BISP Kafalat Program

INTRODUCTION

BISP Kafalat Program is a key social welfare initiative launched by the Government of Pakistan under the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP). This program provides financial assistance to deserving women across the country, especially those from low-income households. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend to help them meet their basic needs like food, healthcare, and education.

The BISP Kafalat Program ensures transparency through a digital payment system, using biometric verification at designated payment centers or through bank ATMs. It plays a major role in reducing poverty, empowering women, and promoting financial inclusion in Pakistan.

Topic	BISP Kafalat Program
Country	Pakistan
Geographic area	South Asia
Institutions and agencies involved	Government of Pakistan
References	Official BISP and Government Data
Programme type	Social assistance
Programme subtype	Unconditional cash transfers
Population group	Poor households, Women

Program Details

The BISP (also known by its full name as the Benazir Income Support Programme) was launched to help the poor and vulnerable people across the country. When I first learned about the program, I was impressed by how clear its objectives were — offering a minimum level of income support to those who are chronically disadvantaged and likely to be affected by economic shocks. Since its start date in 2008, this Program (formerly known as Ehsaas’ Kafaalat Program) has aimed to provide a safety cushion during financial struggles, such as food or fuel crisis, helping the poor face future hardships. The broader goals include meeting redistributive justice by targeting those hit negatively and adversely by impacts beyond their control.

The Program has strict rules to ensure fairness. People with jobs, Government holders, or those who own a car, pay taxes, or frequently travel to foreign countries are not considered for this program. Even their spouses are excluded. As per recent coverage records, the number of registered and enrolled beneficiaries under Kafaalat reached 8.71 Million, and the target was to enhance it to 9 Million by June 2023. The Budget allocation for the 2017–2018 fiscal year was PKR115 billion, which was around 0.4 per cent of GDP back in 2014–15. In my community work, I’ve seen this program make a real difference in lives, especially when a timely package can mean the difference between hunger and hope.

Eligibility Criteria

In the Benazir scheme, choosing the right people for support isn’t just guesswork—it relies on a tool called the proxy mean test (PMT). This PMT is calculated using data from the National socio-economic registry, where a detailed survey collects the biodata of every family, including the size of the family, their income, and poverty score. A specific cut value—32/100—is the benchmark for Eligibility under the kafalat scheme. If someone has a score 32 or score 37, and a valid CNIC, they are considered eligible. If the CNIC is expired, they must visit the NADRA office to renew it before being processed. This method is very clear, and in my experience helping communities understand it, it makes the selection fair and data-driven.

The program prioritizes orphans, women, heads of family, and poor segments of society, giving support where it matters most. However, not everyone qualifies. Landowners, car owners, taxpayers, and those with foreign travels are ineligible, as are government employees. If your Ehsaas NSER survey is incomplete, you are also not eligible. From what I’ve seen, many people don’t even know they’re left out because of that missing step. That’s why guiding people through the process of the proxy mean test is just as important as giving aid.

Types of Benefits

The main type of benefit is Cash, provided to help families meet basic needs.
Each benefit recipient, including low-income women and poor households, receives 9000 rupees for four months.
The payment delivery frequency is every four months, offering regular financial support.
Funds are transferred through different payment disbursement mechanisms:
- Pakistan Post Money Orders
- Smart Card payment dispersal System
- Mobile Banking System
- Debit Card System
- Bio-Metric Verification System (BVS)
The program ensures transparency and accountability through technology-based initiatives such as:
- Payment Verification Interface (PVI)
- Online Monitoring through Dashboard
- E-Office
- Payment Complaints Management System (PCMS)
Field officers are required to visit at least one payment site daily, especially in smart card districts, to carry out active monitoring.
A strong MIS supports all systems for efficient tracking and complaint resolution.

Terms and Conditions for BISP Kafalat Program

Eligibility:
Only low-income women and poor households are eligible for the BISP Kafalat Program. Beneficiaries must be verified through the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER).
Age Requirement:
Applicants must be above 18 years of age and must possess a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
Disqualification:
Government employees, taxpayers, or those owning land/property over a certain limit are not eligible.
One Person Per Family:

Only one eligible female per household can receive benefits under this program.
Registration Process:
Beneficiaries must be registered either through NSER surveys or designated BISP offices.
- Payment System:
  Payments are issued every four months via biometric verification through HBL or ABL, or other designated banks.
- 6. Payment System:
  Payments are issued every four months via biometric verification through HBL Konnect, Bank Alfalah, or other designated banks.
- 7. Account Use:
  Beneficiaries must not share PINs or ATM cards. Any misuse may lead to suspension of benefits
- 8. Fraud and Penalty:
  Submitting false information or engaging in fraudulent activities will result in legal action, including disqualification from all BISP programs.

9. Grievance Redressal:
Beneficiaries can file complaints via the BISP helpline 8171, field offices, or the BISP Complaint Management System (PCMS).
10. Monitoring and Compliance:
BISP reserves the right to monitor the use of funds and conduct random audits or field visits for transparency and accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions – BISP Kafalat Program

Q: What is the BISP Kafalat Program?
A: It is a financial support program for low-income women in Pakistan, offering cash assistance every four months.
Q: Who is eligible for the BISP Kafalat Program?
A: Women from poor households, aged 18 or above, with a valid CNIC, and verified through NSER are eligible.
Q: How much money is given under the program?
A: A total of Rs. 9,000 is given every four months to eligible women.
Q: How can I apply for the program?
A: You can apply through BISP registration centers or during door-to-door NSER surveys.
Q: What is the PMT score for eligibility?
A: Your Proxy Means Test (PMT) score must be 32 or below to qualify.

Conclusion

The BISP Kafalat Program is a lifeline for many low-income women in Pakistan. By providing regular cash support, it helps reduce poverty and empowers women to meet their basic needs with dignity.

The program’s strong monitoring systems, transparent payment methods, and focus on accountability show that it’s built to truly support the most vulnerable households. Whether you’re seeking help or guiding someone else, understanding the terms, benefits, and eligibility can make all the difference.