IMSS Expands Coverage for Independent Workers in Mexico

In January 2025, IMSS registered a significant increase in the number of independent workers joining its Social Security program, with 289,133 new enrollments under the "Independent Workers" (PTI) scheme. This program, designed for self-employed individuals, allows them to access social security benefits for themselves and their legal beneficiaries.

This initiative is a major step in creating a more inclusive system for the 13 million independent workers in Mexico, explained Eduardo Alcaraz, Head of the Incorporation Unit, IMSS. Alcaraz also emphasized that the PTI scheme has the potential to provide more comprehensive coverage without the need for workers to falsely claim an employer-employee relationship. 

The PTI program offers a range of benefits, including medical and hospital care, economic allowances, and coverage across the five insurance types mandated by the Social Security Law. These include protection for workplace accidents, disability pensions, retirement savings, daycare, and other social services. 

One of the program's unique features is the full online registration process, which allows participants to adjust their reported income and pay their contributions flexibly—monthly, bimonthly, semiannually, or annually. It also covers the registration of legal beneficiaries and allows contributions to the National Housing Fund for Workers (INFONAVIT).

Among the workers joining the scheme, the largest groups are vendors and self-employed individuals in retail, with 99,000 and 14,190 people respectively. Other significant groups include professionals in economics, administrative sciences, and the arts, as well as technical workers and those in rental services. Of the 290,000 newly registered independent workers, 47% are women and 53% are men. The average age of enrollees is 55 for women and 56 for men.

In addition to serving those in Mexico, the PTI scheme also offers coverage for Mexicans working abroad. Currently, 11,570 individuals in this category have registered, taking advantage of the online enrollment process.

The PTI scheme was introduced in January 2021 as a pilot program and has since expanded significantly. Previously, the only option for independent workers to join IMSS was through "Modality 44," which peaked at 33,000 members in 2017. Today, nearly 10 times that number has enrolled under the PTI program.