Benazir Kafalat Program and Eligibility Criteria
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Kafalat Program is one of Pakistan’s largest financial assistance programs for low-income families. It is planned to support deserving women by providing regular cash support to help them cover basic household expenses such as food, education, and health care. This programme was started in 2008.
This program primarily focuses on families struggling due to poverty, unemployment, or rising living costs.
What Is the Benazir Kafalat Program?
The Benazir Kafalat Program is a part of BISP that provides financial support to eligible women from low-income households across Pakistan. The short-term aim is to reduce financial pressure and improve living standards for families who need help the most, especially women.
The long-range objective is to empower women to overcome poverty and support the Sustainable Development Goals.
Nowadays, about 9 million families receive cash assistance under the Benazir Kafalat program. The quarterly payment amount may change over time. Beneficiaries are informed about the latest installment through official BISP channels. Always verify the current amount from official sources. Some sources reported this amount, 12000 to 14000.
- This amount is for each quarter per family.
- The payment amount has increased over the years.
Payments are provided in phases, and beneficiaries are informed through official channels when their installment is released.
Key Benefits of the Kafaalat Program
- Regular financial assistance for daily household needs
- Support focused on women to improve family welfare
- Transparent system based on national socio-economic data
- Payment through designated banks and payment centers
Who Is Eligible for the Kafaalat Program?
Families selected through the proxy means test PMT. Using data mainly from the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey and government records. A person may qualify if:
- PMT score must be between 0 and 32, determined by the NSER survey.
- Families with disabilities can be eligible up to a PMT score of 37.
- Female applicants are targeted, widows, divorced, or the poorest families.
- The family has a low monthly income
- The household is already identified as financially vulnerable
- The applicant is a Pakistani citizen with a valid CNIC
- The woman is the head of the household or a responsible female family member
- The family does not have government employees with high salaries
- The household does not own large properties, businesses, or luxury vehicles
Transgender Person
A policy has been approved by BISP to include transgender persons in the Benazir Kafalat program. A transgender person does not need any PMT score limit. They only need a CNIC from Nadra on which they declared themselves transgender. Transgender individuals also need to complete the survey at a Benazir Registration center. After completing the successful survey, all transgender individuals can apply. At last, after verification from Nadra, they are declared recipients.
Next of Kin Policy (After Death of Beneficiary)
To continue the financial care to a family, BISP has a Next of Kin policy when a recipient passes away.
Under this BISP policy, an authorized family member of the departed beneficiary can be eligible to become the next beneficiary of the Benazir Kafalat Program through a simple process.
At the nearest BISP Tehsil office, the family must submit the following necessary documents of the deceased beneficiary.
- CNIC of departed beneficiary
- Death Certificate of the beneficiary from the Union Council
- CNIC cancellation certificate from the Nadra office
- CNIC of the other person who wants to become the next beneficiary
Final eligibility is always confirmed by BISP through their official system.
Documents You May Need
When visiting a center or completing verification, you may be asked for:
- Original CNIC
- Registered mobile number
- Children’s B-Form (if applicable)
- Utility bill (in some cases for address verification)
- To know about the registration process, an article will be available soon.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Eligibility
- Step 1: Open your mobile message app
- Step 2: Type your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes)
- Step 3: Send it to the official BISP SMS service number
- Step 4: Wait for a reply with your eligibility status
If declared eligible, you will receive further instructions about payment and verification.
Step-by-Step: How to Receive Payment
- Step 1: Wait for an official confirmation message about your installment
- Step 2: Visit the assigned payment center, retailer, or bank partner
- Step 3: Carry your original CNIC for biometric verification
- Step 4: Complete fingerprint verification
- Step 5: Receive your payment receipt and cash
Always count your money before leaving the center.
Important Tips to Stay Safe
- Registration and eligibility checks are free of cost
- Do not pay any agent or middleman
- Do not share your CNIC number with unknown people
- Only trust messages from official BISP channels
Report suspicious calls or messages to the BISP helpline
