IMSS Modalidad 40 registrations triple amid government review

The number of workers enrolled in the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) 'Modalidad 40'—formally known as Voluntary Continuation in the Mandatory Regime—has tripled over the last decade. Official data shows registrations rose from approximately 91,000 in 2013 to over 275,000 by the end of 2024.

The federal government is currently reviewing the mechanism, which has existed since 1973, due to concerns regarding fraud and the artificial inflation of retirement amounts. Authorities have detected instances of simulated labor relations and the abuse of salary caps to increase pension payouts, placing pressure on public finances.

IMSS and the National Commission for the Retirement Savings System (Consar) have issued alerts regarding third-party consultants and agencies. These entities often approach individuals near clinics or sub-delegations, falsely claiming to be certified managers. They frequently charge fees for registration processes that are actually free at IMSS offices, promising high pensions that may not align with an individual's actual contribution history.