Who can collect the AFORE of a deceased relative and how to do it?

When a worker dies, the money accumulated in their Afore account is not lost. These savings become part of their estate and can be given to those entitled to receive them, provided they meet the legal requirements. Both the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the Retirement Savings System (SAR) have an official procedure to ensure that these funds reach the corresponding beneficiaries.

Legal beneficiaries are those officially recognized by the IMSS or ISSSTE to receive funds from the deceased worker's Afore account. According to the regulations, they may be:

• Widow or widower of the owner.
• Children under 16 years of age ; if they are older, they must prove that they are studying or that they cannot support themselves due to a disability.
• Concubine or concubinary , in case there is no registered marriage.
• Persons designated as beneficiaries by the holder, even if they are not family members.

Official recognition as a beneficiary is obtained through a resolution from the Federal Court of Conciliation and Arbitration , which is an essential step before claiming resources.

• Legal beneficiaries : They must go to the IMSS sub-delegation or the ISSSTE Economic Benefits area to begin the recognition process.
• Substitute beneficiaries : When there are no legal beneficiaries, other persons designated by the worker may claim the savings, but they must process their recognition directly before the Federal Court of Conciliation and Arbitration .

1. Obtaining the beneficiary resolution The first step is to prove beneficiary status before the IMSS, ISSSTE or the Court, as appropriate.
2. Go to the Afore Once the beneficiary status has been recognized, you must go to the Afore in which the worker was registered.
3. Fill out the Funds Disposal Form This document is provided by the Afore and is used to formalize the request for withdrawal of funds.
4. Submit the required documentation :
   • Social Security Number (NSS) of the deceased holder.
   • Valid official identification of the beneficiary.
   • Birth certificate of the beneficiary.
   • CURP and death certificate of the holder.
   • Recent proof of address (no older than three months).
   • Bank statement with CLABE in the name of the beneficiary.
   • Account statement or balance certification issued by the Afore.
   • Beneficiary designation form (in case of voluntary contributions).

Once the application is approved and all documents verified, the Afore releases the funds through a lump sum payment to the beneficiary or beneficiaries. The time this process takes may vary depending on the institution, but in general, the process is completed within weeks if the documentation is complete.

If the Afore where the worker was registered is not known, there are two options to consult it:

• Call 55 1328 5000 (SAR's official number).
• Consult the worker's NSS on the Afore Web portal or the Afore Mobile app .

This information is essential to initiate the procedure, since without it the formal application cannot be submitted.

Complying with each step and gathering the requested documents is key to avoiding delays or rejections in the process. Savings in the Afore account are a property right of the worker, and therefore cannot be claimed by individuals who do not legally prove their status as beneficiaries. Furthermore, the procedure established by the IMSS, ISSSTE, and the SAR seeks to protect these funds and ensure they reach those who truly deserve them.

• Gather all the documentation before going to the Afore.
• Verify that official records and documents are up-to-date and free of errors in names or dates.
• Keep certified copies of everything delivered.
• If you have any doubts about your beneficiary status, consult a social security lawyer .

The AFORE (Financial System of Income) of a deceased worker is inheritable, but to collect it, you must prove your status as a beneficiary, gather complete documentation, and follow the official procedure of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), the ISSSTE (National Institute of Social Security), or the Federal Court of Conciliation and Arbitration . This process ensures that the savings of a deceased worker's entire working life reach the people entitled to receive them, whether they are immediate family members or designated beneficiaries. By following the established steps and requirements, you can access this wealth legally and securely.