The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has officially launched Phase 3 of the 8171 payment cycle for August 2025. This phase includes updated payment disbursements, expanded district coverage, and revised eligibility rules. Below is everything you need to know.
Summary of Key Details
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Payment Start Date | August 20, 2025 |
| Standard Payment Amount | Rs. 13,500 |
| Double Payment (if eligible) | Rs. 27,000 |
| New Districts Covered | Many across all provinces |
| Eligibility | PMT score under 32 (or 35 for special cases) |
| Check Status | By SMS (8171) or through online portal |
| Documents Required | CNIC, SIM, optional certificates |
| Payment Methods | Biometric agents, ATMs, wallets |
Payment Release Date
Payments for Phase 3 will start from August 20, 2025. Beneficiaries will receive an SMS from the official BISP number 8171 once their payment is ready.
Some beneficiaries may receive a double payment (Rs. 27,000) in this phase. These are mainly individuals who missed earlier payments due to various issues such as natural disasters, delays in verification, or technical errors.
Districts Included in Phase 3
BISP has expanded coverage to include new districts, especially in underserved regions. Newly included areas are from provinces like:
- Balochistan
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Sindh
- Punjab (including Chakwal, Bhakkar, and others)
- Gilgit-Baltistan (e.g., Skardu)
- Azad Jammu & Kashmir (e.g., Kotli)
This expansion ensures that more families in remote and previously excluded districts now have access to financial assistance.
Updated Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria have been slightly revised for Phase 3. Here are the updated requirements:
- Must be a woman from a low-income household
- Must possess a valid CNIC
- Must have a Poverty Means Test (PMT) score of 32 or below
- Some exceptions: widows and disabled persons may qualify with a score up to 35
- No government employment or ownership of valuable property
- Not receiving multiple government stipends
Applicants who meet the above criteria and are registered in the BISP database are eligible to receive payments.
How to Check Eligibility and Payment Status
You can check your eligibility and payment details using either of the following two methods:
- SMS Method
Send your 13-digit CNIC number to 8171. You will receive an instant reply with your eligibility and payment status. - Online Method
Visit the 8171 web portal. Enter your CNIC number and the provided captcha to check your status online.
If you’re marked as eligible, the portal or SMS will also show your payment date and disbursement point.
Documents Required for Payment Collection
When visiting a payment center or BISP franchise, you must carry:
- Original CNIC
- Registered mobile number
- Disability or widow certificate (if applicable)
- Child B-Form (only for education stipends)
- Utility bill (optional, only in certain districts)
Incomplete or invalid documents may lead to delays or rejection of payments.
How to Receive Payment
Payments can be collected in the following ways:
- From designated biometric agents or BISP centers
- Through ATMs if you have a BISP debit or smart card
- Mobile wallet services in certain areas
- Special payment camps set up in remote regions
Always verify your payment channel through an official 8171 SMS.
Precautions to Avoid Scams
- Only trust messages from 8171. Any other number is not authorized.
- Do not share your CNIC number or biometric data with unauthorized persons.
- Report any suspicious activities to the BISP Helpline: 0800-26477.
What You Should Do Now
- Check your eligibility status via SMS or online portal.
- Make sure your CNIC is valid and registered.
- Gather the required documents in advance.
- Wait for the SMS confirmation before going to collect payment.
