Are you wondering if your family is eligible for the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) cash assistance? Do you want to know how to check your eligibility quickly and easily without visiting an office?
The BISP, which operates under the Ehsaas Program in Pakistan, is a crucial lifeline for millions of low-income families. The official process for checking eligibility often involves the 8171 SMS service and the 8171 Web Portal.
This article provides a simple, unique, and detailed guide to understanding BISP eligibility criteria and the step-by-step process of checking your status. We will avoid difficult terms and focus on clarity.
1. BISP Eligibility: Who is the Program For?
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is designed to help the poorest families in Pakistan. The main principle is to provide a regular financial stipend to protect helpless households from the effects of poverty and inflation.
Key Eligibility Criteria (Who Qualifies):
- Poverty Score (NSER): Eligibility is mainly decided by your National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey score. This score measures the poverty level of your household. You must fall below a certain threshold (a specific poverty line) to qualify.
- Income Level: You must belong to a low-income household.
- No Government Job: No member of your family (spouse, children, etc.) should be a regular employee of a government or semi-government institution.
- No Property/Assets: Your household should not own significant assets, large landholdings, or expensive vehicles.
- No Foreign Travel: The primary applicant or their spouse should generally not have traveled abroad frequently (excluding Haj/Umrah).
- Active CNIC: The applicant must have a valid National Identity Card (CNIC) registered with the BISP system.
Special Priority Groups:
BISP often prioritizes certain groups because they are the most vulnerable:
- Women as Head of Household: Women who manage the home finances are often prioritized.
- Disabled Individuals: Families with disabled members receive special consideration.
- Widows and Orphans: These groups are high on the priority list for support.
- Families Affected by Disaster: Households in areas hit by floods, earthquakes, or other disasters often receive immediate support.
2. The Two Easiest Ways to Check Your BISP Eligibility
You have two main tools to check your BISP status from home: the SMS service and the Web Portal. Both require only your CNIC number.
Method 1: Using the 8171 SMS Service (No Internet Needed)
The 8171 SMS service is the quickest and most accessible way to check your status, especially in areas with poor internet connectivity.
| Step | Action | Description |
| 1. | Open SMS App | Open the text messaging application on your mobile phone. |
| 2. | Enter CNIC | Type your 13-digit CNIC number carefully, without any dashes or spaces. |
| 3. | Send to 8171 | Send this message to the official shortcode: 8171. |
| 4. | Receive Reply | Wait a few moments. You will receive a reply confirming your eligibility status and instructions on what to do next. |
Method 2: Using the BISP 8171 Web Portal (Internet Required)
If you have a mobile phone or computer with internet access, the web portal gives you more detailed information.
| Step | Action | Description |
| 1. | Go to the Official Portal | Search for the “BISP 8171 Web Portal” and click on the official government website. |
| 2. | Enter CNIC Number | Type your 13-digit CNIC number in the designated box. |
| 3. | Enter the Code (Captcha) | Type the security code (numbers/letters) shown in the image box. This confirms you are not a machine. |
| 4. | Click “Check” | Click the “معلوم کریں” or “Check Status” button. |
| 5. | View Result | The screen will show your current eligibility status instantly. |
3. Understanding the Eligibility Messages
After checking your status using either 8171 SMS or the Web Portal, you will receive one of the following main messages. Knowing what they mean is crucial:
Message A: You Are Eligible (Congratulations!)
- The Message: “آپ کو بینظیر انکم سپورٹ پروگرام کے لئے اہل قرار دیا گیا ہے۔ آپ کی رقم جاری ہو چکی ہے/ جلد جاری کر دی جائے گی۔” (You have been declared eligible for the BISP. Your funds have been released/will be released soon.)
- What to Do: If the funds are released, go directly to the nearest authorized bank (HBL Connect retailer) with your original CNIC to collect your payment.
Message B: Eligible, But Action Required (Need Survey)
- The Message: “آپ اہل ہیں لیکن آپ کے ریکارڈ میں معلومات نامکمل ہیں۔ مہربانی کر کے جلد از جلد اپنے قریبی BISP دفتر جا کر Dynamic Registry کروائیں۔” (You are eligible, but your records are incomplete. Please visit your nearest BISP office for the Dynamic Registry survey as soon as possible.)
- What to Do: This is urgent! You must immediately visit the nearest BISP or NSER registration center to update your family information. If you delay, your payments might be stopped soon.
Message C: Not Eligible (Cannot Receive Payment
- The Message: “آپ بینظیر انکم سپورٹ پروگرام کے لئے اہل نہیں ہیں۔” (You are not eligible for the BISP.)
- What to Do: This means your poverty score is too high, or you do not meet one of the major criteria (e.g., family member has a government job). If you strongly believe you are poor and meet the criteria, you can still visit the BISP office and request a review or register for the Dynamic Registry Survey to improve your score.
4. The Importance of the Dynamic Registry (The New Survey)
The Dynamic Registry is a new, ongoing survey process used by BISP to keep its data fresh and accurate.
- Why it Matters: Poverty levels change. Families whose income was low might have found a better job, or families who were doing well might have become poor due to a disaster or job loss. The Dynamic Registry ensures that aid only goes to those who are currently the most deserving.
- What to Do: If the portal or SMS asks you to participate, you must visit your nearest NSER Registration Center. You will provide your current household details to update your poverty score. This is mandatory to continue receiving payments in the long run.
5. Essential Tips and Safety Warnings
- Avoid Scammers: The 8171 SMS is only for sending your CNIC number. Never reply to any message asking for money, your ATM PIN, or personal passwords. BISP never asks for money to release funds.
- Original CNIC: You must present your original CNIC for verification when collecting your cash at the payment center or bank. A photocopy will not work.
- No Fees: BISP payments are free. The retailer or bank is not allowed to charge you any fee for the withdrawal. If they ask for money, report them to the BISP helpline immediately (0800-26477).
- Keep Records: Always keep the SMS reply or take a screenshot of the web portal result for your records.
The BISP 8171 system has made checking eligibility simple and transparent. By knowing your CNIC number and following the easy steps for the 8171 SMS or the Web Portal, you can quickly confirm your status and prepare to receive your financial assistance. Remember to keep your records updated through the Dynamic Registry to ensure your family continues to benefit from this crucial program.
Read More: https://dlimsportal.com/what-is-8171-web-portal-check-payment-online/
