The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Kafaalat remains Pakistan’s largest social safety net, providing a quarterly unconditional cash transfer to low-income women across the country. In 2026, registration and eligibility checks are handled through the 8171 web portal and the Dynamic Registration survey. This complete guide explains eligibility, the PMT cut-off score, how to check your status online by CNIC, current payment amounts, and how to resolve common problems with your Kafaalat payment.
What is BISP Kafaalat?
BISP Kafaalat is an unconditional cash transfer programme run by the Benazir Income Support Programme, a federal government institution. Eligible women heads of household receive a quarterly stipend to help meet basic household needs. Eligibility is determined using the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) and a Proxy Means Test (PMT) score, which estimates a household’s poverty level based on assets, income indicators, and living conditions rather than self-reported income alone.
BISP Kafaalat 2026 – Key Details
| Programme Name | Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Kafaalat |
| Payment Frequency | Quarterly |
| Current Quarterly Amount | Approx. PKR 13,500 – 14,500 (subject to periodic government revision) |
| Eligibility Check Portal | 8171.bisp.gov.pk |
| Registration Method | NSER Dynamic Registration Survey at BISP Tehsil Offices / Registration Centres |
| Eligibility Basis | PMT (Proxy Means Test) cut-off score approved by the BISP Board |
| Disbursement Methods | HBL Konnect, mobile wallets, designated bank branches, and cash points |
Eligibility Criteria for BISP Kafaalat 2026
- Applicant must be a Pakistani citizen with a valid CNIC
- Preference is given to women heads of household, widows, and women with disabled or elderly dependents
- Household PMT score must fall within the poverty cut-off approved by the BISP Board
- Applicant must not be a serving or retired government employee
- Applicant must not be an active income tax filer
- Household must not already be receiving duplicate benefits under the same CNIC
How to Register for BISP Kafaalat 2026
Step 1: Locate Your Nearest Registration Centre
Visit the nearest BISP Tehsil Office or an NSER Registration Centre in your area. You can find the nearest centre by calling the BISP helpline or asking at your local Tehsil Municipal Office.
Step 2: Complete the Dynamic Registration Survey
A BISP-authorised enumerator will record your household details, including family members, assets, income sources, and living conditions, directly into the NSER system. Bring your original CNIC and, if applicable, your children’s B-Forms.
Step 3: Wait for PMT Score Calculation
Your household’s PMT score is calculated automatically based on the survey data. If your score falls below the approved poverty cut-off, your household becomes eligible for Kafaalat payments.
Step 4: Biometric Verification
Once approved, you will need to complete biometric verification at a designated BISP payment point or partner bank to activate your payment account.
How to Check BISP Kafaalat Eligibility Online by CNIC (8171 Portal)
- Open the official 8171 web portal at 8171.bisp.gov.pk
- Enter your 13-digit CNIC number without dashes
- Enter the security code (captcha) shown in the image
- Click submit to view your eligibility status, PMT score category, and payment history
You can also check your status via SMS by sending your CNIC number to 8171 from your registered mobile number.
Common Reasons for Ineligibility or Payment Suspension
- PMT score above the approved poverty cut-off
- Household head recorded as a government employee or taxpayer
- CNIC has expired and has not been renewed with NADRA
- Biometric verification not completed within the required time
- Household information changed since the last NSER survey (marriage, death, change of address)
- Duplicate or conflicting registration under the same family
Frequently Asked Questions – BISP Kafaalat 2026
How can I check my BISP payment by CNIC?
Visit 8171.bisp.gov.pk and enter your CNIC number with the security code, or send your CNIC number via SMS to 8171 from your registered mobile number.
What is the PMT score cut-off for BISP eligibility?
The PMT cut-off is reviewed periodically by the BISP Board based on available fiscal space. Households scoring below the approved threshold are considered eligible for Kafaalat payments.
Can I register for BISP without visiting an office?
New registrations and updates to household data must currently be completed through the NSER Dynamic Registration Survey at a BISP Tehsil Office or registration centre, since biometric and in-person verification are required.
Why did my BISP payment stop?
Payments are commonly suspended due to an updated PMT score, incomplete biometric verification, an expired CNIC, or discrepancies found during periodic re-verification surveys. Visit your nearest BISP office with your CNIC to resolve the issue.
Is BISP Kafaalat the same as Benazir Taleemi Wazaif?
No. Kafaalat is the unconditional quarterly cash transfer for eligible women, while Benazir Taleemi Wazaif is a separate conditional education stipend for children from Kafaalat-eligible households who are enrolled in school.
Final Thoughts
BISP Kafaalat continues to be a lifeline for millions of low-income households across Pakistan. If you believe your household qualifies, visit your nearest BISP registration centre to complete the NSER survey, and regularly check your status through the official 8171 portal. Always rely only on the official BISP website and helpline — never share your CNIC or personal details with unofficial agents claiming to guarantee registration.
