Welcome to your ultimate guide for the BISP Kafalat Program 2025. As of July 2025, this program remains the cornerstone of the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to support the most vulnerable segments of society. If you are a beneficiary or wish to become one, understanding the process of checking your status and collecting your payment is essential.
Many people search for how to collect their BISP payment, specifically the current stipend of Rs. 13,500, through the 8171 portal. This comprehensive article will clarify the exact role of the 8171 service, detail the eligibility criteria for the BISP Kafalat Program 2025, and provide a clear, step-by-step guide on how to securely collect your quarterly payment. Let’s dive into the details to ensure you have accurate and helpful information.
What is the BISP Kafalat Program 2025?
The Benazir Kafalat Program is the primary unconditional cash transfer initiative under the umbrella of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Its main objective is to provide a regular financial cushion to deserving women across Pakistan, empowering them to meet their household’s basic needs and improve their quality of life.
Unlike conditional programs (like the Taleemi Wazaif, which requires school attendance), the Kafalat payment is “unconditional.” This means that once a woman is deemed eligible, she receives a quarterly stipend without having to meet any additional requirements. This program is a crucial safety net that helps families facing extreme poverty with their daily expenses, healthcare, and nutrition. The BISP Kafalat Program 2025 continues this mission with enhanced digital verification and payment disbursement systems.
The Rs. 13,500 Payment: Understanding the Current Stipend
For 2025, the Government of Pakistan has updated the financial assistance provided under the BISP Kafalat Program. Eligible beneficiaries are set to receive a quarterly stipend of Rs. 13,500. It is important to understand a few key points about this amount:
- It is a Quarterly Payment: The Rs. 13,500 is disbursed once every three months, not monthly.
- It May Include Other Stipends: For beneficiaries whose children are enrolled in the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif (education stipend) or Benazir Nashonuma (health and nutrition) programs, the payment might be higher as these amounts are often consolidated with the main Kafalat payment.
- Amounts Can Be Adjusted: While the current amount is Rs. 13,500, the government reserves the right to adjust this figure in future payment cycles based on budgetary allocations and economic conditions.
Understanding this ensures that beneficiaries have the correct expectations when they go to collect their payment for the BISP Kafalat Program 2025.
Who is Eligible for the BISP Kafalat Program 2025?
Eligibility for the BISP Kafalat Program is not something you can simply apply for online. It is determined through a scientific process using data from the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey. BISP identifies eligible beneficiaries based on their Poverty Measurement Tool (PMT) score.
Here are the key eligibility criteria for 2025:
- The applicant must be a deserving woman (widowed, divorced, or from an extremely low-income household with a husband).
- The family’s PMT score must be below the threshold set by BISP (currently around 32).
- No member of the family should be a government employee (federal or provincial).
- The family should not own any vehicle registered in their name.
- The applicant or their spouse must not have a history of recent foreign travel (exceptions may apply for religious pilgrimages or overseas labour).
- The applicant must possess a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
If you believe you meet these criteria but are not part of the program, you must get your household surveyed at a BISP registration center.
The Role of the 8171 Portal: Checking Status, Not Collecting Money
This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the BISP Kafalat Program 2025. The 8171 service, whether through SMS or the web portal, is a tool for checking your status, not for collecting money.
You CANNOT withdraw or collect your Rs. 13,500 payment online through the 8171 portal.
The purpose of the 8171 service is to provide information easily and transparently. Here’s how you use it correctly:
- 8171 SMS Service: Send your 13-digit CNIC number to 8171. You will receive a message back confirming your eligibility and payment status.
- 8171 Web Portal: Visit the official BISP website. Enter your CNIC in the designated form. The portal will display your eligibility status.
This service is designed to save you from unnecessary trips to payment centers just to check if your money has arrived. You first check your status via 8171, and once you receive a confirmation message, you proceed to collect the payment physically.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Actually Collect Your Rs. 13,500 Payment
Once you have confirmed via 8171 that your quarterly payment has been released, follow these steps to collect it safely:
- Receive the Official SMS: You will get an official SMS from 8171 confirming that your payment is available. Do not trust messages from any other number.
- Locate Your Payment Site: Payments for the BISP Kafalat Program 2025 are disbursed through partner banks (HBL and Bank Alfalah). You can collect your cash from:
- Designated BISP Campsites set up specifically for payment disbursement.
- Biometric ATMs of the partner banks.
- Registered retail agents of the partner banks (e.g., HBL Konnect or Bank Alfalah agents).
- Bring Your Original CNIC: You must present your original, valid CNIC. Photocopies or expired cards will not be accepted.
- Complete Biometric Verification: The entire system is based on biometric verification. You will be asked to place your thumb or finger on a biometric device to confirm your identity. This is a security measure to ensure the money goes to the rightful beneficiary.
- Collect Cash and Get a Receipt: After successful verification, the agent will hand you the full Rs. 13,500. Crucially, always insist on getting a printed receipt. This receipt is proof of your transaction and shows the exact amount you have received.
BISP Payment Collection Methods: A Comparison Table
To help you decide the best way to collect your money, here is a comparison of the available methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: I tried to check my status on the 8171 portal, but it showed an error. What should I do? This could be due to heavy traffic on the website or a data entry error. Double-check your CNIC number and try again later. If the problem persists, visit your nearest BISP Tehsil office.
Q2: The agent deducted Rs. 500 from my payment. Is this legal? No, this is illegal. Beneficiaries are entitled to receive the full payment. You should immediately report the agent to the BISP helpline at 0800-26477, providing the agent’s details from the receipt.
Q3: I am an eligible woman, but I am too old or sick to travel. How can I collect my money? The BISP Kafalat Program 2025 has procedures for such cases. You can authorize another family member, but this requires a specific process at the BISP office. It is best to contact them for guidance on “special payment procedures.”
Q4: How do I register for the BISP Kafalat program if I am not yet a beneficiary? You must visit the BISP Tehsil Office in your district and undergo the NSER dynamic survey. There is no online registration.
Conclusion: Empowerment Through Correct Information
The BISP Kafalat Program 2025 is a vital support system for millions. Knowing the correct procedures is key to accessing your benefits smoothly and securely. Remember, the 8171 portal and SMS service are your tools for information, while the actual collection of your Rs. 13,500 stipend is done in person through secure biometric verification.