BISP Latest Update: Quarterly Payments Stopped for Thousands of Women, Check Your Status

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), one of Pakistan’s largest social welfare programs, has stopped monthly financial assistance to thousands of women.

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has recently taken a significant step to ensure that financial aid reaches only the most deserving families in Pakistan. As part of this reform, payments have been halted for women whose Proxy Means Test (PMT) score exceeds 32.

What is BISP and Its Purpose?

BISP, launched in 2008, is Pakistan’s largest poverty alleviation program. It provides cash support to poor families, mainly women, to help them afford basic needs like food, healthcare, and education. As of 2025, around 10 million women are enrolled in the program, receiving quarterly payments of PKR 13,500 under the Benazir Kafalat scheme.

What is the PMT Score?

The Proxy Means Test (PMT) score is a number used to measure a household’s poverty level. It is calculated based on factors like:

• Monthly income
• Number of family members
• Living conditions (e.g., type of house, access to electricity)
• Ownership of assets (e.g., land, vehicles)
• Education and employment status

The PMT score is determined through the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey, conducted by BISP staff at tehsil offices or during door-to-door visits. A lower PMT score means a family is poorer and more likely to qualify for BISP aid. Generally, households with a PMT score of 32 or below are eligible for the Benazir Kafalat program. However, for certain groups like widows, divorced women, or disabled individuals, the eligibility threshold is slightly higher, up to 35.

Why Were BISP Payments Stopped for Some Women?

In 2025, BISP introduced stricter rules to ensure aid reaches only the most deserving families. As part of a Dynamic Re-survey process, the program re-evaluated the PMT scores of existing beneficiaries. Women whose PMT scores were found to be above 32 during this survey were declared ineligible for further payments. This decision was made to:

1. Focus on the Poorest: BISP aims to prioritize families in extreme poverty. A PMT score above 32 suggests a household’s financial situation has improved, making them less dependent on aid.
2. Fair Distribution: With limited funds, BISP wants to ensure money goes to those who need it most, avoiding misuse by households that no longer qualify.
3. Update Records: The Dynamic Re-survey helps update outdated data, as some families’ economic conditions may have changed since their initial registration.

According to reports from April 2025, women with PMT scores above 32 were given payments until March 2025 but were removed from the program afterward.

What Happens to Women Whose Payments Are Stopped?

Women with PMT scores above 32 face the following consequences:

1. No Further Payments: They will not receive the PKR 13,500 quarterly payment after March 2025.
2. Three-Year Ban: If disqualified due to a high PMT score, women cannot rejoin the BISP program for three years. This rule ensures that resources are directed to others in greater need.
3. Option to Appeal: Women who believe their PMT score is incorrect can visit a BISP tehsil office to request a re-survey or file a complaint. They need to bring their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and proof of income or living conditions.

Women who were disqualified for not completing the re-survey can still rejoin by visiting a BISP office and completing the NSER survey. If their PMT score is 32 or below, they may be reinstated.

How to Check PMT Score and Eligibility?

To avoid losing payments, women should regularly check their PMT score and BISP eligibility. Here’s how:

1. Online Portal:
   • Visit the official BISP 8171 web portal (8171.bisp.gov.pk).
   • Enter your 13-digit CNIC number.
   • Click “Check PMT Score” or “Check Eligibility” to see your status.
2. SMS Method:
   • Send your CNIC number (without dashes) to 8171.
   • You’ll receive a reply with your PMT score and eligibility status within 24 hours.
3. Visit a BISP Office:
   • Go to the nearest BISP tehsil office with your CNIC.
   • Staff will check your PMT score and assist with re-survey or registration.
4. Call the Helpline:
   • Dial 0800-26477 (toll-free) and provide your CNIC number to inquire about your score.

If your PMT score is above 32, you can request a re-survey to update your information, especially if your financial situation has worsened.