Here’s how to check Ehsaas 8171 Program eligibility using CNIC

ISLAMABAD: Millions of low-income households in Pakistan can now easily track their financial assistance under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) through the 8171 Ehsaas Program CNIC Check system. This digital system allows beneficiaries to confirm their eligibility and payment status from home, removing the need to visit government offices or wait in long queues.

How the system works

Under the Ehsaas Kafaalat initiative, quarterly payments have recently been raised to Rs13,500, providing vital support to families in need. To check their payment status, beneficiaries can either send their 13-digit CNIC number via SMS to 8171 or use the official 8171 Ehsaas Program web portal. Payments are released through a digital system after biometric verification at designated bank branches or ATMs.

The online portal and SMS service are free of charge and linked directly with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), ensuring assistance reaches those who genuinely qualify.

8171 Ehsaas Program eligibility criteria

The Ehsaas Kafalat program prioritises households that are low-income or unemployed. Widows, disabled citizens, and families with school-going children are given priority. Applicants must have a valid CNIC, an active SIM card registered in their name, and a Poverty Means Test (PMT) score below 32.

After checking their CNIC, users may see one of four results:

Eligible: Approved for payment

Under Verification: Records are being verified by NADRA and NSER

Survey Required: Household survey must be completed at the nearest Benazir Registration Centre

Ineligible: Poverty score exceeds the limit; reapplication possible after updating data

Ensuring transparency and convenience

The Ehsas 8171 CNIC Check system was designed to offer a corruption-free and fast way to confirm eligibility. By connecting directly with NADRA and NSER databases, the government has made verification more secure and transparent.

Currently, over nine million families benefit from Ehsaas Kafalat and BISP unconditional cash transfers, making it one of Pakistan’s largest social protection initiatives with an annual budget exceeding Rs400 billion.

Avoiding scams and receiving payments efficiently

Beneficiaries are advised to use only official channels, never share CNIC images, OTPs, or banking PINs, and avoid paying anyone to check eligibility or collect payments. To ensure smooth processing, households should keep CNIC details updated, use a SIM registered in their own name, complete the NSER survey promptly, and retain official SMS messages as proof of eligibility.

The 8171 Ehsaas Program CNIC check portal demonstrates the government’s efforts to simplify social assistance and reach the country’s most deserving families quickly and securely.

Quick Guide to 8171 Ehsaas Kafalat program CNIC Check

Program Name: 8171 Ehsaas Kafalat program

Eligibility: Verified low-income households via survey

Required Information: CNIC, active mobile number, CAPTCHA verification

Cost: Free

Possible Results: Eligible, Ineligible, Under Verification, Survey Required

Payment Frequency: Quarterly (Rs9,000–13,500)

Cash-out Partners: HBL, Bank Alfalah (ATMs and retail agents)