Introduction
Starting January 1, 2026, digital platform workers aiming for full protection under the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) will need to earn close to 19,000 pesos monthly. The Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS) has published new exclusion percentages of net income.
Who are the affected workers?
This change primarily impacts drivers and delivery personnel who use cars. They will need to generate nearly double the monthly minimum wage for regulatory exclusion, ensuring access to social security. Meanwhile, cyclists will require almost the minimum wage.
Purpose of Exclusion Criteria
According to the published agreement in the DOF, these exclusion criteria aim to balance effective labor rights protection for digital platform workers with job availability. This ensures decent working conditions and progressive access to social security.
Minimum Income for IMSS Affiliation
Despite the new exclusion percentages, the minimum salary required to affiliate with IMSS and obtain its five insurance benefits remains unchanged. Workers must earn at least 9,582.47 pesos monthly after deductions based on their mode of transportation.
Legal Framework
Article 291-F of the Federal Labor Law specifies that social security contributions are calculated based on the base salary, excluding tips. Article 291-C defines platform workers as those earning at least one minimum wage monthly.
Income Requirements by Transportation Category
- Category A: Automobile
- Drivers or delivery personnel must earn at least 18,427.83 pesos monthly after a 48% deduction to reach the insurance threshold.
- Category B: Motorcycle
- Motorcycle delivery personnel need to earn a minimum of 14,092.46 pesos monthly after a 32% deduction for full IMSS coverage.
- Category C: Bicycle or no transportation
- Cyclists or those without motorized transportation must earn at least 9,878.83 pesos monthly (almost the minimum wage) after a 3% deduction for social security access.
Benefits and Limitations
Workers who meet or exceed the income requirement can access all five IMSS benefits: sickness and maternity, work-related risks, invalidity and life, retirement, advanced age and old age, daycare, and social benefits. Those who don’t meet the requirement will only receive work-related risks coverage, protecting them against accidents during service delivery or illnesses contracted while working.
