Benazir Kafalat Program New Payments
The Benazir Kafalat Program under the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is a critical social welfare initiative in Pakistan, aiming to provide financial aid to low-income families, especially women, facing economic hardship. This article covers recent updates about new payment procedures, upcoming payment phases, and essential information on the 8171 SMS service.
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verview of the Benazir Kafalat Program’s New Payments
The current Benazir Kafalat Program payment is set at PKR 10,500 per quarter, providing direct cash assistance to more than 9 million registered families across Pakistan. This payment amount is part of an increase over previous years, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting low-income households amid inflation and economic challenges. In 2024, the government allocated a larger budget to BISP, enhancing the funds available for the Kafalat Program and expanding it to include more beneficiaries.
Procedure for Receiving Payments
To collect payments from the Benazir Kafalat Program, beneficiaries must follow the designated steps:
SMS Notification: Eligible recipients will receive an SMS from the BISP service number 8171. This message confirms eligibility and provides further instructions on where to collect payments.
Verification and Collection:
- Beneficiaries must visit their assigned payment center, typically within their local area.
- At the center, they are required to verify their identity through biometric fingerprint verification.
- After verification, they receive a token, allowing them to proceed to a designated bank representative at the center to collect their cash payment.
Alternative Collection Points: For ease, BISP has partnered with local HBL and Bank Alfalah branches, enabling beneficiaries to withdraw their payments from nearby ATMs once they complete the initial verification proceedure .
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Important Note
Payment centers may differ based on the district or region, so it is advised to check local announcements or visit the nearest BISP office for assistance. In addition, beneficiaries should ensure their CNIC information matches the BISP records to avoid issues during verification.
When Will the Second Phase of Payments Start?
The Benazir Kafalat Program New Payments in phases, and following each disbursement, there is typically a short interval before the next phase begins:
- First Phase: The initial phase of payments for the current quarter began on October 15, 2024, covering 19 districts across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Payments in this phase have been successfully distributed to eligible families.
- Second Phase: The second phase is expected to start by mid-November 2024 and will cover additional districts, including regions in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, where payments are still pending. This phased approach ensures that beneficiaries in remote areas are also reached, although they may experience slight delays due to logistical constraints.
8171 SMS Service Update
The 8171 SMS service is crucial for beneficiaries as it provides real-time updates and confirms eligibility. Here’s how it works:
- Eligibility Check: To verify if they qualify for the Kafalat Program, individuals can send their 13-digit CNIC number to 8171. After processing, BISP responds with eligibility confirmation or registration guidance.
- Payment Notifications: Registered beneficiaries receive payment notifications through this service, detailing when and where they can collect funds. It is essential for beneficiaries to keep their mobile numbers updated in BISP’s records to receive timely alerts.
- Customer Support: If there are issues with receiving payments or other program-related inquiries, beneficiaries can reach out to their local BISP offices or check their status again by resending their CNIC to 8171.
Conclusion
The Benazir Kafalat Program New Payments continues to be a lifeline for many Pakistani families, providing them with financial support during challenging times. With the new payment procedures, increased budget, and phased payment rollouts, the program is expanding its reach and efficiency. Beneficiaries should ensure they follow the verification steps at designated centers and remain in touch via the 8171 SMS service for the latest updates on their payments. As the government addresses logistical challenges, these efforts underscore Pakistan’s commitment to social welfare and economic support for its most vulnerable citizens.