Mexico’s Beca Rita Cetina program, providing financial aid to students in basic education, began distributing payments for the January-February period on February 16, 2026. The disbursements, which will continue through February 27, are being issued in a staggered fashion based on the first letter of recipients’ last names, according to program officials. This ongoing support aims to bolster school attendance and ease the financial burden on families, reinforcing the Mexican government’s commitment to accessible education.
The Beca Rita Cetina program, formerly known as the Beca Benito Juárez, provides crucial financial assistance to students and their families. For secondary school students, the benefit amounts to 1,900 pesos per bimestre (two-month period). Families with multiple children in secondary school receive an additional 700 pesos per child, providing increased support for larger households. The program’s continued operation underscores its importance in supporting educational access across Mexico.
Payment Schedule for January-February 2026
The distribution of funds is organized alphabetically by the first letter of the recipient’s last name. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the payment schedule, as confirmed by program administrators:
- February 16: Last names beginning with A and B
- February 17: Last names beginning with C
- February 18: Last names beginning with D, E, and F
- February 19: Last names beginning with G
- February 20: Last names beginning with H, I, J, K, and L
- February 23: Last names beginning with M
- February 24: Last names beginning with N, Ñ, O, P, and Q
- February 25: Last names beginning with R
- February 26: Last names beginning with S
- February 27: Last names beginning with T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z
Beneficiaries are receiving these funds directly to the debit cards issued by Banco del Bienestar, the state-owned bank established to facilitate social program payments. The official program website provides further details and resources for recipients.
Special Payment for New Beneficiaries
A significant feature of this payment cycle is a special disbursement for new beneficiaries who received their debit cards in January. These families will receive a “triple payment,” covering three bimestres at once. This equates to 5,700 pesos for families with one eligible child, providing substantial financial relief and support for educational expenses. This initiative aims to quickly provide assistance to those recently enrolled in the program.
Beca Rita Cetina Support Levels
The amount of financial support provided through the Beca Rita Cetina program varies depending on the student’s educational level. Secondary school students receive 1,900 pesos per bimestre, with an additional 700 pesos for each additional sibling also enrolled in secondary school. New primary school entrants are eligible for a one-time annual payment of 2,500 pesos. These varying levels of support are designed to address the specific financial needs of students at different stages of their education.
The Beca Rita Cetina program continues to be a cornerstone of the Mexican government’s efforts to strengthen educational access and equity. By providing direct financial assistance to families, the program aims to reduce barriers to education and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. The program’s continuation of support for former Beca Benito Juárez recipients further demonstrates its commitment to long-term educational investment.
| Letter | Day |
|---|---|
| A, B | Monday, February 16 |
| C | Tuesday, February 17 |
| D, E, F | Wednesday, February 18 |
| G | Thursday, February 19 |
| H, I, J, K, L | Friday, February 20 |
| M | Monday, February 23 |
| N, Ñ, O, P, Q | Tuesday, February 24 |
| R | Wednesday, February 25 |
| S | Thursday, February 26 |
| T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z | Friday, February 27 |
The final disbursement date for this cycle is February 27, 2026. Beneficiaries with questions or concerns are encouraged to visit the official Beca Rita Cetina website for more information and support.
We encourage readers to share this information with those who may be eligible for the Beca Rita Cetina program and to abandon any questions or comments below.
