The Ehsaas Kafalat Program, a key initiative under the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), continues to evolve with a fresh update for 2025. Recently, there has been a major change in the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries, particularly affecting women. This article highlights the latest updates, including the introduction of new filters that could disqualify many women from receiving assistance. It also provides essential information on the process of verifying eligibility through the 8171 portal and what you need to know to ensure continued benefits.
Major Update on the Ehsaas Kafalat Program
The Ehsaas Kafalat Program has been instrumental in supporting women and families across Pakistan. However, recent changes in its verification process have left many beneficiaries uncertain about their status. These changes, which include new eligibility filters, have led to the disqualification of several women who were previously part of the program. This update is crucial for anyone currently benefiting from or newly eligible for the program, as it impacts both long-term recipients and new applicants alike.
New Disqualification Criteria for Women Beneficiaries
The government has implemented new filters that could impact the eligibility of women currently receiving the program’s assistance. Women who were previously eligible for the Ehsaas Kafalat Program are now facing disqualification due to various reasons, such as changes in their PMT (Poverty Scorecard) score or other financial factors. As a result, many women who had received recent installments of Rs. 13,500 are now no longer eligible to participate in the program.
Why Are Women Becoming Ineligible?
There are several reasons why women are being disqualified from the Ehsaas Kafalat Program. Among these reasons are changes in their financial circumstances, including income, loans, or even bank account holdings. For instance, women whose husbands have taken loans from banks or those with a substantial amount of money in their bank accounts are at risk of disqualification. Even newly eligible women who received their first installment may find themselves excluded after the verification process.
Phase One of the Program Restarting: What You Need to Know
The Ehsaas Kafalat Program is entering a new phase, with Phase One of the program starting again in 2025. For many women who received the last installment of Rs. 10,500, this represents an important opportunity. Those who have not yet received the installment or additional support for their children should be aware that Phase One is set to restart on the 15th of the month.
What Does Phase One Restart Mean for Beneficiaries?
The restart of Phase One signals a fresh opportunity for those who have not yet received their full entitlement, including the Rs. 13,500 installment and scholarships for their children. This is great news for women who are still awaiting payments or who were disqualified previously but are now re-entering the program.
How to Check Your Eligibility Status on the 8171 Portal
To ensure you remain part of the Ehsaas Kafalat Program, it is crucial to regularly check your status on the 8171 portal. The government has initiated a process of re-verification, which means that even if you were previously eligible, your status could have changed.
Steps to Verify Your Status
- Visit the 8171 Portal: Check your status by entering your ID card information on the portal.
- Use the Helpline: If you are unsure about your status, you can call the official helpline to inquire.
- Verify Biometrics: Women who had their biometrics done should ensure that their details are correctly updated in the system.
This process is important because many women who were receiving regular installments are now finding that their status has changed, and they have been disqualified from the program.
What to Do If You Are Disqualified
If you discover that you have been disqualified, it’s essential to investigate the cause. Some women have reported that they were told they were no longer beneficiaries despite having received their last installment. This could be due to changes in your PMT score, issues with your bank account, or other factors that now render you ineligible.
New Eligibility Filters: Why Are Women Being Deactivated?
The government has implemented stricter filters that could deactivate women from the Ehsaas Kafalat Program. These filters include financial scrutiny such as bank account balances, loans, and even income tax issues. Women who were once eligible may find themselves excluded due to these new eligibility criteria.
Types of Women at Risk of Ineligibility
- Women with Loans: If your husband has taken a loan from a bank, you might be at risk of disqualification.
- Women with Substantial Bank Balances: Having a significant amount of money in your bank account could render you ineligible.
- Women with Income Tax Issues: If there are any unresolved issues related to income tax or financial records, this could impact your eligibility.
Issues of Ineligibility
Many women are facing issues with their payments being stopped due to these new filters. As the PMT score increases, the number of eligible beneficiaries decreases. Some women who were receiving payments regularly are now facing disqualification due to their financial situation.
Conclusion:
To ensure you continue receiving your benefits, it is crucial to stay updated and regularly check your status through the 8171 portal. If you are uncertain about your status, use the helpline or visit the relevant offices to find out more. It is also important to be aware of the changes in eligibility criteria, especially if your financial circumstances have changed recently. By staying proactive, you can avoid surprises and ensure your continued participation in the Ehsaas Kafalat Program.
Make sure you follow the new steps for verification and eligibility checks, and keep track of any updates regarding your status.