Applying for BISP 8171? Don’t Make These Mistakes!

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) aims to provide financial help to low-income families across Pakistan. However, many applicants miss out on this support due to avoidable mistakes. Here’s a guide to help you steer clear of common errors and ensure your application goes through smoothly.

Why Application Mistakes Matter

BISP checks data like household size, income, and your CNIC details to confirm eligibility. If any part of your information is missing or incorrect, it could lead to rejection or unnecessary delays.

1. Using an Invalid or Outdated CNIC

Many people apply with expired or incorrect CNICs. This causes instant disqualification.

How to avoid it:

• Always use a valid and updated CNIC.

• “Double-check the number before sending it.”

2. Giving Incorrect Household Information

Mistakes in the NSER form can cost you the aid.

Common issues include:

• Not mentioning all family members
• Wrong income details
• Not updating changes like marriage or death

Fix it by:

• “Reviewing your answers before submission”
• “Updating your record if your family situation changes”

3. Skipping Fingerprint Verification

Biometric verification is mandatory. Skipping this step or mismatched fingerprints will get your form rejected.

What to do:

• “Visit a center that offers biometric scanning”
• “Make sure your thumbprints are registered and clear”

4. Using Someone Else’s Phone to Apply

If you send your CNIC from an unregistered phone number, the system might not verify you properly.

Avoid this by:

• “Applying using your own phone number”
• “Keeping your SIM active and in your name”

5. Trusting Third Parties to Apply for You

Many fall victim to fake agents asking for money to help with registration. BISP doesn’t charge anything.

Stay safe by:

• “Avoiding local agents or shopkeepers”

• “Going directly to the nearest BISP center”

6. Ignoring Application Status Updates

Some applicants ignore messages like “being reviewed” or “under process,” assuming it’s a rejection.

Instead:

• “Wait for a few days”
• “If there’s no change, visit a help center and ask for support”

7. Not Updating Your Profile After Life Changes

If there’s a marriage, death, or change in income, you must inform BISP.

Remember to update if:

• “Someone in your household passes away”
• “You move to a new home”

• “Your income changes”

8. Submitting Multiple Applications

Trying to apply from different numbers or names may mark you as suspicious.

The correct way:

• “Apply once with your accurate CNIC”

• “Don’t attempt to cheat the system—it could delay everything”

9. Not Checking or Responding to Official Messages

BISP sends updates via SMS—missing or ignoring them can cost you.

Keep in mind:

• “Read all SMS from 8171 carefully”
• “Follow any instructions you receive”

10. Thinking One-Time Approval Means Lifetime Support

Even after acceptance, your case may be reviewed again.

To stay eligible:

“Keep checking your status”

“Complete re-surveys if required”

• “Visit your center if payments stop suddenly”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I fix my application if I made a mistake?
Yes. Visit a BISP registration center, explain the issue, and correct your details.

Do I need to pay anyone to apply?
No. All BISP services are free of charge.

What does it mean if my status says ‘being verified’?
It means your information is still being checked. Wait a few days, or follow up if needed.

How do I know if my biometrics are updated?
You can confirm at any BISP center or NADRA office.

Is one application enough?
Yes, apply only once with correct information. Re-applying unnecessarily can cause delays.