The government has announced a significant update to the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), offering Rs 18,500 in financial relief to every CNIC holder. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the program, including eligibility, payment details, and additional relief packages such as the Rs 10,000 Ramadan relief and the Eid package of up to Rs 25,000. Read on to learn how you can benefit from these initiatives.
Overview of the Benazir Income Support Program
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) continues to be a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to provide financial assistance to low-income families. With the latest update, the program is set to offer Rs 18,500 to every CNIC holder, ensuring broader support for those in need.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) |
| Relief Amount | Rs 18,500 per CNIC (includes Rs 13,500 BISP installment + Rs 5,000 additional relief) |
| Eligibility | – CNIC holders – Benazir Income Support Program beneficiaries automatically eligible – Non-BISP individuals with poverty score ≤ 25 eligible for Rs 5,000 |
| Application Process | No application required for Rs 18,500 or Rs 5,000 relief |
| 8171 web portal Updates | – Portal updates completed by March 5, 2025 – Check eligibility for Rs 18,500 relief |
| Notification System | – Rs 13,500 installment: 8171 portal – Rs 5,000 subsidy: 9999 short code |
| Total Beneficiaries | 3.9 million individuals |
| Budget Allocation | Rs 20.5 billion released for Rs 18,500 relief package |
Rs 18,500 Relief for Every CNIC
The government has introduced a new relief package, providing Rs 18,500 to every CNIC holder. This amount includes the existing Rs 13,500 installment under the BISP program, with an additional Rs 5,000 added as part of the new initiative.
- No Application Required: Eligible individuals can receive this amount without needing to apply.
- Beneficiary Inclusion: Current Benazir Income Support Program beneficiaries will also receive the additional Rs 5,000, bringing their total relief to Rs 18,500.
- Eligibility Check: A new portal will soon be launched to allow individuals to check their eligibility for the Rs 18,500 relief.
Updates on the 8171 Portal
The 8171 portal, a key tool for BISP beneficiaries, is being updated to reflect the new relief amount.
- Portal Updates: The updates are expected to be completed by March 5, 2025.
- Eligibility Confirmation: Once the portal is updated, beneficiaries can verify their eligibility for the Rs 18,500 relief.
Rs 10,000 Ramadan Relief Package
In addition to the Rs 18,500 relief, the government has introduced a Rs 10,000 Ramadan relief package to support families during the holy month.
Changes in the Ramadan Relief Distribution
The distribution process for the Rs 10,000 Ramadan relief has been streamlined to ensure wider accessibility.
- Pay Orders: Many beneficiaries have already received pay orders for Rs 10,000, which can be collected from designated post offices.
- Bank Partnerships: Previously limited to Punjab Bank, the relief can now be collected from Bank Alfalah and Omni Bank branches as well.
- Account Requirements: Beneficiaries must have a bank account to receive the funds. Those without an account can contact authorized agents for assistance.
Verification Process
To ensure transparency, beneficiaries must undergo a verification process when collecting their relief funds.
- Witness Requirement: A witness must accompany the beneficiary to confirm the receipt of funds.
- Ongoing Distribution: The Rs 10,000 relief series will continue throughout Ramadan.
Additional Relief for Non-BISP Beneficiarie
The government has also introduced measures to support individuals who are not part of the BISP program.
Rs 5,000 Relief for Non-BISP Individuals
Non-BISP beneficiaries with a poverty score of 25 or below are eligible for a Rs 5,000 relief package.
- Eligibility Criteria: A poverty score of 25 or less is required to qualify.
- Message Notifications: Notifications regarding this relief will be sent via the 9999 short code, starting from the first day of Ramadan.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ramadan Relief | Rs 10,000 pay order distributed via post offices, Bank Alfalah, and Omni Bank |
| Distribution Process | – Pay orders sent to post offices – Bank account required for collection – Verification with a witness required |
| Eid Ul Fitr Package | Up to Rs 25,000 (includes Rs 18,500 relief + children’s scholarships) |
| Eligibility for Eid | Automatic inclusion for BISP beneficiaries and eligible non-BISP individuals |
| Utility Store Ration | Monetary relief replaces physical ration distribution |
| Notification System | Notifications for Ramadan and Eid packages sent via 9999 short code |
Scope of the Relief Program
The government has allocated significant resources to ensure the success of these initiatives.
- Total Beneficiaries: 3.9 million individuals are expected to benefit from the relief programs.
- Budget Allocation: Rs 20.5 billion has been released to fund the Rs 18,500 relief package.
BISP Payment Updates for 2025
The BISP program continues to evolve, with new updates aimed at enhancing accessibility and transparency.
Dual Messaging System
Beneficiaries will receive two types of messages:
- Rs 13,500 Installment: Notifications for the standard BISP installment will be sent via the 8171 portal.
- Rs 5,000 Subsidy: Notifications for the additional Rs 5,000 subsidy will be sent separately.
Utility Store Ration Updates
The utility store ration program remains operational, but the Ramadan package now focuses on direct financial assistance.
- No Ration Distribution: Instead of physical rations, beneficiaries will receive monetary relief.
- Streamlined Process: This change aims to reduce long queues and ensure dignity for beneficiaries.
Eid Ul Fitr Package: Up to Rs 25,000
The government has introduced a special Eid package to help families celebrate the festival with ease.
Components of the Eid Package
The Eid package includes multiple components to provide comprehensive support.
- Children’s Scholarships: Beneficiaries will receive scholarships for their children as part of the package.
- Total Relief: Combined with the Rs 18,500 relief, the total package can amount to Rs 25,000.
No Application Required
Similar to the Rs 18,500 relief, the Eid package does not require a separate application.
- Automatic Eligibility: Eligible individuals will receive notifications via the 9999 short code.
- Payment Schedule: Payments will be formally launched during Ramadan.
Conclusion
The BISP program’s latest updates, including the Rs 18,500 relief, Rs 10,000 Ramadan package, and the Eid Ul Fitr package, demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting low-income families. Stay informed and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to benefit from these initiatives. For further details, keep an eye on the 8171 and 9999 portals for updates and notifications.