Wellness Pension 2026: 6,400 pesos payment system distributed by the first letter of the last name

Starting from January 2026, senior citizens in Mexico will receive the Welfare Pension through a staggered distribution system that organizes payments based on the first letter of their last name. This strategy allows the Ministry of Welfare to manage the disbursement of resources to millions of beneficiaries in an orderly manner. The current amount of 6,400 pesos is deposited directly into the Welfare Bank Card, ensuring access without withdrawal fees.

How does the payment schedule work according to your last name?

The distribution of payments follows a specific format where each letter of the last name is assigned certain days. During the week of January 19 to 23, 2026, the system processed deposits for people whose last names start with the letters M, N, Ñ, O, P, Q, and R. This schedule is not random: it allows the Welfare Bank to distribute the operational load, avoiding saturation and facilitating service to depositors.

Beneficiaries with last names starting with R received their payments twice during that period: on Thursday, January 22, and Friday, January 23, depending on the availability of the banking system. This flexibility ensures that no beneficiary is left without access to their resources.

The increase from 6,400 pesos: Annual increase due to inflation

The Welfare Pension increased by 200 pesos for 2026, going from 6,200 to 6,400 pesos bi-monthly. This adjustment responds to the constitutional mandate that the pension must increase annually according to the previous year’s inflation rate. The mechanism ensures that the purchasing power of older adults remains protected against economic fluctuations.

Complementary programs managed by Welfare

Beyond the pension for seniors, the Ministry of Welfare, led by Ariadna Montiel, distributes resources through other social programs under the same last name schedule:

• Welfare Women’s Pension: 3,100 pesos monthly for Mexican women aged 60 to 64
• Support for people with disabilities: 3,300 pesos bi-monthly
• Pension for working mothers: 1,650 pesos for single women with dependents

Managing these payments under a unified scheme simplifies administration and reduces processing times.

Practical recommendations to avoid complications

It is not necessary to withdraw the money on the same day as the deposit. The funds remain available in the account and can be used for purchases with the card or withdrawn later at a teller without additional charges. An advantage of the Welfare Bank is that it does not charge fees for cash withdrawals.

If the deposit does not appear reflected, first verify that your last name corresponds with the letter assigned in the schedule. Small delays are often resolved by the end of the banking day. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to use ATMs or visit during less busy hours.

Registrations for new beneficiaries: Upcoming dates

The Ministry of Welfare typically opens registration periods during the second month of each two-month cycle. This allows people turning 65— the minimum requirement— to join the program. Based on registration patterns from 2025, the next registration period is expected in February 2026.

Official announcements about dates and procedures are made during morning broadcasts hosted by President Claudia Sheinbaum, with participation from Secretary Ariadna Montiel. By the end of 2025, the beneficiary registry reached 18.5 million people, with projections to reach 20.3 million in 2026. This expansion reflects demographic aging and the growing coverage of social protection policies in the country.