The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is Pakistan's largest federal social protection initiative, providing cash transfers to low-income households. As of 2024, over 9 million families receive quarterly payments under the programme.
What is BISP?
BISP was established in 2008 under the Benazir Income Support Programme Act. It targets the poorest households in Pakistan and provides unconditional cash transfers to women heads of households. The programme is now a key part of Pakistan's social safety net.
BISP 2024 Payment Amount
| Payment Type | Amount | |---|---| | Quarterly Cash Transfer | Rs. 10,500 | | Annual Total | Rs. 42,000 | | Payment Frequency | Every 3 months |
Payments are made directly to the registered woman's account via:
- HBL Konnect (bank account)
- Jazz Cash / EasyPaisa
- BISP payment centers
Who is Eligible for BISP?
Eligibility is determined using the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), also known as the poverty scorecard survey. Key criteria:
Income Threshold
Households with a poverty score of 32 or below on the NSER survey are eligible. This score is calculated based on factors including:
- Monthly household income
- Number of earning members
- Type of housing (owned/rented, pucca/katcha)
- Assets owned (land, livestock, vehicles, appliances)
- Education level of household members
- Access to utilities (electricity, gas, clean water)
Other Criteria
- The primary beneficiary must be a woman (wife, mother, or female head of household)
- Must have a valid CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
- Household must not have a government employee
- Household must not have a vehicle registered in their name (above a certain threshold)
How to Check Your BISP Status
Method 1: SMS to 8171
- Send your CNIC number (without dashes) to 8171
- Example: Send
3420112345678to8171 - You will receive an SMS with your eligibility status within minutes
Method 2: BISP Web Portal
Visit bisp.gov.pk and use the beneficiary verification tool with your CNIC.
Method 3: BISP Office
Visit your nearest BISP tehsil or district office with your original CNIC for in-person verification.
What Do the Status Messages Mean?
| SMS Response | Meaning | |---|---| | "You are registered as a BISP beneficiary" | Eligible — you will receive payments | | "Not registered" | Your household did not qualify based on the NSER score | | "Survey not completed" | Your household was not surveyed — apply for registration | | "Payment disbursed on [date]" | Your latest payment has been sent |
How to Register for BISP
If you have not been surveyed or believe you are eligible but not registered:
- Visit your nearest BISP registration desk or Union Council office
- Bring your original CNIC and a family photo
- Request a poverty scorecard survey (NSER survey)
- A BISP surveyor will visit your home to assess eligibility
- Results are typically communicated within 4–8 weeks
Kafaalat Programme — Digital Financial Inclusion
BISP's Kafaalat component focuses on financial inclusion. Beneficiaries receive a HBL Konnect SIM linked to their BISP account, allowing them to:
- Receive payments directly to their mobile wallet
- Access basic banking services
- Build a credit history
Use Our Free Eligibility Checker
Want a quick assessment of whether you might qualify? Use our BISP Eligibility Checker to check the key criteria and estimate your likelihood of qualifying based on your household situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are BISP payments made?
BISP pays quarterly — that is, once every three months. Eligible beneficiaries receive Rs. 10,500 per quarter (Rs. 42,000 per year).
Can a man be the BISP beneficiary?
No. BISP is designed to empower women. The registered beneficiary must be a woman. In exceptional cases (no adult woman in household), exceptions may apply — visit your local BISP office.
I received a payment before but stopped. What should I do?
If payments stopped, it may be due to: CNIC expiry, change in household circumstances, or a survey re-assessment. Visit your nearest BISP office with your CNIC to investigate.
Is there a BISP app?
Yes. BISP has an official mobile application available on Android. Search for "BISP" on the Google Play Store to download it and check your status.
How do I complain about a wrong decision?
BISP has a grievance redressal mechanism. You can file a complaint at your local BISP office, through the BISP helpline 0800-26477, or via the official website.