Old Age Pensions in Mexico: Toward Universal Coverage

Abstract

This paper chronicles the rise of social pensions in Mexico. First it summarizes the pension system prior to introduction of social pensions. Next it describes how Mexico City, the federal government, and seventeen of Mexico’s 31 states initiated social pensions, a policy supported eventually by each of the three major political parties. It concludes with thoughts on what remains to be done.

Keywords: government transfers, non-contributory pensions, universal pensions, social pensions, pension reform, social security, Mexico

JEL Classification: H55, J14, J18