BISP 8171 Kafalat Program Explained – Benefits and Process
Have you ever wondered how millions of families in Pakistan manage to survive in tough times when prices keep rising every day? The answer for many lies in the BISP 8171 Kafalat Program, a government-backed support system that has become a lifeline for low-income households. This program is not just about money—it’s about hope, dignity, and giving people the strength to stand on their feet. Launched under the Benazir Income Support Programme, it provides quarterly cash payments directly to women from deserving families.
Recently, the amount was increased to Rs. 13,500, helping households meet basic needs like food, education, and healthcare. What makes it even more impactful is the simple process: you can check eligibility or payment status just by sending your CNIC to “8171.” In this article, we’ll explore how the program works, who qualifies, and why it matters more than ever in today’s Pakistan.
Also Read: Difference Between BISP 8171 Registration Through NADRA and Online Portal
BISP 8171 Kafalat Program at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Benazir Kafaalat (BISP 8171 Kafalat Program) |
| Managing Agency | Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) |
| Target Group | Low-income / deserving families, primarily women |
| Number of Beneficiary Families | Around 9 million families nationwide |
| Latest Stipend per Quarter | Rs. 13,500 (from January 2025 onward) |
| Eligibility Tool | Proxy Means Test (PMT) based on NSER survey |
| Short Code / Portal | SMS / Web via “8171” system |
| Disbursement Frequency | Every 3 months (quarterly) |
What Is BISP 8171 Kafalat Program?
Under its official name “Benazir Kafaalat Programme,” this is an unconditional cash-transfer scheme run by BISP to support the poorest households. At its core, BISP 8171 Kafalat Program sends quarterly stipends directly to beneficiary women, helping smooth consumption, reduce vulnerability to shocks, and provide a basic safety net. The “8171” is more than a name — it’s the SMS short code and portal through which eligibility checks and payment status queries are done.
Historically, the stipend has evolved. Initially, BISP would grant Rs. 3,000 per quarter, but that has increased over time. As of January 2025, BISP officially raised the quarterly stipend to Rs. 13,500 for qualifying beneficiaries.
This program is unconditioned — meaning households do not need to fulfill educational or health compliance (unless they also enroll in linked subprograms) to receive the core cash transfer.
Also Read: BISP 8171 Mobile App – Features, Download, and How to Use
Why Was It Launched? Objectives & Rationale
Short-Term Goal: Cushion Against Inflation & Shocks
One immediate goal was to buffer low-income households from the negative impacts of economic downturns, food and fuel price spikes, and inflation.
Long-Term Goal: Poverty Reduction & Empowerment
Over time, the broader aim is to reduce extreme and chronic poverty while empowering women by giving cash directly to female heads.
Redistribution & Social Safety Net
The program is part of Pakistan’s social protection framework, serving redistributive goals by providing a minimum support package to the chronically poor.
Inclusion & Equity
In 2021, BISP’s board approved inclusion of transgender persons irrespective of the PMT cutoff (if their survey is conducted) to ensure equity.
Also Read: How BISP 8171 Helps Widows and Orphans in Pakistan
How Many Families Are Being Helped? Data & Reach
According to BISP official data, around 9 million families receive assistance under Benazir Kafaalat.The BISP beneficiaries data portal reveals the distribution of household sizes across provinces: for example, in Punjab there are 5,392,436 households of size 2–4, and 6,035,589 of size 5–7, etc.
From national budgets and historic reporting, BISP is one of the largest social welfare programs in Pakistan.In the 2025–26 budget, BISP’s allocation was increased to Rs. 716 billion, a jump of about 20% over the prior year.
Thus, the BISP 8171 Kafalat Program is central to Pakistan’s poverty alleviation efforts.
Also Read: CM Punjab Khidmat Card Scheme 2025 – Full Guide on Registration & Eligibility
Eligibility: Who Can Qualify for 8171 Kafalat?
Proxy Means Test (PMT) via NSER Survey
The key selection tool is the Proxy Means Test (PMT), which evaluates a household’s welfare status on a 0–100 scale. Households scoring below a cutoff are eligible. As of the last known board decision (September 2021), the PMT cutoff was set at 32, though families with a differently-abled person could qualify with a relaxed cutoff of 37.
The NSER (National Socio-Economic Registry) survey collects data on assets, income, household composition, etc. & populates the national welfare database.
Residency, CNIC & Female Response
Applicants must hold a valid NADRA-issued CNIC. The cash is typically transferred to the female head of the household.
Inclusion of Transgender Persons
Transgenders who obtain CNIC with gender designation “transgender” and complete the BISP survey can be included regardless of PMT cutoff.
