The Benazir Kafaalat Program is the flagship initiative of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and serves as Pakistan’s largest social safety net. Since its launch in 2008, it has provided financial assistance to millions of low-income households, particularly women, helping them meet essential needs and improve their families’ living conditions.
What is the Benazir Kafaalat Program
Benazir Kafaalat is an unconditional cash transfer program. Its main focus is supporting women from low-income families by providing regular financial aid. This cash allows families to pay for food, medicine, household expenses, and their children’s education. Unlike other programs, Kafaalat does not require beneficiaries to meet specific conditions to receive money, making it accessible and flexible.
Objectives of the Program
The program aims to:
- Empower women by giving them control over household finances
- Reduce poverty in low-income households
- Provide immediate relief against inflation and rising living costs
- Encourage participation in other BISP initiatives like Taleemi Wazaif, Nashonuma, and the Savings Fund
By focusing on women, Benazir Kafaalat strengthens families and builds a foundation for long-term development.
Who Can Benefit from Benazir Kafaalat
Eligibility is carefully determined to reach the most deserving families. Criteria include:
- Low-income households with a PMT score of 32 or below
- Widows, divorced women, and single mothers
- Persons with disabilities in eligible families
Certain groups are excluded, such as government employees, large landowners, luxury vehicle owners, frequent international travellers, and households with high monthly utility bills.
Payment Details and Schedule
As of 2026, the quarterly stipend ranges from Rs. 13,500 to Rs. 14,500, depending on budget adjustments. Payments are released every three months, in January, April, July, and October. The system ensures regular support to help families plan their household expenses efficiently.
How to Register for Benazir Kafaalat
Registration is done through the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey. Steps include:
- Visit the nearest BISP Tehsil Office
- Bring the female head’s original CNIC
- Provide B-Forms of children, if any
- Answer questions about household size, income, assets, and disabilities
Data is verified with NADRA to ensure only eligible households receive benefits. Once approved, beneficiaries are notified via SMS from 8171.
Payment Methods in 2026
BISP has modernised payments through digital solutions. Beneficiaries can receive funds through:
- JazzCash and EasyPaisa wallets
- Bank accounts in HBL (Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan) or Bank Alfalah (KPK, AJK, GB)
- ATM and POS withdrawals using biometric verification
These methods reduce long queues, prevent fraud, and ensure timely access to funds.
Importance of Benazir Kafaalat
Benazir Kafaalat does more than provide cash; it empowers women, safeguards children, and eases financial stress for families. It also serves as a gateway to other programs such as education support (Taleemi Wazaif), health and nutrition (Nashonuma), and financial independence (Savings Fund).
Common Issues and Solutions
Delayed payments or verification problems can occur. Solutions include:
- Visiting the local BISP Tehsil Office with a proper CNIC and documents
- Checking payment status via SMS (8171) or the official web portal
- Never paying any agent; all BISP services are free and official
Conclusion
The Benazir Kafaalat Program is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s social welfare system. By focusing on women, it strengthens families, reduces poverty, and opens doors for education and health initiatives. In 2026, with digital payments and expanded coverage, it will continue to transform millions of lives across the country.
