Many single mothers, fathers, and guardians in Mexico face the same challenge: how to ensure childcare while they work, study, or look for a job.
With that in mind, the federal government is maintaining in 2025 the Programa de Apoyo para el Bienestar de Niñas y Niños, Hijos de Madres Trabajadoras—a policy that provides direct financial support to families who need it most.
If you want to understand how it works, who can enroll, and how to apply for the benefit, this guide is for you. See below!
Step-by-step to apply in 2025
Check whether registration is open in your municipality or state
The program opens enrollment periods in specific months of the year. It’s important to follow announcements from the Secretaría de Bienestar and the service modules to know when your region is receiving new applications.
Find the nearest service module
Go to the official “Ubica tu módulo” site and confirm the address and opening hours. That’s where you will submit your documentation.
Gather all required documents
- Valid official ID (INE, passport, or national ID).
- CURP for the mother, father, or guardian and for the child.
- Child’s birth certificate.
- Recent proof of address.
- Statement that you work, study, or are looking for a job.
- Non-affiliation letters for IMSS and ISSSTE (except for guardians).
- For children with disabilities: medical certificate (when the condition is not visible).
- For the maternal-orphanhood modality, you must also present the mother’s death certificate and, in some cases, documents proving legal custody.
Go to the module on the indicated date
Bring originals and copies, fill out the forms, and sign all necessary terms. Staff will review your documents and confirm your application.
Receive your Banco del Bienestar card
Once approved, payment is made via a bank card. You can track the bimonthly deposits directly in your linked account.
Follow official announcements
The Secretaría de Bienestar publishes, on its pages and in modules, the dates for card delivery and payment releases. It is essential to keep your information up to date and follow the guidance provided at the time of enrollment.
Who can apply?
The program targets two main groups:
1) Working mothers, single fathers, and guardians
- Children from birth up to the day before turning 4.
- Children with disabilities: up to the day before turning 6.
- You may enroll up to three children per family (or more in cases of multiple births).
2) Children and youth in maternal orphanhood
- From birth up to 23 years of age.
- The goal is to support continuity in studies and the well-being of those who have lost their mother.
Benefit amounts in 2025
The benefit is paid every two months, directly to the Banco del Bienestar card. Amounts are as follows:
- Children aged 0–4: 1,650 pesos bimonthly (about 825 per month).
- Children with disabilities up to 6: 3,720 pesos bimonthly (about 1,860 per month).
Maternal orphanhood:
- 0 to 15 years: 830 pesos bimonthly.
- 16 to 18 years: 1,130 pesos bimonthly.
- 19 to 23 years: 1,240 pesos bimonthly.
Why this policy was created
Mexico implemented this program in 2019, at the beginning of the Andrés Manuel López Obrador administration, to replace the former daycare-subsidy system. The previous model was ended after reports of insufficient oversight and possible misuse.
Its main goals are to:
- Support mothers who need to work, study, or look for a job and have no one to care for their children.
- Extend the benefit to single fathers and legal guardians.
- Transfer resources directly to families, without intermediaries, giving them more freedom to decide how to use the support.
- Focus on families without IMSS or ISSSTE coverage, generally the most vulnerable.
- Provide support in cases of maternal orphanhood, protecting children and youth into early adulthood.
Required documents in detail
For working mothers and single fathers:
- Valid official ID.
- CURP for the applicant and the child.
- Birth certificate.
- Proof of address (issued within the last six months).
- Sworn statement that you work, study, or are looking for a job.
- Non-affiliation letters for IMSS and ISSSTE.
- Medical certificate (when a disability is not visible).
For maternal orphanhood:
- Valid ID for the responsible adult or for the youth themself (if of age).
- Mother’s death certificate or a recent presumption-of-death order.
- Child’s or youth’s birth certificate and CURP.
- Proof of address.
- Responsibility letter on proper use of the funds.
- Document proving legal custody, if required.
Where to follow official information
- Portal Programas para el Bienestar
- Secretaría de Bienestar
- Ubica tu módulo
These pages centralize notices, calendars, and the program’s current operating rules.
Important tips for applicants
- Don’t wait until the last minute: modules can have long lines during enrollment periods.
- Bring originals and copies: missing a document can delay your enrollment.
- Keep your data up to date: if your address or phone changes, inform the module so you don’t miss notices.
- Keep your card safe: payments are made exclusively via Banco del Bienestar.
- Track official dates: you’ll know when new enrollments open and when payments are released.
Conclusion
The Programa de Apoyo para el Bienestar de Niñas y Niños, Hijos de Madres Trabajadoras is currently one of the federal government’s most important initiatives to support families in vulnerable situations.
It arose from the need to give working mothers and single fathers a way to reconcile childcare with professional or academic life.
In 2025, the program remains active, offering bimonthly payments that vary according to the child’s or youth’s age and circumstances.
To apply, just follow the step-by-step: check the enrollment window, find the nearest module, gather documents, register, and follow official announcements.
More than a financial aid, this policy recognizes the importance of supporting those who carry the dual responsibility of working and caring. If you encounter any hurdles, this guide was made to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
