The tricky part is accessing the information. MyInfo (myinfo.kroger.com) is the portal for current employees to view payroll and benefits, but your access may be limited or cut off after separation. If you can’t log in, call 1-800-952-8889 and ask to be connected to the 401(k) plan administrator.
For a deeper look at your options, read what happens to your 401(k) when you quit.
Problem #4: “Did Kroger pay out my vacation?”
PTO and vacation payout at Kroger follows the same pattern as everything else here: it depends on your division, your union contract, and your state.
State law is the baseline. States like California, Colorado, and Illinois require payout of accrued vacation regardless of what the employer’s policy says. In those states, Kroger must pay you.
Union contracts may add protections beyond state law, or they may include specific forfeiture provisions. Check your CBA if you have a copy, or ask your union steward.
Non-union associates in states without mandatory payout laws are subject to Kroger’s internal policy, which can vary by division (Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Harris Teeter, etc.).
If your final paycheck doesn’t include vacation pay and you believe it should, start with Kroger’s final paycheck laws page and call 1-800-952-8889 to file a payroll inquiry.
Union vs. non-union benefits after leaving: a comparison
| Benefit | Union associates | Non-union associates |
| Health insurance end date | Varies by CBA/trust fund | End of month of separation |
| COBRA available? | Yes (through union trust or Kroger) | Yes (through Kroger) |
| Pension | May exist depending on local | Typically none |
| 401(k) | Standard rules; stays in plan | Standard rules; stays in plan |
| Vacation payout | CBA + state law | Company policy + state law |
| Who to contact | Union hall + Kroger HR | Kroger HR (1-800-952-8889) |
Problem #5: “I can’t log into anything after leaving”
Portal access at Kroger is a widespread frustration. The company uses Feed, MyTime, MyInfo, and SecureWEB, and former employees typically lose access to all of them shortly after separation. The 90-day password expiration policy means your credentials may already be dead even if the account technically exists.
For W-2s and tax info, contact HR directly at 1-800-952-8889. Paper W-2s are mailed to your last known address by January 31. If you moved and didn’t update your address before leaving, that’s a problem you’ll need to solve over the phone. For more help, see our Kroger W-2 guide for former employees.
Other benefits that end when you leave Kroger
Employee discount (10% Kroger brand, 20% apparel, etc.) ends on your last day. Your Kroger Plus Card still works for customer deals, but the employee-linked discounts are removed. More on how the Kroger employee discount works while you are still employed.
Tuition assistance (Feed Your Future, up to $21,000 lifetime) stops on separation. If you are mid-semester, contact your school about current-term completion.
PerkSpot and MyLife@Kroger partner discounts are also deactivated.
For the full picture of Kroger employee resources, see our Kroger employee resource hub.
What to do right now
The biggest mistake former Kroger employees make is waiting too long on health insurance. Whether you go COBRA, Marketplace, or Medicaid, the 60-day window starts the day your coverage lapses. Union associates should call their local hall first, then Kroger HR. Non-union associates should call 1-800-952-8889 directly. Don’t wait for paperwork that might be delayed.