Ehsaas Kafalat Program 2025: Complete Guide to Registration, CNIC Check & Payments
The Benazir Kafalat Program (also known as Ehsaas Kafalat) is Pakistan’s largest unconditional cash transfer program, administered by BISP since 2008. Check your Rs. 13,500/14,000 quarterly payment status instantly with your CNIC.
Alternative Ways to Check Status
SMS to 8171
Send your CNIC to 8171
Official Portal
Visit 8171.bisp.gov.pk
Helpline
Call 0800-26477
Kafalat Program Overview 2025
What is the Ehsaas (Benazir) Kafalat Program?
Program Identity & Purpose
The Benazir Kafalat Program is the core unconditional cash transfer (UCT) component of Pakistan’s social safety net. Launched in 2008 under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), it was later branded as Ehsaas Kafalat during 2019-2022 under the broader Ehsaas Initiative.
Key clarification: Both names refer to the same program administered by BISP under the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety (PASS).
Core Mission
- 💰 Provide financial cushion against economic shocks
- 👩 Empower women through direct cash transfers
- 🎯 Target Pakistan’s most vulnerable households
- 📈 Support poverty alleviation and social protection
Women-Centric Approach
The program specifically targets female heads of households, recognizing women as key agents of family welfare. Cash transfers are deposited directly into women’s accounts, enhancing their financial autonomy and decision-making power.
Program Evolution Timeline
BISP Establishment
Benazir Income Support Programme launched. Initial selection through Parliamentary recommendations.
NSER Introduction
Shift to objective, data-driven selection via National Socio-Economic Registry survey.
Ehsaas Branding
Program branded under Ehsaas Initiative umbrella, gaining wider public recognition.
Emergency Response
Separate Ehsaas Emergency Cash program launched during COVID-19 (Rs. 12,000-25,000 one-time payments).
Current Operations
Robust operations under BISP with Rs. 716 billion budget. New payment amount: Rs. 13,500-14,000 quarterly.
Are You Eligible? Check the Latest Criteria for 2025
The program uses specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify the most deserving households. Review the requirements below to assess your qualification.
✅ You MAY Be Eligible If…
- Your total household income is less than Rs. 25,000 per month
- You are a female with valid CNIC
- You are a widow, divorced, or have disabled family member
- Your NSER poverty score is 32 or below (37 if disabled family member)
- You represent the poorest households in your community
❌ You Are NOT Eligible If…
- Any family member works for government or receives pension
- Your family owns more than 3 acres farmland or 80 sq. yards residential land
- Any family member has passport or NICOP (except Hajj)
- You are receiving aid from another government welfare program
- Any family member has regular bank account (except microfinance)
🎯 Priority Demographics
Widowed Women
Female heads of household without adult male family support
Families with Disabilities
Households including physical or mental disability (score raised to 37)
Unemployed Households
Families without stable employment or income sources
How to Register for the First Time: The NSER Survey Explained
Understanding the NSER Survey
The National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) is the foundational database used by the Government of Pakistan to identify poor and vulnerable households for all social protection programs. This survey is the only gateway for new families to enter the Kafalat Program.
📋 Step-by-Step Registration Process
Locate BISP Registration Center
Find your nearest BISP Tehsil office or dedicated NSER registration center. These are established across Pakistan specifically for conducting surveys.
Gather Required Documents
The female head of household must bring original documents:
- ✓ Valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
- ✓ Child Registration Certificates (B-Forms) for all children
- ✓ Recent utility bills (electricity/gas) if available
Participate in NSER Survey
Trained BISP staff will conduct detailed survey about your household’s socio-economic status, including:
- Family composition and demographics
- Education levels of household members
- Employment and income sources
- Assets ownership (property, livestock, vehicles)
Await Confirmation via SMS
After survey completion and data entry into NSER database:
- Processing and verification period begins
- Poverty score calculated based on survey responses
- If score ≤32 (or ≤37 with disability), you qualify
- Official SMS confirmation sent from 8171
💡 Registration Success Tips
📄 Document Preparation
Ensure all documents are original and current. Expired CNICs must be renewed first.
