How to Check and Locate Your AFORE from the United States

Do you have an AFORE and live in the United States? Here's how to check it

If you worked in Mexico and contributed to IMSS or ISSSTE, you very likely have an AFORE (Administradora de Fondos para el Retiro — Retirement Fund Administrator) with savings in your name. The good news is that you can check and locate your AFORE from the United States without needing to return to Mexico. In this article we explain step by step how to do it, what information you need, and which channels are available.

What is an AFORE and why is it important to locate it?

An AFORE is a private financial institution authorized by the Mexican government to manage workers' retirement savings funds. If at any point in your working life you contributed to Social Security in Mexico, your employer made contributions to your individual account at an AFORE. That money belongs to you, even if you have been living outside the country for years.

Many Mexicans in the United States are unaware that they have an accumulated balance, or do not remember which administrator they are registered with. Locating it is the first step toward protecting those savings, making voluntary contributions, and planning your retirement with greater peace of mind.

What you need before you begin

Before contacting any inquiry channel, have the following information ready:

• CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población — Unique Population Registry Code)
• NSS (IMSS Social Security Number)
• An active email address that you have access to
• A valid official ID (Mexican passport, consular ID card, etc.)

With this information you will be able to make inquiries through the various available channels.

How to locate your AFORE from the United States: available channels

1. SARTEL: the phone line from the U.S.

SARTEL (Sistema de Atención a Cuenta Habientes por Teléfono — Telephone Account Holder Service System) is the phone support service for the retirement savings system. From the United States you can call it toll-free at:

📞 1-844-582-4933

An agent will help you identify which AFORE your account is registered with, verify your balance, and answer questions about the management of your funds.

2. AforeMóvil: the app for your smartphone

AforeMóvil is the official Mexican government application available for iOS and Android. With it you can locate your AFORE, check your account statement, and make voluntary contributions directly from your phone, no matter what country you are in. You only need your CURP and NSS to register.

3. AforeWeb: online inquiry

If you prefer to do it from a computer, you can visit the portal www.aforeweb.com.mx to locate your administrator, check your balance, and manage procedures related to your retirement account.

4. The Financial Advisory Window at Mexican consulates

Mexican consulates in the United States offer the Ventanilla de Asesoría Financiera (VAF), a free personalized guidance service available to the Mexican community. If you have questions about your AFORE, are unsure how to use the digital platforms, or need support to start the process, you can go directly to your nearest consulate.

Consulates such as those in Phoenix (Arizona) and Detroit (Michigan) have actively promoted this service. VAF staff can advise you on how to check your AFORE, make voluntary contributions, and plan your retirement from abroad.

If you do not know which consulate is closest to you, you can find out at consuladosmexico.us.

Can I make contributions to my AFORE while living in the United States?

Yes. One of the advantages of the system is that you can make voluntary contributions from the U.S. through AforeMóvil or AforeWeb. These contributions increase your retirement balance and, in some cases, may provide tax benefits if you file taxes in Mexico. The consulate's Financial Advisory Window can also guide you on how to do this safely.

What if I never registered my AFORE?

If you never chose an AFORE, IMSS may have automatically assigned one to you. In that case, your account exists but you may not be aware of it. Using SARTEL, AforeMóvil, or AforeWeb you can identify it with your CURP and NSS. If you have difficulty finding it, visit the Financial Advisory Window at your consulate.

Frequently asked questions about checking your AFORE from the United States

How do I know if I have an AFORE?

If you ever worked formally in Mexico and contributed to IMSS or ISSSTE, you most likely have an AFORE assigned to you. You can verify this for free by calling SARTEL (1-844-582-4933 from the U.S.), visiting AforeWeb, or using the AforeMóvil app with your CURP and NSS.

Do I need to go to Mexico to check my AFORE?

No. You can check and manage your AFORE entirely from the United States through digital channels (AforeMóvil, AforeWeb) or by phone through SARTEL. You can also receive in-person guidance at the Financial Advisory Window of any Mexican consulate in the U.S.

What do I need to locate my AFORE online?

You need your CURP, your IMSS Social Security Number (NSS), and an active email address. With that information you can register on AforeMóvil or AforeWeb to locate your administrator and check your balance.

Can I withdraw my AFORE if I live in the United States?

Generally speaking, AFORE funds are intended for retirement. However, there are specific grounds for partial or full withdrawal (such as unemployment, marriage, or disability) regulated by Mexican law. It is recommended that you consult directly with your AFORE or with the consulate's Financial Advisory Window to learn about the requirements and procedures applicable to your situation. [verificar condiciones vigentes con tu AFORE]

Is the consulate's AFORE service free of charge?

Yes. The Ventanilla de Asesoría Financiera (VAF) is a free service offered by Mexican consulates in the United States. Its goal is to guide the community on topics of financial education, retirement savings, and the use of tools such as the AFORE.

Need personalized guidance? Visit your consulate

If you have additional questions about how to locate your AFORE, make contributions, or plan your retirement from the United States, the Ventanilla de Asesoría Financiera team at your nearest Mexican consulate is available to help you free of charge and on a personalized basis.

Find the address, phone number, and hours of the Mexican consulate nearest to your city at consuladosmexico.us, and schedule your visit or phone consultation in advance.

Your retirement savings are yours - don't leave them forgotten.