Your last day at Target just happened. Here’s the checklist.
You turned in your badge, finished your final shift, and walked out. Maybe you gave two weeks’ notice. Maybe the conversation with your leader didn’t go how you expected. Either way, the clock is ticking on several benefits decisions, and the first few weeks matter more than you think.
This is your post-separation checklist, organized by what needs attention first.
Week 1: Immediate actions after leaving Target
Confirm your last paycheck details. Target pays biweekly, so your final check should include all hours worked through your last day. Check it through Workday (wd5.myworkday.com/target) if you still have access, or through Paperless Employee (paperlessemployee.com/target) if your Workday access is already gone. If anything looks wrong, call Target HR at 1-800-394-1885.
Check whether your PTO will be paid out. Target follows state law on PTO payout. In states that require it, like California and Colorado, your accrued and unused PTO appears on your final paycheck automatically. In states that don’t require payout, Target’s internal policy determines the outcome. Keep in mind that full-time hourly team members accrue around 60 hours per year, so the payout may be smaller than you expect. Read more about Target PTO policies if you want to understand how accrual worked while you were employed.
Screenshot or save your benefits enrollment info. Your access to Workday won’t last forever. Log in and save copies of your current plan details, including your plan name, group number, and any dependents listed. You’ll need this information when enrolling in new coverage or electing COBRA.
Weeks 2-4: Health insurance decisions
Target’s employer-sponsored health coverage ends on the last day of the month in which your employment ended. This applies to medical, dental, and vision.
After that, you have two main paths:
COBRA continuation. You can keep your exact Target health plan for up to 18 months. Target’s benefits administrator will mail you a COBRA election notice within about 14 days of your coverage ending. You then have 60 days to elect coverage, and it is retroactive to your termination date. The cost is the full premium (the amount Target was paying on your behalf plus your portion) plus a 2% administrative fee. For a single team member, expect COBRA to run between $400 and $700 per month depending on your plan. Family coverage goes higher.
Health Insurance Marketplace. Losing employer coverage triggers a 60-day Special Enrollment Period at healthcare.gov. Depending on your income after leaving Target, you may qualify for subsidies that make Marketplace plans much cheaper than COBRA. If your income drops enough, you might qualify for Medicaid.
One important note: Target’s health coverage starts at just 25 hours per week, which is lower than most retailers. If you are moving to another retail job that requires 30 or more hours for benefits, plan for a potential coverage gap.
Your Target 401(k) after leaving
Target offers one of the better retail 401(k) plans, with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% of your pay and 100% immediate vesting. That means every dollar Target contributed is yours from day one. You don’t lose any of it regardless of how long you worked there or why you left.
After separation, your 401(k) stays in the plan unless you take action. Your options:
- Leave it in Target’s plan (fine if the balance is over $5,000; may be automatically rolled to an IRA if under $1,000)
- Roll it into your new employer’s 401(k) plan
- Roll it into a personal IRA
- Cash it out (10% early withdrawal penalty plus income tax if you are under 59½)
Our guide on what happens to your 401(k) when you quit covers the rollover process in detail.
Team member discount and other perks
The Target team member discount (10% off most items, 20% off wellness categories like produce and activewear) is deactivated on your separation date. If you have been stacking it with your RedCard for the extra 5%, that RedCard discount still works since it’s tied to the card, not your employment. But the employee portion is gone.
DailyPay access (earned wage access) ends with employment. Any pending DailyPay transfers should process before your final paycheck, but verify with DailyPay directly if something is outstanding.
Target’s tuition assistance programs (Dream to Be) end on your last day. If you are mid-program, contact your school to ask about finishing current coursework, as policies vary by institution.
Life insurance and disability coverage provided by Target end immediately on separation. No continuation option exists through the company.
How to access your information after leaving Target
This is where things get messy for a lot of former team members. Target uses multiple systems, and which one still works for you depends on when you left and what you are looking for.
Paperless Employee (paperlessemployee.com/target) is the most reliable option for former team members. Use it to access W-2s, pay statements, and ACA forms. You may need to create an account if you never opted into electronic delivery while employed. More on this in our Target W-2 guide for former employees.
Workday access typically shuts down within a few days of your last day. Don’t count on it.
For benefits questions after leaving, call 1-800-394-1885. For ethics or policy concerns, the number is 1-800-541-6838.
For all Target employee resources in one place, visit our Target employee resource hub.
Post-separation checklist at a glance
- Verify final paycheck amount and PTO payout
- Save or screenshot benefits enrollment details from Workday
- Watch mail for COBRA election notice (arrives within ~14 days)
- Decide: COBRA vs. Marketplace vs. Medicaid within 60 days
- Decide what to do with 401(k) (leave, roll over, or transfer)
- Set up Paperless Employee access for tax documents
- Contact school if mid-program in Dream to Be tuition assistance
- Purchase individual life insurance if needed
- File for unemployment if you were terminated (not for cause)
One thing people overlook
Target’s 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting is one of the best in retail, period. Don’t let that money sit in an account you forget about. Set a calendar reminder 30 days after leaving to either roll it over or at least confirm your mailing address is current so you receive statements.
If you are also navigating final paycheck timing or need help understanding the quitting process at Target, those guides are ready for you.