🕐 Timing
Visit centers during working hours. Avoid peak times for faster service.
💯 Honesty
Provide completely accurate information. Verification is thorough.
📱 Follow-up
Keep your mobile number active for SMS updates from 8171.
BISP Payment Details: How Much is the New Installment and When is it Paid?
💰 Current Kafalat Payment Amount
Quarterly installment (every 3 months). Exact amount depends on your eligibility category. Verify your specific entitlement via 8171 portal.
🔍 Payment Amount Clarification
Many beneficiaries are confused by different payment amounts mentioned online. Here’s the accurate breakdown:
Regular Kafalat Stipend
Quarterly payment for active Kafalat beneficiaries in 2024-2025
Emergency Cash Program
One-time COVID-19 relief payment or flood assistance, NOT regular Kafalat
Old Emergency Payment
Initial COVID-19 emergency cash, not current Kafalat installment
Conditional Programs
Taleemi Wazaif (education) or Nashonuma (health) – paid in addition to Kafalat
📅 Payment Schedule & Disbursement
Quarterly Payments
Kafalat payments are disbursed once every three months. BISP announces specific dates for each cycle.
SMS Notifications
Beneficiaries receive SMS from 8171 when payment is ready for collection.
Check Schedule
Visit 8171 web portal or local BISP offices for current payment schedule updates.
How to Receive Your Payment: A Guide to BVS, ATMs, and the New Sahulat Account
Payment Collection Evolution
Payment methods have evolved significantly to improve security and accessibility. Here are the current and upcoming options:
Biometric Verification System (BVS)
How it works:
Visit designated POS retailer (HBL/Bank Alfalah partners). Agent uses POS machine to verify your fingerprint and disburses cash.
Requirements:
- Original CNIC
- Physical presence for fingerprint scan
- Female beneficiary must collect personally
✅ Advantages
- Wide network of agents
- Secure biometric verification
- Direct cash collection
❌ Disadvantages
- Risk of agent malpractice
- Fingerprint failures
- Travel required
BISP Sahulat Account
How it will work:
Quarterly stipend deposited directly into dedicated bank account. Withdraw at any ATM or bank branch at your convenience.
Current Status:
- Pilot phase in Karachi and Lahore
- Nationwide rollout planned
- All 9.3 million beneficiaries to receive accounts
✅ Benefits
- Full control over funds
- 24/7 ATM access
- Eliminates agent dependency
- Enhances financial inclusion
ATM Withdrawal (Existing Cards)
For existing cardholders:
Beneficiaries with active BISP debit cards can still use ATMs of partner banks.
Requirements:
- Valid BISP debit card
- PIN number
- ATM literacy
Note: Most beneficiaries now use BVS system. This option mainly for existing cardholders.
💡 Safe Collection Tips
Security First
Never share your CNIC or personal details with unauthorized persons
No Fees
Never pay any fee for registration or payment collection
Official SMS Only
Trust only SMS from 8171 short code for payment notifications
Report Issues
Report agent malpractice to BISP helpline: 0800-26477
Understanding the Wider BISP Ecosystem
Kafalat is the cornerstone of a larger social protection ecosystem. Beneficiaries often qualify for additional targeted support programs.
Benazir Taleemi Wazaif
Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program linked directly to Kafalat. Families receiving Kafalat stipend can enroll children (aged 4-22) for additional quarterly education payments.
Key Features:
- ✓ Additional quarterly payments for school enrollment
- ✓ Minimum 70% attendance required
- ✓ Higher amounts for girls (incentivizing female education)
- ✓ Covers primary to higher secondary levels
Benazir Nashonuma
CCT program targeting first 1,000 days of child’s life. Supports pregnant/lactating women and children under 2 years within Kafalat beneficiary families.
