BISP Announced Good News for Disqualified Women in 2025

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has recently removed around 1.3 million women from the Kafalat program. These women are currently receiving their last payment under the scheme, which has left many of them deeply worried and upset.

To address this situation, BISP has announced a new update. According to this latest decision, women who were recently disqualified from the Kafalat program will be given another chance to rejoin and receive financial assistance.

Here are the key details: BISP has made it possible for disqualified families or those whose PMT score is above 32 to undergo a fresh survey every two years. Through this re-survey, these families can be reassessed and, if found eligible, can once again become part of the Kafalat program.

Recent BISP Statements on Disqualifications

• Transparency and Fairness: In April 2025, Senator Rubina Khalid addressed concerns about disqualifications, stating that BISP is committed to transparency. She noted that the dynamic NSER registry, introduced in 2023, allows disqualified women to update their information and reapply, ensuring no eligible household is permanently excluded.
• PMT Score Adjustments: In April 2025, BISP raised the PMT cut-off for widows, divorced women, and their disabled children from 32 to 35, making more families eligible. This change was announced to address complaints from vulnerable groups unfairly disqualified due to slightly higher scores.
• Appeals Process: BISP has encouraged disqualified women to visit Tehsil-level registration desks or call the helpline (0800-26477) to appeal. The dynamic registry, supported by NADRA, allows real-time updates to correct survey errors or reflect changes in household status.
• No Registration Fees: Khalid clarified that registration and re-verification are free, warning against scams where agents charge fees to “fix” PMT scores.

Steps to Reapply for BISP

1. Verify Disqualification Reason

• Why: Understanding why you were disqualified helps you address the specific issue (e.g., high PMT score, expired CNIC, or survey errors).
• How to Check:
  • Online: Visit 8171.bisp.gov.pk, enter your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes), input the captcha, and check your status. The portal may indicate if your PMT score exceeds 32 or another issue.
  • SMS: Send your CNIC number to 8171 from your registered mobile number. You’ll receive an SMS stating the reason (e.g., “PMT score exceeds threshold” or “biometric failure”).
  • Helpline: Call 0800-26477 to speak with a BISP representative who can explain the disqualification.
  • BISP Office: Visit a local BISP Tehsil office with your CNIC for in-person verification.
• Tip: If the 8171 portal is slow (common before payment phases like June 2025), use the SMS option or try again later. Ensure your SIM is linked to your CNIC.

2. Update Your CNIC and Biometric Data

• Why: An expired CNIC or mismatched biometric data (e.g., fingerprints) can cause disqualification.
• Steps:
  1. Visit a NADRA office to renew your CNIC if it’s expired or update your registered mobile number.
  2. If biometric verification failed, re-scan your fingerprints at NADRA. This takes 3–7 days to process.
  3. Confirm your CNIC is active and linked to your mobile number for BISP communication.
• Tip: Bring your original CNIC and a recent utility bill to NADRA for faster processing. Check NADRA’s website (www.nadra.gov.pk) for the nearest center.

3. Update NSER Survey Data

• Why: The National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) determines your PMT score based on household income, assets, and living conditions. Updating this data can correct errors or reflect changes (e.g., job loss, reduced assets) that lower your PMT score below 32 (or 35 for widows/divorced women, 37 for families with disabilities).
• Steps:
  1. Locate a BISP registration desk:
     • Visit a Tehsil-level BISP office (check locations on www.bisp.gov.pk).
     • Look for mobile NSER vans in remote areas, announced via local media or BISP’s social media.
  2. Bring required documents:
     • Original CNIC (mandatory).
     • Children’s B-Forms (if applicable).
     • Proof of economic hardship (e.g., unemployment records, medical bills, or tenancy agreements).
  3. Complete a new NSER survey:
     • Provide accurate details about household size, income (below PKR 25,000/month), assets (e.g., no vehicles or property), and living conditions.
     • Highlight changes since the last survey, like loss of income or increased dependents.
  4. Receive a tracking number to monitor your application status.
• Processing Time: Re-verification takes 3–7 days, but it may take longer during high-demand periods (e.g., before the June 2025 Phase 3 payments).
• Tip: Be honest during the survey to avoid permanent disqualification for fraud. If you’re a widow or divorced, mention this to benefit from the higher PMT cut-off of 35 (set in April 2025).

4. File an Appeal (if Needed)

• Why: If you believe your disqualification was unfair (e.g., PMT score only slightly above 32 or survey errors), you can appeal for re-evaluation.
• Steps:
  1. Visit a BISP Tehsil office or dynamic registration desk.
  2. Submit an appeal with:
     • Original CNIC.
     • Family registration documents (e.g., B-Forms for children).
     • Evidence of poverty (e.g., utility bills, proof of no government employment).
  3. Alternatively, call 0800-26477 to lodge a verbal appeal and follow up in person.
  4. BISP reviews your case, re-assesses your PMT score, and notifies you via SMS or the 8171 portal.
• Processing Time: Appeals typically take 7–14 days, depending on case volume.