A major relief package has been announced for low income families in Pakistan as the government approved a significant increase in financial assistance under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
Under the revised structure the quarterly stipend will increase by 24.14 per cent, rising from Rs14,000 to Rs18,000 to help vulnerable households cope with inflation and rising living expenses.
Officials said the new payment structure will come into effect from January 2027 as part of broader social protection reforms aimed at improving financial support for deserving families.
The government has also reportedly provided written assurances regarding the increase to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of ongoing economic reform and stabilisation measures.
Authorities further revealed plans to expand the programme with around 200,000 additional eligible families expected to be added to the BISP network.
BISP is a government welfare initiative that provides unconditional cash assistance to deserving households, particularly supporting women led families and economically vulnerable communities.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is determined through the National Socio Economic Registry (NSER) survey which assigns a poverty score based on household conditions.
Eligible categories generally include:
- Low-income families living near or below the poverty line
- Women holding valid CNICs, especially female heads of households
- Widows, divorced women and single mothers
- Families with disabled members, elderly dependents or orphans
- Newly included categories such as ever married women aged 18 and above, unmarried women aged 40 and above and transgender persons with valid CNICs
How to Check Eligibility
Beneficiaries can verify their status through the following methods:
- SMS their 13-digit CNIC number to 8171
- Visit the official portal at 8171 BISP Portal
- Visit the nearest BISP Tehsil office for verification
Registration Process
Registration is conducted through the NSER dynamic survey system. Applicants are required to:
- Visit a BISP registration or Tehsil office
- Provide CNIC and household information
- Submit supporting documents if required
- Complete biometric verification through National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)
- Await verification and poverty score assessment
More details are available on the official BISP Website
Also read: BISP stipend likely to increase from Rs14,000 to Rs18,000
