The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is a significant initiative by the Government of Pakistan, designed to provide financial assistance to low-income families nationwide. Originally launched in 2008, the programme continues to support millions of households through cash assistance. In August 2025, BISP will further simplify the process for beneficiaries by introducing an easy SMS-based method to check eligibility and receive payments. If you’re looking to understand how to benefit from this system, this article will guide you through how to check your eligibility, receive payments, and register for BISP via SMS.
✅ What is BISP?
The Benazir Income Support Program is a government-backed initiative that provides quarterly financial aid to help poor families meet their basic needs. It primarily targets:
- Women heads of households
- Widows and orphans
- Disabled individuals
- People living below the poverty line
This programme provides financial support in the form of regular cash transfers, enabling families to live with dignity and access essential services such as education, healthcare, and nutrition.
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How to Check BISP Eligibility Through SMS
To make the process accessible to everyone, BISP now allows citizens to check their eligibility using a simple text message system. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Type Your CNIC Number
Open the messaging app on your mobile phone and enter your 13-digit CNIC number without spaces or dashes.
Step 2: Send the Message to 8171
Send your CNIC number to 8171, which is the official code of the BISP programme.
Step 3: Receive an Eligibility Response
Shortly after sending the SMS, you will receive an automated response from 8171. The response will tell you one of the following:
- You are eligible to receive BISP payments.
- You are not currently eligible.
- Your data is incomplete, and you need to visit the nearest registration centre.
This process is free of cost and works with all mobile networks in Pakistan.
Who is Eligible for BISP?
To qualify for the programme, a person must fulfil the following criteria:
- Be a Pakistani citizen with a valid CNIC
- Have a monthly household income below Rs. 30,000
- Be unemployed or working in a low-income job
- Must not own large property or a business
- Preferably be a female head of household
- Not be employed by the government
The final decision is made using the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) data and the results of door-to-door surveys.
How to Collect Your BISP Payment
Once you’re approved for BISP and have received confirmation via SMS, you can collect your payment from designated centres.
Step 1: Receive SMS Notification
Once your payment is ready, you’ll get an SMS from 8171 notifying you of the available amount, which can range from Rs. 10,500 to Rs. 13,500.
Step 2: Visit the Nearest Payment Center
Take your original CNIC and visit the following centres:
- BISP Campsites
- Bank Alfalah branches
- HBL Konnect retailers
Step 3: Biometric Verification
You will be asked to verify your identity via a biometric fingerprint scan. If verification is successful, you will receive your cash instantly.
Cities Where BISP Payments Are Being Distributed (August 2025)
As of this month, BISP payments are being actively disbursed in the following major cities:
- Islamabad
- Lahore
- Karachi
- Quetta
- Multan
- Peshawar
- Faisalabad
- Sialkot
- Hyderabad
- Bahawalpur
Additional cities and rural areas are being added regularly as surveys are completed and systems updated.
Read Also: BISP Installment Increase || July 2025 Update New Payment Details
How to Register for BISP (If You’re Not Already Registered)
If you haven’t registered for the BISP programme yet, here’s how to get started:
- Visit the Nearest BISP Registration Center
Take your original CNIC and any relevant documents, such as a family registration certificate or utility bill. - Complete the NSER Survey
You’ll be asked basic questions about your income, household members, and living conditions. - Submit Your Data
Once your information is recorded, it will be reviewed by BISP officials. - Wait for Approval SMS
If you’re approved, you’ll receive a confirmation SMS from 8171.
This process is free—never pay any agent or third party for registration or eligibility checking.
⚠️ Common Problems and Their Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| No SMS response from 8171 | Try again after 24 hours or check network settings |
| Fingerprint not matching | Visit NADRA to update biometric data |
| CNIC expired or blocked | Renew your CNIC at a NADRA office |
| Payment not received after approval | Contact the official helpline or visit your local BISP office |
| Fake SMS or calls | Only trust messages from 8171 |
☎️ Official BISP Contact Information
If you need support or have complaints, use the official channels:
- SMS: 8171
- Website: https://8171.pass.gov.pk
- Helpline: 0800-26477
- Email: info@bisp.gov.pk
✅ Conclusion
The Benazir Income Support Program continues to provide critical financial assistance to millions of Pakistanis. With the introduction of the SMS-based eligibility check, the process has become simpler, faster, and more accessible for everyone. If you or your family qualify, take full advantage of this opportunity.
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