The Benazir Income Support Programme, widely known as BISP, stands as one of Pakistan’s most meaningful welfare efforts. Launched in 2008, it was built on a simple yet powerful idea: no household should be left alone in the face of hunger, inflation, and hardship. Over the years, the program has grown from a basic cash support scheme into a wide safety net that now touches the lives of millions across the country.
As of January 2026, BISP has expanded its budget, coverage, and payment systems. With rising living costs, these changes aim to protect low-income families while also guiding them toward education, health, and financial stability.
What Is BISP and Why Does It Matter
BISP is Pakistan’s largest social protection program. Its main focus is supporting poor and vulnerable households, especially women, by providing regular financial assistance. The program believes that when women are financially empowered, entire families and future generations become stronger.
Today, BISP supports nearly 10 million households. It works not only as a source of cash but also as a bridge toward education, better health, and long-term independence.
Core Programs and Initiatives Under BISP
BISP is not a single scheme. It is an umbrella that covers several focused programs, each designed to address a different need of poor families.
Benazir Kafaalat Program
The Benazir Kafaalat Program is the heart of BISP. It provides unconditional cash support to the poorest women across Pakistan.
As of January 2026, the quarterly instalment has been increased to around Rs. 13,500 to Rs. 14,500, depending on recent budget updates. Payments are released every three months, usually in January, April, July, and October.
The aim of this program is simple. It helps families buy food, pay utility bills, and manage daily household expenses during difficult times.
Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Program
Education is the strongest tool against poverty. Benazir Taleemi Wazaif supports the children of active Kafaalat beneficiaries to help them stay in school.
This program covers children aged 4 to 22 years. To remain eligible, children must maintain at least 70% school attendance. The government offers higher stipends to encourage girls’ education.
Quarterly Education Stipends 2026
| Education Level | Boys (Rs.) | Girls (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | 2,500 | 3,000 |
| Secondary | 3,500 | 4,000 |
| Higher Secondary | 4,500 | 5,000 |
In addition, a one-time graduation bonus of Rs. 3,000 is given to girls upon completing primary education. This reward celebrates continuity in learning and motivates families to keep girls in school.
Benazir Nashonuma Program
The Benazir Nashonuma Program focuses on health and nutrition. It aims to prevent stunted growth in children and improve maternal health.
This program supports pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 2 years of age. Beneficiaries receive specialised nutritious food sachets along with quarterly cash support of around Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,500.
By investing in early nutrition, BISP helps build healthier minds and bodies for the future.
Benazir Savings Fund
The Benazir Savings Fund is a newer initiative designed to help families move beyond dependence. Under this scheme, beneficiaries are encouraged to open savings accounts.
In many cases, the government matches a portion of the savings. This gentle encouragement helps families develop saving habits and move toward financial independence over time.
Eligibility Criteria for BISP
To make sure help reaches the most deserving people, BISP uses a Proxy Means Test score. This score is calculated through the National Socio-Economic Registry survey.
Generally, families with a PMT score of 32 or below are eligible. Priority is given to widows, divorced women, persons with disabilities, and very low-income households.
Certain groups are excluded. These include government employees and their spouses, owners of large landholdings, owners of luxury vehicles, frequent international travellers, and households with high monthly utility bills.
Registration Through the NSER Dynamic Survey
BISP no longer accepts simple application forms. Registration is done through the Dynamic NSER Survey.
Families must visit their nearest BISP Tehsil Office, which is available in almost every district. The female head of the household must bring her original CNIC, along withthe children’s B-Forms.
During the survey, staff collect information about family size, income sources, assets, and any disability status. This data is verified with NADRA records to ensure accuracy.
After verification, applicants receive an SMS from 8171 confirming their eligibility status.
Payment and Withdrawal Methods in 2026
In 2026, BISP has taken strong steps toward digital payments. The goal is to reduce corruption, long queues, and the role of middlemen.
Many beneficiaries now receive payments through digital wallets such as JazzCash and EasyPaisa. Dedicated bank accounts are also being introduced in pilot districts.
HBL remains the main partner bank in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, while Bank Alfalah serves KPK, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Cash can be withdrawn using biometric verification at HBL Connect shops or designated ATMs. The thumb impression system ensures that only the rightful beneficiary receives the money.
How to Check Your BISP Status
Checking your BISP status is simple and free. There are two official methods.
You can send your 13-digit CNIC number, without spaces, to 8171 via SMS. You can also visit the official 8171 web portal and enter your CNIC to view your eligibility and payment details.
Important Contacts and Fraud Warning
BISP never asks for fees, OTP codes, or personal details through unofficial numbers. All official messages come only from 8171.
If you receive a message from any other number claiming prize money or asking for payment, it is a scam. Never share your information with anyone.
For help, you can call the official helpline at 0800-26477 or visit the official website at www.bisp.gov.pk.
Final Thoughts
The Benazir Income Support Programme carries a legacy rooted in compassion and responsibility. From cash support to education, nutrition, and savings, BISP continues to evolve with time. In a world changing fast, this program remains a steady hand, reminding millions that the state has not forgotten them and that hope, like a river, keeps flowing forward.
