56 replies to this topic

[Tingting]

I genuinely don´t understand why this is stirring up so much heat. If you´re eligible for a card, you´re eligible. Let the Mexican government decide. Since the foreign community contributes a lot into the local economy, I don´t feel like anyone is "taking" benefits away from someone else, but simply using those that they´re entitled to. FWIW, I don´t have a dog in this fight as I´m not yet eligible.

[AlanMexicali]

I genuinely don´t understand why this is stirring up so much heat. If you´re eligible for a card, you´re eligible. Let the Mexican government decide. Since the foreign community contributes a lot into the local economy, I don´t feel like anyone is "taking" benefits away from someone else, but simply using those that they´re entitled to. FWIW, I don´t have a dog in this fight as I´m not yet eligible.

After reading most of the DIF website I think your post sums it up very well. Companies enroll to give discounts to card holders. They are partially listed on the website with particulars. Good for these companies!

[MtnMama]

I get about $7 off on my asthma meds at Soriana. They asked me for the card when I bought my fairly expensive meds. It is Soriana's choice and I will keep getting my meds there. A win-win. If the nice man from Texas wants to insist on paying full price for all his prescription medication, that is certainly his prerogative.

[Joco]

I genuinely don´t understand why this is stirring up so much heat. If you´re eligible for a card, you´re eligible. Let the Mexican government decide. Since the foreign community contributes a lot into the local economy, I don´t feel like anyone is "taking" benefits away from someone else, but simply using those that they´re entitled to. FWIW, I don´t have a dog in this fight as I´m not yet eligible.

 

Businesses offer coupons and discounts to get customers to buy from them. It is good for the business. If a business wants to give a DIF discount to attract customers, why shouldn't it?

 

Mexicans are smart enough to pass laws and rules to protect themselves and I doubt the few foreigners who use DIF are a concern to Mexicans.

[RVGRINGO]

Many elderly, retired expats use DIF and INAPAM cards to identify themselves as old enough to be eligible for discounts freely offered by merchants, farmacias, bus companies, etc.

I do not know any expats who are using the government funded social programs intended for the poor.

[AlanMexicali]

http://www.inm.gob.m...y_Migracion.pdf

 

"Powers of the National System for Integral Family Development: DIF

 

I.Provide social assistance for the care of children and adolescents
unaccompanied requiring protection services;

II. Tourist facilities and ensure the protection of children and
Unaccompanied migrant resolve the Institute as its
immigration status, as provided in Article 112 of this Law;

III.Grant with the Institute in implementing actions to
provide adequate care to migrants by different factors or
combination of them, facing the most vulnerable situations such as
children and young migrants."

 

It states on the SEGOB  INM website that legal residents of Mexico [immigrants]  can be enrolled in some  DIF programs if qualified.

 

It also appears those immigrants abusing any of their family can also be turned into a DIF office and punished by Mexican law.

 

It also states immigrants can enroll in IMSS or Seguro Popular and receive full benefits if qualified.

[Joco]

Most of us are seniors and only want and qualify for discounts that businesses freely want to give us.

 

We are not involving our families in DIF so the 99% of your DIF information does not apply to us.

[AlanMexicali]

Most of us are seniors and only want and qualify for discounts that businesses freely want to give us.

 

We are not involving our families in DIF so the 99% of your DIF information does not apply to us.

Well in that case you had better be nice to your wife at all times.

[Jistme]

We use the DIF card for medications from Walmart, haven't used it for anything else.

 

It has been mentioned that these cards offer discounts from a list of various local merchants...

 

it would be useful to know where we can we find this list?

 

 

[AlanMexicali]

We use the DIF card for medications from Walmart, haven't used it for anything else.

 

It has been mentioned that these cards offer discounts from a list of various local merchants...

 

it would be useful to know where we can we find this list?

 

 

 

http://sistemadif.ja...anvenerable.pdf

[Joco]

Well in that case you had better be nice to our wife at all times.

 

"Our wife?" I am not gay and do not have a wife. I don't even want a husband.

[ValGal]

Here is a question:  Do any of you know middle class, Mexican Seniors?  I only know two.  One, who owns a lovely home in La Floresta, does have her DIF card that she uses for discounts.  I never have been shopping with the other one, so I don't know.... but I will ask.  She is from a rather wealthy family.  It will be interesting to find out.

[Joco]

It's the businesses who choose to give discounts just like businesses up North give out coupons. They know once you are there you will buy other things also. Businesses can spend their money on advertising, coupons or discounts. Should we tell companies not to give out coupons because "the wrong" people might take advantage of them?

[satnrose]

any wonder mexico is raising requirements for foreigners?

Senior discounts and health care for forieners are offered be many countries as an incentive for attracting retirees. If Mexico can not deal with it economically, it is Mexico's issue to deal with. If the DIF is offered then it is offered as an entitlement to seniors, regardless of their income. The perception might be that we ex pats are elitist relevant to the dominate culture and therefore robbing the poor. Many down here are seniors, retired with fixed income, worried about inflation, and a discount now and then is welcome. Thank you for offering it Mexico. I do not belong to mexican health care but I am going to look into the DIF card. First time I've heard of it.

[El Toro Furioso]

The INAPAM card is a national government program--the link is upthread--designed for people over 60 who live in this country.  It is not specific for Mexicans, poor people, disabled people, blind people, deaf people, people with false teeth, or people with white hair.  It is designed for ANY people over 60 who might want it.  The benefits are excellent and are NOT government benefits; for example, if you want to travel by long-distance bus, the INAPAM card entitles you to a discount OFFERED BY THE BUS COMPANY, not by the government.

 

When I got my INAPAM card in Guadalajara, the process was fast and easy.  The card has no expiration date and you never have to update your information. 

I'd say if you want an INAPAM card, go to Guadalajara to get it.  As foreigners, all you need is a copy of your immigration document (FM-2, FM-3, Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente), or your proof of naturalization.  I copied that list directly from the INAPAM website here http://www.inapam.go..._Tarjeta_INAPAM

The Guadalajara address is in the basement of the building where INM has its offices.
Palacio Federal,
Av. Alcalde núm. 500,
Basamento A,
Col. Centro, C.P. 44280,
Guadalajara Jal.
Tel. 01 33 3658 2111

 

There's another office in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos:
IXTLAHUACAN DE LOS MEMBRILLOS
C. ABIGAIL BERNARDO ALDANA
OBREGON • 93 C.P. 45850
01 (376) 76 2 04 21

You need two pictures infantiles! or you will be very frustrated.

[More Liana]

The INAPAM office in Guadalajara takes your picture, you need not bring photos with you.

 

YMMV at the Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos office.

[HookEmHorns]

(NOB) AutoZone gives seniors 10% discount, but you have to ask for it. Whataburger gives seniors free drinks with their orders, and McDonald's gives a reduced priced drink, and I don't need to show my ID, just ask for it.  Nice to be trusted.