From August 2025, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has started biometric verification for payments under the 8171 system. The new process, powered by NADRA, aims to ensure transparent and fraud-free disbursements to eligible families across Pakistan.
| Verification Required | Thumbprint + CNIC (NADRA linked) |
| Payment Amount | Rs. 13,500 or Rs. 27,000 (double installment) |
| Who Needs Verification | All eligible BISP recipients |
| Where to Verify | BISP camps, JazzCash, Easypaisa, ATMs, NADRA centers |
| Re-Verification Option | Available at NADRA offices if the thumbprint fails |
| Check Online | 8171.bisp.gov.pk |
| Check by SMS | Send CNIC to 8171 |
| Documents Needed | Original CNIC, registered phone number |
| Receipt After Payment | Digital or printed slip |
Why the New System Was Introduced
In past years, the BISP program faced issues with fraudulent claims and ghost beneficiaries. To solve this, the government integrated NADRA’s biometric system, ensuring that only verified, eligible citizens receive cash assistance.
Who Is Eligible for BISP in 2025
To receive payments, a beneficiary must:
- Be registered in the NSER (National Socio-Economic Registry)
- Have a valid CNIC
- Not be employed by the government
- Belong to a low-income household
- Meet the PMT score (between 32-40)
- Priority is given to:
- Women-led households
- Widows and orphans
- People with disabilities
- Landless and jobless families
How to Get Verified and Receive Payment
- Visit a nearby BISP center or biometric-enabled agent (e.g., JazzCash, HBL Konnect).
- Present your CNIC.
- Scan fingerprints for biometric verification.
- Once verified, you’ll receive Rs. 13,500 or Rs. 27,000 if eligible for a double installment.
- Collect a payment receipt (printed or digital).
What If Biometric Verification Fails?
- Visit the nearest NADRA office to update or re-scan fingerprints.
- After re-verification, return to a payment center to try again.
Payment Schedule for August 2025
- Phase 3 payments started in mid-July and continue through August.
- Temporary camps are active in heat-affected districts with water and shade.
- Urban payments are mostly processed through ATMs and banking agents.
- Some eligible recipients are receiving double payments to compensate for missed installments earlier in the year.
Check Your Status Online or by SMS
Beneficiaries of the BISP 8171 program can easily confirm their eligibility and payment status through two official methods: online or by sending an SMS. Both options are free and available 24/7.
Check Status Online via Web Portal
Follow these steps to check your status through the official 8171 portal:
- Go to the official website: https://8171.bisp.gov.pk
- Enter your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes).
- Complete the CAPTCHA code shown on the screen.
- Click on “Submit” to view your details.
The portal will display:
- Your eligibility status
- Whether your payment has been approved or not
- If biometric verification is required
- Any instructions for the next steps
Check Status via SMS
If you don’t have access to the internet, you can use your mobile phone to check your BISP status:
- Open your phone’s SMS app
- Type your CNIC number (13 digits only)
- Send it to 8171
Within a few minutes, you’ll receive a reply confirming:
- If you are eligible
- If your payment is ready
- If biometric verification is pending
- Any other required actions (e.g., NSER update or re-verification)
Make sure the SIM is registered under your own name. Otherwise, the system may not respond correctly.
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
| Problem | Solution |
| Fingerprint not matching | Re-scan at NADRA center |
| No SMS reply from 8171 | Ensure SIM is registered in your name |
| Eligible but didn’t receive money | Contact BISP helpline: 0800-26477 |
| Only single payment received | Check back next week; second installment may be scheduled |
Conclusion
The August 2025 update to the BISP 8171 system marks a major step toward financial transparency and efficiency. With NADRA’s biometric verification now mandatory, beneficiaries must ensure their records are up-to-date to avoid delays. The system also supports re-verification and offers improved online and SMS services for ease of access.