Disqualifications & Exclusions
Households scoring above cutoff are excluded. Also, where data is inconsistent or missing, applicants may be rejected. Updating NSER data is crucial for revalidation.
Also Read: CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card 2025 – Apply & Status
How to Register & Check Status for BISP 8171 Kafalat
NSER Survey / Registration
If a household is not yet in the BISP database, they must get surveyed under NSER at a BISP registration center in their tehsil. The survey will feed into PMT scoring.
Eligibility Check via 8171
Once data is in the system, eligibility can be checked:
- Via SMS: Send 13-digit CNIC (without dashes) to 8171.
- Via Web Portal: Go to 8171.bisp.gov.pk.(or the BISP 8171 portal) and input CNIC + captcha to see status.
If the system confirms eligibility, the beneficiary will receive an SMS and can await disbursement.
Data Validation & Updates
If status shows “ineligible” due to outdated data, the beneficiary should visit nearest BISP office to update information or provide missing documentation.
Also Read: Prime Minister Youth Loan Scheme – Apply Online 2025
How Payments Are Disbursed & Collected
Timing
Payments are released quarterly. That means every three months a new installment is processed.
Latest Amount
Since January 2025, the stipend was increased to Rs. 13,500 per quarter for eligible families.
Delivery Channels
Funds are normally transferred electronically (for example via JazzCash or bank accounts) or through payment camps in districts.Beneficiaries may get SMS notification when funds are ready.
Legacy methods include BISP Debit Card or agent banking in areas with limited banking access.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say Mrs. A lives in a rural village in Punjab. Her household is low income and with no stable earning source. She registers her home in an NSER survey via a BISP tehsil center. Her PMT score comes to 28, which is below the cutoff (32). She later sends her CNIC to 8171 and learns she is eligible. In January 2025 she receives an SMS and collects Rs. 13,500 at a nearby JazzCash agent or payment camp. Over time that small quarterly stipend helps with groceries, school needs, and medical expenses.
Related / Link Programs
While BISP 8171 Kafalat Program is unconditional, BISP also operates Benazir Taleemi Wazaif (for educational incentives) for children of active Kafalat beneficiaries up to higher secondary.There is also Nashonuma, which offers additional cash support to pregnant and lactating women and children under 2 to combat stunting.These are complementary: the core 8171 Kafalat gives baseline support; these added programs encourage health and education outcomes.
FAQs
1. What is the BISP 8171 Kafalat Program?
It is a government cash-transfer program under BISP that gives quarterly financial support to low-income families in Pakistan, usually paid to women. It aims to ease poverty, help with basic needs, and empower households. The “8171” refers to the SMS/portal code used to check eligibility or payment status.
2. How much money do beneficiaries get under 8171 Kafalat?
As of 2025, eligible households receive Rs. 13,500 per quarter under the Kafalat Program. This amount was raised to better cope with inflation and rising costs of food, health, and education.
3. Who is eligible for BISP 8171 Kafalat?
Eligibility relies on the Proxy Means Test (PMT) score, obtained via the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER). Families scoring below the cutoff (e.g. 32) may qualify. Households must have valid CNIC, and priority is given to female heads. Transgender persons whose survey is done may also be included.
4. How do I check eligibility or payment status?
You can send your 13-digit CNIC (without dashes) via SMS to 8171, and you’ll receive a reply about your status. Alternatively, use the official 8171 web portal, entering your CNIC and captcha to view approval or payment information.
5. What if I am shown as “ineligible” but believe I qualify?
If your status is “ineligible,” first check if your NSER data is outdated or incomplete. Visit your nearest BISP / registration center to update information, correct errors, or resubmit missing documents. After re-validation, you may become eligible in future cycles.
6. Where and how do I get my payment?
Once approved, you can collect your stipend from biometric ATMs, partner banks (e.g. HBL, Bank Alfalah), BISP camps, or agent outlets depending on your region. Bring your original CNIC and use the same SIM used for registration for verification.
Conclusion
The BISP 8171 Kafalat Program is more than just financial help—it is a ray of hope for millions of struggling families across Pakistan. By providing quarterly cash support, the program ensures that the poorest households can meet their most basic needs with dignity. What makes it stand out is its focus on women, empowering them to take charge of household expenses and decisions. With the stipend now increased to Rs. 13,500, it gives some relief against rising inflation and growing living costs.
The simple 8171 system also makes checking eligibility and payments easy, even for those in remote areas. While no scheme can solve poverty overnight, BISP Kafalat has already touched countless lives and continues to expand its reach. If you or someone you know needs this support, registering and updating your data is the first step to securing a safer and more stable future.
