Mexico seniority premium: $15,000 / 15 years → $90,000
At $15,000 a month (daily $500, under the 2026 2× min-wage cap) and 15 years on dismissal, the premium is $90,000 (12 × 15 × $500). Article 162 pays 12 days per year. Voluntary resignation needs 15 years; dismissal pays at any seniority.
Calculator default: $15,000 / 15 years / dismissal → $90,000. Daily wage is capped at twice the area minimum (arts. 485-486). Not the finiquito and not the 3-month indemnity.
Formula
Capped daily salary = min(daily salary, 2 × area daily minimum)
Premium = 12 × years (with proportional fraction) × capped daily salary
Example
Daily salary $400, 5 years of service, general zone (2026 minimum: $315.04; cap: $630.08):
- Cap check: $400 < $630.08, no cap applies.
- Premium: 12 × 5 × $400 = $24,000.00
With a $800 daily salary, capped at $630.08, 5 years give 12 × 5 × $630.08 = $37,804.80.
Reference table ($400/day, uncapped)
| Years | Days (12/yr) | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | $4,800.00 |
| 3 | 36 | $14,400.00 |
| 5 | 60 | $24,000.00 |
| 10 | 120 | $48,000.00 |
| 15 | 180 | $72,000.00 |
Common mistakes
- Skipping the cap: high salaries use twice the minimum, not the full real salary.
- Claiming it on resignation under 15 years: voluntary resignation requires 15 years of service.
- Confusing it with the indemnity: the premium adds to the 3 months and 20 days in a severance.
FAQs
Only with 15+ years of service (art. 162, section III). Below that, resignation settles proportional benefits but no premium.
The worker's daily salary, capped at twice the area minimum wage. Variable pay follows arts. 485-486.
Guidance based on the LFT. Not legal advice. Verify current caps, your exact seniority and your case with a professional.
Sources: Federal Labor Law (arts. 162, 485, 486); CONASAMI 2026.