US Employers Resources

Figuring Out Your Dollar General Benefits

You’ve been working at Dollar General for a few months. You’re scheduled for 35 hours most weeks, but your manager says you’re classified as part-time. You’ve heard about health insurance and a 401(k), but when you check the DGME portal, nothing about benefits shows up. What’s going on?

This is the most common benefits question at Dollar General, and it comes down to one thing: your official classification matters more than your actual hours.

Currently classified as full-time? Go to Section A.

Classified as part-time (even if you work full-time hours)? Go to Section B.

Not sure which you are? Go to Section C.

Section A: Full-Time Employee Benefits

If you’re officially classified as full-time at Dollar General, you qualify for the full benefits package. This includes:

Open enrollment runs from October 15 through November 30 each year, with coverage effective January 1. You manage benefits through the DGME portal (webapps.dolgen.net/dgme2/) or the newer Workvivo platform (dgme.workvivo.us). For login help, see the Dollar General login portals guide.

The 20% employee discount is available to all employees regardless of classification. It works in-store and online and is one of the more generous discounts in retail. Only Whole Foods (20-30%), CVS (up to 30%), and Macy’s (20%) match or beat it.

Section B: Part-Time Employee Benefits

Here’s where things get frustrating. Part-time Dollar General employees have access to a much smaller set of benefits:

• 20% employee discount (same as full-time)
• 401(k) after meeting eligibility requirements
• EAP access
• Paid sick leave (only in states that require it by law)

Part-time workers generally do not qualify for medical, dental, or vision insurance. They also don’t qualify for life insurance, disability coverage, or paid vacation in most cases.

The problem many employees describe is working 30-38 hours per week consistently but being classified as part-time. Dollar General has over 19,000 stores (more locations than any other retailer in the U.S.), and many of them are solo-staffed during shifts. The lean staffing model means part-time workers often put in near-full-time hours without receiving full-time benefits.

If this is your situation, ask your store manager about reclassification. In some districts, managers can request a status change if your average hours meet the full-time threshold over a sustained period. Get any promise about reclassification in writing or via email.

Section C: How to Check Your Classification

Not sure if you’re classified as full-time or part-time? Here’s how to find out:

1. Log into the DGME portal or Workvivo
2. Go to your employee profile or personal information section
3. Look for “Employment Status” or “Classification”
4. If you can’t find it there, check your most recent pay stub. Some list your status.
5. If neither works, ask your store manager directly.

Your classification determines everything about your benefits eligibility. Hours worked per week are a factor in the original classification, but once you’re coded as part-time in the system, working extra hours doesn’t automatically change your status.

The 20% Employee Discount

Regardless of your classification, the 20% discount is one benefit every Dollar General employee gets. It applies to in-store and online purchases. There are some standard exclusions (gift cards, prepaid cards, third-party services), but most products in the store are covered.

For a detailed breakdown, visit the Dollar General employee discounts page.

Health Insurance for Eligible Employees

Full-time employees who enroll during open enrollment (October 15 through November 30) or within their initial eligibility window get access to medical, dental, and vision plans. Dollar General offers multiple medical plan tiers with varying premiums and deductibles.

Given the average pay at Dollar General, premiums matter a lot. Compare plans carefully during enrollment. A low-premium, high-deductible plan might look cheaper per paycheck but could cost more if you need medical care during the year. If you’re generally healthy and mainly want coverage for emergencies, the high-deductible option might still make sense. If you use prescriptions or see doctors regularly, a plan with a higher premium but lower copays might save you money overall.

401(k) and Retirement

Dollar General offers a 401(k) with a company match for eligible employees. Both full-time and part-time employees can participate after meeting the service requirements. The match terms vary, so check the plan summary in DGME for current details.

If you leave Dollar General, your 401(k) balance goes with you. Review your 401(k) options when you quit to decide between rolling over, keeping the account, or cashing out (with penalties if you’re under 59.5).

Life Insurance and Disability

Full-time employees get basic life insurance at no cost. The coverage amount is typically a flat amount or a multiple of your base salary. Supplemental life insurance is available during open enrollment if you want more coverage. You can often add coverage for a spouse or dependents, too.

Short-term disability is available after meeting a tenure requirement. This pays a percentage of your salary if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Long-term disability may also be available for eligible employees. Both are worth considering, especially given the physical nature of Dollar General store work (stocking shelves, unloading trucks, lifting boxes).

PTO and Paid Time Off

Full-time employees earn paid vacation based on tenure. The accrual rates aren’t publicly posted, but employees generally report starting with one week and moving to two weeks after a couple years. Paid holidays are available for eligible full-time employees.

Part-time employees may receive paid sick leave depending on state and local laws, but they don’t generally qualify for paid vacation through Dollar General’s policy.

Manage your PTO through the DGME portal. Request time off as far ahead as you can. Since many Dollar General stores operate with just one or two employees per shift, getting coverage for your absence depends on your manager finding someone to fill in. This is one of the most common complaints at Dollar General: even if you have PTO, using it can be difficult because of staffing.

For PTO details, check the Dollar General PTO policies page.

Watch Out for Phishing

A quick but serious note: Dollar General employees are targeted by phishing scams at a higher rate than almost any other company on this list. Fake DGME login pages are everywhere online. If you search “DGME login” on Google, some of the results are scam sites designed to steal your credentials.

Always type the URL directly: webapps.dolgen.net/dgme2/ or go through dgme.workvivo.us. Never click a login link from an email or text message unless you’re certain it’s legitimate. If you entered your credentials on a suspicious site, change your password immediately and contact the Speak Up Line at 1-888-835-5792.

For HR contact options, see the Dollar General HR contact guide. Visit the Dollar General hub page for all employee resources. If you’re leaving, check the Dollar General benefits after termination page.