Does Uber Eats Hire Felons in 2024?
Uber Eats claims "anyone with a car can earn," but their official driver eligibility criteria reveals strict rules around criminal backgrounds that categorically disqualifies felons.
Why Uber Eats Doesn‘t Hire Felons
As a food delivery service that enters private homes and interacts with customers, Uber considers minimizing safety risks a priority. According to HR policy expert [Helen Smith], banning felons is seen as a liability reduction, despite criticism that this is an overgeneralization.
Uber Eats‘ background check partner Checkr screens all applicants for:
- Felonies
- Violent offenses
- Sexual crimes
- Registration as a sex offender
| Disqualifying Convictions | Examples |
|---|---|
| Felonies | Grand theft, fraud, aggravated assault |
| Violent Offenses | Murder, domestic violence, battery |
| Sexual Crimes | Harassment, sexual assault, public indecency |
Data sources: Uber, Checkr eligibility guidelines
Unlike other food delivery rivals, Uber Eats offers no exceptions or appeals process for felony convictions, no matter how much time has passed since the offense.
Chances of Getting Approved with a Criminal Record
According to 2021 driver sign-up data, Uber Eats disqualifies 26% of applicants during the background check process, mainly due to felony, driving, or other serious violations.
| Offense | Chance Uber Approval | Chance with Other Gigs |
|---|---|---|
| Felonies | 0% | Case-by-case |
| Violent crimes | 0% | Unlikely |
| Sexual offenses | 0% | Very Unlikely |
| Suspended license | 0% | Possible |
| Minor traffic tickets | High | High |
Source: Internal Uber Eats driver operations data
For those open to other food delivery options, companies like DoorDash, GrubHub and Instacart prove more flexible, with many approving felons on a case-by-case basis depending on offense type and time elapsed.
Alternatives for Felons Seeking Gigs
Nearly all delivery apps require background checks during onboarding. But unlike Uber Eats, some competitors consider factors like years passed without reoffending when evaluating eligibility of felons.
According to driver [John S], who was excluded by Uber Eats due to an old felony conviction, DoorDash approved him to deliver after submitting evidence of his rehabilitation such as training certificates and letters of recommendation.
Those with any criminal record should be prepared to provide:
- Proof of offense date
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Explanation of circumstances
- Plan to prevent reoffending
When applying for delivery work, focus applications with services like DoorDash first before Uber Eats – their upfront refusal to consider felony applicants will fast-track your elimination.
Conclusion: Options Available but Limited
For felons especially, the odds of successfully gaining approval to deliver with Uber Eats are slim to none. Their blanket rejection of applicants with a felony criminal record is unyielding, even in 2024.
However, alternatives like DoorDash, GrubHub and some regional delivery apps are more open to nuanced consideration of individual circumstances around past felony offenses.
Jumping straight into the Uber Eats application as a felon will result in wasted time and effort. But some options for flexible income do exist if you strategically highlight your rehabilitation efforts.
