Chihuahua has a relatively generous social pension that is means-tested, benefitting 15,000 residents aged 70 years and older. The scheme is known as “becas alimenticias” (food supplements) and forms part of a broader programme, “Vive a Plenitud”. The pension was 862 pesos in 2011, and is 898 pesos (US$70) in 2012. Payment is electronic, to a debit card that can be used only to purchase food and a limited amount of cleaning supplies each month. The number of beneficiaries were the same in 2011 as in 2012.
Information is scarce, but expansion of the federal 70+ programme to urban centres appears to have had no effect on Chihuahua’s local scheme, even though, previously, the state limited its pensions to urban areas that the federal programme did not reach. In any event, by September 2012, the federal government had signed up 21,000 urban beneficiaries of 70+, who joined the approximately 45,000 rural beneficiaries of 70+. As many as 15,000 elderly residents of Chihuahua must be receiving both state and federal pensions, for a total of 1,498 pesos each month. The evidence suggests this, despite the clear prohibition of a beneficiary receiving monthly income on a regular basis from any other source. (The 70+ benefit, fortunately, is paid bi-monthly, not monthly!)
Here (in Spanish) are the complete rules for applicants. They are mercifully short.
Tener más de 70 años.
Ser de muy escasos recursos (alta vulnerabilidad o marginación).
Presentarse en los modulos del programa
- Presentar documento oficial que acredite su edad (Acta de Nacimiento o CURP)
- Identificación oficial (Credencial de elector).
- Comprobante de domicilio. No contar con asistencia medica de ningun tipo.
- No contar con niguna percepcion mensual fija. (Por pensión, trabajo u otro apoyo de Gobierno).Government of Chihuahua, “Requisitos“, Vive a Plenitud. Programa integral para el adulto mayor. Beca alimenticia.
