On May 7, 2025, long lines formed outside the Banco del Bienestar branches across Mexico as beneficiaries of various social programs, particularly the Pension del Bienestar for older adults, gathered to collect their bi-monthly support of 6,200 pesos. This surge in activity was primarily due to delays in the disbursement of these funds, which had caused considerable anxiety among recipients.
Many beneficiaries arrived early, eager to ensure they would receive their payments after experiencing delays in the first days of May. The Secretariat of Welfare explained that these delays were attributed to public holidays, which disrupted the usual payment schedule. According to the established calendar, payments for those whose first last name begins with the letter A were scheduled for May 7, while those with the letter B would receive their payments on May 8, and payments for the letter C were set for May 9.
Among the crowd was Mr. Víctor, an older adult who expressed his frustration at the delays, stating, "It affected me a little because I pay rent and need to eat, so I had to borrow money. Thank God we are finally going to get paid and start paying off my debts." His situation reflects the struggles many face when support payments are delayed.
Mrs. Mónica, another beneficiary, was proactive in checking her balance through the Banco del Bienestar app before heading to the branch located at the headquarters of the Poder Judicial de la Ciudad de México. "I checked my balance to see if the deposit was in my account. I verified it, and that’s why I came to collect my payment," she said.
Some beneficiaries, like Mr. Juan Carlos, had attempted to collect their payments as early as May 2, only to find the Banco del Bienestar closed. "It was an irregularity because of the holiday. We could have collected starting on May 2, but the bank was closed," he lamented.
Payments are not limited to the Pension del Bienestar for older adults; they also include the Pension for People with Disabilities, the Pension Mujeres Bienestar, and the Program for the Well-Being of Girls and Boys, Children of Working Mothers. Each of these programs provides crucial financial support to vulnerable populations.
In addition to the Pension del Bienestar, pensioners from the IMSS and ISSSTE eagerly await their payments each month. The IMSS pension is typically disbursed on the first of the month, while ISSSTE pension payments are made at the end of the month. The next IMSS payment is due on June 2, 2025, and the ISSSTE payment on May 30, 2025.
For those relying on the Pension del Bienestar, the payments are structured differently. Beneficiaries receive 6,200 pesos every two months, which translates to 3,100 pesos a month. This support is intended to help older adults maintain a better quality of life and cover essential expenses.
On May 15, 2025, additional payments will be made to beneficiaries of the Sembrando Vida program, who receive 6,450 pesos monthly. The Pension for the Well-Being of People with Disabilities provides 3,200 pesos, while women beneficiaries of the Pension Mujeres Bienestar receive 3,000 pesos. The Program for the Well-Being of Girls and Boys, Children of Working Mothers, offers financial support ranging from 830 to 3,600 pesos per child, depending on family circumstances.
As the payment schedule unfolds, it is crucial for beneficiaries to be aware of the specific dates for their respective payments. The Banco del Bienestar has published a detailed payment schedule by alphabetical order, ensuring that beneficiaries know when to expect their funds. For example, those whose last names begin with the letter A received their payments on May 7, while those with the letter B are set to receive theirs on May 8, and so on, culminating in payments for those with last names starting with W, X, Y, and Z on May 30.
However, the Secretariat of Welfare also announced that there will be days when no deposits will be made, including on May 10 and 11 for Mother’s Day, and subsequent weekends throughout the month. Ariadna Montiel Reyes, head of the Secretariat, emphasized the importance of adhering to the established payment calendar.
In the Juárez region alone, approximately 168,243 individuals are enrolled in the federal government's Pension for the Well-Being program. These beneficiaries can withdraw their payments either at the bank branches or through ATMs using their Banco del Bienestar cards.
On May 7, 2025, the situation was particularly pressing in Guadalajara, where hundreds of older adults lined up outside the Banco del Bienestar branch on Juárez Avenue. Many faced physical challenges, arriving with walkers and canes, while others had not eaten breakfast before waiting in line. Juan Manuel Arriaga, over seventy years old, expressed his frustration after having visited the bank multiple times without success. "I’ve been here since 7:30 a.m. Today is my second visit this week. I came on May 2, but there was nothing available," he shared, highlighting the emotional toll these delays can take.
The recommendation for all beneficiaries is to wait for their designated payment date based on the initial letter of their last name, as some had arrived prematurely and were disappointed to find no funds available. Federal delegate Katia Meave urged patience, reiterating that the payment schedule is published to ensure clarity for all recipients.
As the disbursement period continues through May 30, 2025, it is essential for beneficiaries to remain informed and prepared to access their much-needed financial support. The Pension del Bienestar program plays a vital role in providing stability for millions of older adults and vulnerable populations across Mexico.
