How to Check Your Eligibility for the 8171 Ehsaas Program Using CNIC – Full Guide for 2025

Millions of low-income households across Pakistan can now conveniently track their financial assistance status under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) using the 8171 Ehsaas Program CNIC Check system. This digital platform allows citizens to verify their eligibility and payment details from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to visit government offices or stand in long queues.

How the System Works

As part of the Ehsaas Kafalat initiative, the government recently increased quarterly cash assistance to Rs13,500 to provide stronger financial support to struggling families. Beneficiaries can check their status by either sending their 13-digit CNIC number via SMS to 8171 or by visiting the official 8171 web portal. Payments are disbursed digitally after biometric verification at partner bank branches or ATMs.

This service is free of cost and directly integrated with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), ensuring that only genuinely deserving households receive support.

Eligibility Criteria for 8171 Ehsaas Program

The program focuses on low-income or unemployed families, especially widows, disabled persons, and families with school-going children. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Possess a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
• Have an active SIM card registered in their name
• Maintain a Poverty Means Test (PMT) score below 32

Once the CNIC is submitted, the portal may return one of the following statuses:

• Eligible: Approved for financial aid
• Under Verification: Documents are still being validated by NADRA/NSER
• Survey Required: Beneficiary must complete the NSER household survey

• Ineligible: Poverty score is too high; eligibility can be reassessed after updating records

Transparent, Safe, and User-Friendly System

The 8171 CNIC check system was introduced to ensure efficient, corruption-free delivery of aid. Its integration with official government databases enhances both transparency and security.

More than 9 million families currently benefit from the Ehsaas Kafalat and BISP unconditional cash transfer schemes, making it one of Pakistan’s most significant social safety net programs with a budget of over Rs400 billion annually.

Staying Safe from ScamsBeneficiaries are advised to:

• Only use official channels (8171 SMS or web portal)
• Never share CNIC photos, OTPs, or banking PINs
• Avoid paying intermediaries for eligibility checks or payments
• Ensure their SIM is registered in their own name
• Complete the NSER survey if required

• Retain all SMS messages from 8171 as official proof of eligibility

Quick Reference for 8171 Ehsaas Kafalat CNIC Check

• Program: 8171 Ehsaas Kafalat
• Eligibility: Verified low-income families
• Requirements: CNIC, mobile number, CAPTCHA
• Status Results: Eligible, Ineligible, Survey Required, Under Verification
• Payment Frequency: Every quarter (Rs9,000 to Rs13,500)

• Payment Collection: Through HBL and Bank Alfalah ATMs and retail partners

This digital initiative marks a key step toward streamlining welfare services and delivering timely support to Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities.