Does Family Dollar Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

Family Dollar's Hiring Policy and Dollar Tree Connection

Family Dollar was acquired by Dollar Tree, Inc. in 2015, and both brands now operate under the same parent company. Hiring policies are set at the corporate level and are generally similar across both brands. Family Dollar employs tens of thousands of workers across approximately 8,000 locations in 46 states. The company conducts background checks on new hires through a third-party screening provider, but uses an individualized assessment process that considers the nature of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the relevance of the offense to the position. Family Dollar's stores tend to be smaller format (typically 6,000-8,000 square feet) and operate with lean crews of 3-6 employees per store. This means each hire matters, and store managers often make practical hiring decisions based on an applicant's reliability and work ethic rather than strict adherence to background check results.

Background Check Process at Family Dollar

Family Dollar's background check is conducted after a conditional offer of employment is made. The standard check includes a criminal history search going back 7 years, a Social Security number trace, and a national sex offender registry check. For distribution center and driving positions, additional checks may include Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) and DOT compliance screening. The background check is processed through a third-party provider and typically takes 3-7 business days. If the check reveals a criminal record, the company must follow FCRA procedures, including sending a pre-adverse action notice that gives you the opportunity to dispute inaccuracies or provide context. Family Dollar complies with state and local ban-the-box laws, meaning that in jurisdictions with such laws, criminal history is not asked about until after an initial interview or conditional offer.

What Could Disqualify You at Family Dollar

The most significant disqualifiers at Family Dollar include recent theft, fraud, or robbery convictions (within 5-7 years) for positions involving cash handling or merchandise access, sex offenses (typically disqualifying for all positions), violent felonies within the past 7 years for customer-facing roles, and active warrants or pending charges. Drug-related felonies, especially older possession charges, are generally less of a barrier. DUI convictions are typically not relevant to in-store retail positions. Family Dollar's loss prevention priorities mean theft-related offenses receive the most scrutiny during the screening process. Convictions older than 7 years carry significantly less weight, and in states with lookback restrictions, they cannot be considered at all.

Family Dollar's Community Presence and Hiring Reality

Family Dollar stores are predominantly located in urban neighborhoods and rural communities that are underserved by larger retailers. Many of these communities have higher rates of criminal justice involvement, which means Family Dollar store managers are often more experienced with — and more open to — hiring people with criminal records. The practical reality of staffing retail stores in these communities means that a blanket ban on hiring people with records would make it nearly impossible to maintain adequate staffing levels. This does not mean Family Dollar has a formal second chance program, but the day-to-day hiring reality at many locations is that people with felony records are welcomed as long as they can do the job reliably. The company's high turnover rate (common across discount retail) also means that stores are frequently hiring and managers need to fill positions quickly.

Strategies for Getting Hired at Family Dollar

Apply online through familydollar.com/careers or visit your local Family Dollar store and ask the manager about openings. Because Family Dollar stores operate with small crews, the store manager is usually the one making the hiring decision and can tell you immediately if there are openings. Target stocker positions if you have theft-related convictions, as these involve less cash handling. For non-theft convictions, cashier and customer service positions are also accessible. Emphasize your availability for evenings and weekends, as these are the hardest shifts to fill in retail. If one Family Dollar location turns you down, try other locations — while corporate policies are the same, individual store managers have some discretion in hiring. Also try Dollar Tree locations, which operate under the same parent company with similar policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Family Dollar hire felons?

Family Dollar hires people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. They conduct background checks but use individualized assessments. Theft-related convictions receive more scrutiny in retail settings, but non-theft felonies and older convictions are generally less of a barrier. Many people with records work at Family Dollar locations.

Does Family Dollar do background checks?

Yes. Family Dollar conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party screening company. The check includes a 7-year criminal history search, Social Security verification, and sex offender registry check. The check is initiated after a conditional offer of employment.

How far back does Family Dollar's background check go?

Family Dollar's background check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. In states with lookback restrictions, the legal limit applies. Older convictions carry significantly less weight in the individualized assessment process.

Does Family Dollar drug test?

Family Dollar's drug testing policies vary by position and location. Not all store associate positions require pre-employment drug testing. Distribution center and driving positions are more likely to require drug screening. Post-accident testing may apply to all positions.

Is Family Dollar the same as Dollar Tree?

Family Dollar is a subsidiary of Dollar Tree, Inc. — they are separate retail brands but operate under the same parent company. Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar in 2015. Hiring policies are generally similar across both brands.

Can I be a cashier at Family Dollar with a felony?

It depends on the nature of your felony. Non-theft convictions that are several years old generally do not prevent you from working as a cashier. Recent theft, fraud, or robbery convictions are more problematic for positions that involve handling money. Starting as a stocker and moving to cashier after building trust is a common approach.

What is the easiest position to get at Family Dollar with a record?

Stocker and merchandise associate positions are generally the easiest to obtain with a criminal record, as they involve less cash handling and customer interaction. Seasonal positions during peak hiring periods are also relatively easier to get due to higher volume hiring needs.

Can I move up at Family Dollar after being hired with a record?

Yes. Family Dollar promotes from within, and customer service associates can advance to key holder, assistant manager, and store manager roles over time. Building a strong attendance and performance record is the key to advancement regardless of your background.