The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) continues to be a crucial lifeline for many individuals across Pakistan. Recently, new installments under the program have been announced, bringing forth significant changes and considerations for eligible recipients.
BISP New Installments Eligibility Reforms
The eligibility criteria for the BISP have undergone reforms, expanding the scope for applicants. To qualify for the savings scheme, individuals must belong to districts falling within the program’s ambit. Notably, being the creator of Benazir is not a prerequisite for eligibility; rather, the poverty level serves as a key criterion.
Updated Conditions for Applicants
Applicants must have a poverty score between zero and 40 to be considered eligible for the scheme. While a poverty score below 32 traditionally qualified for Kafalat, the revised policy allows individuals with a poverty score below 40 to apply. Moreover, the presence of government employees in the family could now disqualify them from the program, contrasting prior guidelines.
BISP New Installment Details
The rollout of the new installment of the Benazir Kafalat program is imminent. However, certain considerations must be noted. Recipients who have previously registered and received a message from 8171 but have not yet received their first payment will not receive this installment. Similarly, individuals who have received the first installment in October due to the dynamic survey will not be eligible for this new installment.
Payment Information
The new installment, set to begin this year, will provide beneficiaries with Rs. 8500. However, for those awaiting the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, the disbursement may face slight delays. The installment for Benazir Taleemi Wazaif is anticipated to commence towards the end of December or mid-December.
Payment Centers and ATMs
For families in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, HBL ATMs will not yet be operational for installment retrieval. They will need to collect their installments from designated centers. On the contrary, residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu Kashmir, and Gilgit, along with other provinces, can utilize Al Falah ATMs and payment centers for installment retrieval.
Conclusion
The commencement of new installments under the BISP brings both opportunities and alterations in eligibility criteria. Understanding these reforms is crucial for prospective applicants and existing beneficiaries to ensure a smooth process for availing themselves of these essential financial aids.
For a comprehensive guide on applying for and benefiting from this scheme, stay tuned for the next detailed article which provides complete information.