Introduction to the Piloting Program
A piloting program aimed at integrating digital platform workers, such as delivery and ride-hailing drivers, into Mexico’s social security system concluded in December 2025 with only partial progress in labor formalization.
Program Highlights and Key Findings
Over one million individuals were covered under some form of protection through the program. However, only a small fraction met the criteria to fully access the mandatory regime of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).
Access to Full Benefits
According to the IMSS, only 16.3% of digital platform workers reached the required monthly net income threshold to be registered as formal employment with IMSS. This group successfully gained complete access to the various security social benefits, including healthcare, maternity leave, work-related risks, disability, life insurance, and retirement-associated benefits.
Limited Protection for the Majority
The remaining 83.7% of workers fell under a more limited protection scheme, covered by the Occupational Risks Insurance. This insurance provides medical care and wage payments during periods of incapacity but does not include the full range of social security benefits.
Income Disparity and Viability Concerns
The significant gap between social coverage and labor formalization highlights the income diversity generated through digital platform work. This raises concerns about whether the set income threshold for formal registration is appropriate and feasible.
Average Daily Wages
The average daily wage for participants in the program was 392.4 pesos at the end of December, slightly higher than the previous month. Although this wage level remained above the initial obligatory phase registration threshold, it was insufficient for most workers to meet the monthly income requirement.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the piloting program’s objective? The program aimed to integrate digital platform workers into Mexico’s social security system.
- How many workers were covered by the program? Over one million individuals participated in the program.
- What percentage of workers gained full access to social security benefits? Only 16.3% of digital platform workers met the criteria for full access to IMSS benefits.
- What type of protection did the majority of workers receive? The remaining 83.7% received limited coverage through Occupational Risks Insurance.
- What are the concerns surrounding income thresholds for formal registration? There are doubts about whether the set income threshold is appropriate and viable, given the significant disparity between social coverage and labor formalization.
- What was the average daily wage for program participants? The average daily wage was 392.4 pesos at the program’s conclusion.
