Modalidad 40
In short
As of 22 October 2026, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has implemented new restrictions on Modalidad 40, limiting the salary base used to calculate future pensions. These changes aim to reduce the financial impact of high-value pensions by capping registration salaries.
In plain words
Modalidad 40 is a voluntary scheme for workers to continue paying into the social security system after leaving a job. New rules now limit your contribution salary to your last registered wage plus one UMA. Registration must also be done through digital platforms.
A simple example
If a worker previously earned a very high salary, they can no longer use that high amount to boost their pension via Modalidad 40. Instead, they are restricted to a lower salary cap based on their final employment record.
Why it matters
These changes significantly affect how much money retirees receive, effectively ending the era of extremely high 'golden pensions'. It is a move designed to ensure the long-term financial stability of the IMSS pension fund.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse this voluntary contribution scheme with standard mandatory social security payments made while actively employed.
Sources
- Modalidad 40 del IMSS: qué cambia en el salario, cómo afecta a las pensiones y quiénes conservarán sus condiciones
- IMSS ajusta la modalidad 40: los 5 cambios que afectan tu pensión y no son muy favorables
- La Modalidad 40 del IMSS para pensionarse cambia a partir de este jueves
- Modalidad 40 del IMSS: nuevo límite al salario de cotización para quienes se inscriban desde el 22 de octubre