Key Features:
- ✓ Specialized nutritious food supplements
- ✓ Additional cash stipends
- ✓ Regular health check-up requirements
- ✓ Immunization and awareness sessions
Important Distinction: Federal vs Provincial Programs
Many provincial governments run separate social welfare schemes with different eligibility criteria. Examples include “CM Punjab Solar Panel Scheme” or “CM Punjab E-Rickshaw Scheme” – these are NOT part of federal BISP programs and have separate application processes.
✅ Federal BISP Programs
- Benazir Kafalat
- Benazir Taleemi Wazaif
- Benazir Nashonuma
❌ Provincial Programs (Separate)
- CM Punjab Solar Scheme
- CM Punjab E-Rickshaw
- Provincial health cards
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the Ehsaas Kafalat Program
What happens if a beneficiary dies?
+If a beneficiary passes away, the program can be transferred to another eligible female family member. Visit the nearest BISP office with death certificate, new applicant’s CNIC, and family relationship proof to process the transfer.
Can I apply if my CNIC is expired?
+No, you cannot apply with an expired CNIC. You must first renew your CNIC at the nearest NADRA office before participating in the NSER survey. All documents must be current and valid for the application process.
What should I do if the 8171 portal is not working?
+If the web portal is down, try these alternatives: (1) Send SMS with your CNIC to 8171, (2) Call BISP helpline at 0800-26477, (3) Visit your nearest BISP office, or (4) Try the portal again after some time as it may be under maintenance.
Why am I showing “eligible” but not receiving payments?
+Being “eligible” means you’re in the NSER database, but payment depends on budget allocation and priority ranking. Contact BISP office to check your current status and understand when payments might begin. Some eligible families may wait for inclusion in active payment cycles.
Can men apply for or collect Kafalat payments?
+No, the Kafalat program is specifically designed for women empowerment. Only female heads of households can apply and receive payments. The payment must be collected by the registered female beneficiary herself using biometric verification.
How long does NSER survey processing take?
+NSER survey processing can take several weeks to months. After your survey, data is entered, verified, and scored. If you qualify (score ≤32), you’ll receive SMS confirmation from 8171. Be patient and keep your mobile number active for updates.
What’s the difference between Kafalat and Emergency Cash?
+Kafalat: Regular quarterly payments (Rs. 13,500/14,000) for ongoing support. Emergency Cash: One-time crisis relief (Rs. 12,000-25,000) during emergencies like COVID-19 or floods. They are separate programs with different purposes and amounts.
Important: How to Avoid Scams and Fraud
🛡️ Golden Rules for Beneficiary Safety
Trust Only 8171 SMS
Official payment notifications come ONLY from 8171 short code. Ignore all other messages claiming BISP payments.
Never Pay Any Fee
Registration, survey, and payment collection are completely FREE. Anyone asking for money is a fraudster.
Protect Your CNIC
Never share your CNIC number with unauthorized persons or fake websites claiming to be BISP.
Personal Collection Only
Only the registered female beneficiary can collect payments using her fingerprints. No one else can collect on your behalf.
⚠️ Common Scams to Avoid
❌ Fake Registration Websites
Fraudulent websites claiming “online registration” for BISP. Remember: registration is only possible through in-person NSER survey.
❌ SMS/Call for Fee Payment
Messages asking to pay processing fees, verification charges, or “release” funds. All BISP services are free.
❌ Agent Deduction Demands
POS agents asking for commission or service charges. Payment collection through BVS is free – report such agents immediately.
❌ Fake Survey Teams
Unauthorized persons conducting “surveys” and asking for money. Official NSER surveys are free and conducted at registered centers.
📞 How to Report Fraud
Official Government Resources and Helplines
🏛️ Primary Government Portals
📞 Official Contact Methods
SMS Service
Send your 13-digit CNIC to get instant status update
Helpline Center
Toll-free helpline for queries, complaints, and assistance
Email Support
Official email for detailed queries and documentation
Local BISP Office
Find your local BISP Tehsil office for in-person assistance
Emergency Support
24/7 Crisis Helpline
For urgent issues, payment problems, or fraud reporting