Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) – Full Guide & How to Check Eligibility / Payment (2026 Guide)
This guide explains what BISP is, who is eligible, how to register, how to check eligibility and payments using CNIC (8171), and what to do if payments are stopped.
1. What Is the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)?
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is Pakistan’s largest social welfare and cash assistance program, launched to support poor and deserving families, especially women.
BISP provides:
Regular cash payments to eligible families
Financial support during inflation and economic hardship
Assistance through programs like:
BISP Kafalat
Benazir Taleemi Wazaif
Emergency relief programs
BISP payments are managed through the 8171 system and linked with NADRA and NSER data.
2. Who Can Benefit from BISP?
BISP is designed for low-income and vulnerable households in Pakistan.
Eligible Groups Include:
Poor families with no stable income
Widows and divorced women
Female-headed households
Persons with disabilities
Elderly people with no support
Families living below the poverty line
📌 Payments are usually issued in the name of a woman in the household.
3. BISP Eligibility Criteria (2026)
You may be eligible for BISP if:
✔ You are a Pakistani citizen
✔ You have a valid CNIC
✔ Your family income is below the poverty threshold
✔ Your household is registered in NSER survey
✔ No family member is a government employee (Grade 1–22)
✔ You do not own large land, business, or luxury assets
✔ You are not a regular tax filer
You Are NOT Eligible If:
❌ You or your spouse is a government employee
❌ You receive pension or major government aid
❌ You own commercial property or large land
❌ Your income is above BISP limits
❌ You provided false information
4. What Is NSER Survey & Why It Is Important?
NSER (National Socio-Economic Registry) is the backbone of BISP.
During NSER survey:
Household income is assessed
Family size and expenses are recorded
Poverty score (PMT) is calculated
📌 Without NSER registration, you cannot receive BISP payments.
5. Documents Required for BISP Registration
When visiting a BISP office or survey center, carry:
Original CNIC
CNIC copy
Children’s B-Forms (if any)
Utility bill (if asked)
Disability certificate (if applicable)
Death certificate (for widows)
⚠️ CNIC must be valid and unexpired.
6. How to Register for BISP (New Registration – 2026)
Step-by-Step Registration Process:
Step 1: Visit Nearest BISP / Ehsaas Office
Go to:
BISP Tehsil Office
ORNSER Dynamic Survey Center
Step 2: Complete NSER Dynamic Survey
Provide household details
Income and expenses recorded
Family members verified
Biometric verification done
Step 3: Data Verification
NADRA verifies CNIC
Poverty score calculated
Eligibility decided
Step 4: Wait for 8171 SMS
If eligible, you will receive:
“You are eligible for BISP” from 8171
📌 Registration is free – no agent required.
7. How to Check BISP Eligibility by CNIC (8171)
Method 1: SMS Method (Most Common)
Open mobile SMS
Type your CNIC number (without dashes)
Send to 8171
You will receive reply showing:
Eligible
Under verification
Not eligible
Visit office
Method 2: Online Eligibility Check
Open official 8171 web portal
Enter CNIC number
Enter captcha code
Click submit
Your eligibility status appears on screen.
Method 3: Visit BISP Office
Carry:
Original CNIC
Ask staff to check:
Eligibility status
Survey status
Payment record
8. How to Check BISP Payment by CNIC
Payment Check via SMS (8171)
Send CNIC to 8171
Reply shows:
Payment released
Payment pending
Verification required
Payment Check via Online Portal
Enter CNIC on 8171 portal
View:
Payment amount
Installment status
Collection instructions
9. How to Collect BISP Payment
Payments can be collected from:
Authorized BISP payment centers
Partner banks or retailers
Biometric verification required
Payment Steps:
Visit payment center
Provide CNIC
Biometric fingerprint verification
Receive cash + receipt
⚠️ Always count money before leaving.
10. Why BISP Payment Is Stopped or Blocked
Common reasons include:
CNIC expired
NSER survey incomplete
Income status changed
Government job detected
Biometric verification failure
Duplicate registration
Ignoring 8171 messages
👉 Most cases are temporary and fixable.
11. How to Reactivate a Blocked BISP Payment
Identify reason via 8171
Fix issue:
Renew CNIC
Update NSER survey
Correct family data
Visit BISP office if required
Wait for re-verification SMS
⏱ Reactivation may take 2–6 weeks.
12. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Paying agents
❌ Ignoring 8171 SMS
❌ Providing false income details
❌ Using someone else’s CNIC
❌ Not updating household changes
❌ Using fake websites
⚠️ BISP services are 100% free.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is BISP registration open in 2026?
Yes, through NSER Dynamic Survey.
Q2: Can men apply for BISP?
Yes, but payments are usually issued to women.
Q3: How much money does BISP give?
Amount depends on program and installment.
Q4: Can I appeal if declared ineligible?
Yes, by visiting BISP office for review.
Q5: Does expired CNIC stop payment?
Yes. CNIC must be valid.
Q6: Is online registration available?
No. Physical NSER survey is mandatory.
14. Conclusion
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is a lifeline for millions of poor families in Pakistan. If you meet the eligibility criteria and complete the NSER survey correctly, you can receive regular financial assistance.
Key Takeaways:
✔ CNIC must be valid
✔ NSER survey is compulsory
✔ Use only 8171 official channels
✔ Payments are issued after verification
✔ Avoid agents and fake messages