The Ehsaas Kafalat Program is a social safety net initiative by the Government of Pakistan aimed at providing financial support to the most impoverished and vulnerable segments of society, particularly women. Launched as part of the broader Ehsaas Programme in 2019, it seeks to alleviate poverty and empower women by offering them monthly cash stipends and access to a range of social services.
Eligibility Criteria for Ehsaas Kafalat Program
To be eligible for the Ehsaas Kafalat Program, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must be a citizen of Pakistan with a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
- The family income of the applicant should be below the poverty line, as determined by the program guidelines.
- The applicant should not be a government employee, taxpayer, landowner, or car owner.
- Individuals who have traveled abroad are also not eligible for the program.
- Elderly citizens above 60 years of age who are unable to support themselves and their families are eligible.
- Women, especially those who are widowed, divorced, or single, are given priority in the program.
- People with a monthly salary less than 20,000 PKR and those with a Proxy Means Test (PMT) score less than 40 are eligible.
- Disabled individuals are also eligible for the program.
It is important to note that the program primarily targets needy women, including widows, orphans, people with disabilities, and transgender individuals, to help them become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life. To check eligibility, individuals can send their CNIC number via SMS to 8171.
You can also use the Ehsaas 8171 web portal (https://8171.pass.gov.pk/) to check your eligibility by entering your CNIC number. If someone is declared ineligible, they can apply again as the NSER survey is restarted, which includes 24 indicators to determine eligibility.
Required Documents
To apply for the Ehsaas Kafalat Program, the following documents are required:
- National Identity Card (CNIC): A valid and original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) of the applicant is necessary.
- Registered Mobile Number: The applicant must have a SIM card registered against their CNIC. This is important for communication and verification purposes.
- Proof of income or an income certificate to verify the economic status of the applicant.
- Utility bills (such as gas or electricity bills) may be requested to provide proof of residence and to assist in the verification process.
Applicants may need to get their family enrolled in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) for verification purposes. It is also important to ensure that the CNIC is not expired, as this could lead to failure in the biometric verification process.
Registration Process for Ehsaas Kafalat Program
The Ehsaas Kafalat Program offers financial support to the needy and deserving people in Pakistan, focusing on women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to apply or register for the Ehsaas Kafalat Program:
Online Registration
You can start the registration process online by visiting the official Ehsaas Kafalat website (http://8171.pass.gov.pk) and entering your CNIC number and check your eligibility.
Offline Registration
Locate the nearest Ehsaas Kafaalat registration center or Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Tehsil office. These centers are set up to facilitate the registration process and assist applicants with their applications.
NSER Survey Registration
Some applicants may be required to undergo the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey to confirm their eligibility. This survey assesses various socio-economic factors to ensure that assistance reaches the most deserving individuals. The NSER survey is a critical component of the program, as it helps to identify and prioritize the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable populations.
Additional Information
- SMS Registration: Applicants can also register by sending an SMS with their CNIC number to 8171. This service provides a convenient way for individuals to initiate the registration process.
- Re-registration: Those who were previously ineligible or did not apply can re-register or check their eligibility status as the program periodically updates its beneficiary list.
- Support for Students: The Ehsaas Kafalat Program includes provisions for scholarships, ensuring that children from beneficiary families can access education.
The Ehsaas Kafalat Program also supports transgender individuals meeting the eligibility criteria. For any issues or queries, you can contact the Ehsaas Kafalat Program helpline.
Payment & Distribution
Upon successful verification, you will be able to receive your monthly stipend. Payments can be withdrawn from ATMs of partner banks or through biometric verification at POS agents. The Ehsaas Kafalat Program provides financial assistance to the poorest and most deserving women across Pakistan. Here’s how the payment and distribution process works:
Bank Alfalah (BAFL)
Bank Alfalah (BAFL) has secured the mandate for the Ehsaas Kafalat program in cluster 1; North, which includes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The bank provides digital payment solutions for cash disbursements to beneficiaries through a biometric system.
Biometric
Beneficiaries receive quarterly disbursements of PKR 6,000, which is distributed to the lead female of the selected family. Biometric Verification: Payments are made through a biometric verification system to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.
Additional Services
- Kafalat Bachat Wallet: Beneficiaries have the option to open a Kafalat Bachat Wallet account with a minimum investment of PKR 500, allowing them to save and perform transactions like utility bill payments and mobile top-ups.
- Personal Savings Accounts: Each female recipient of the Ehsaas Kafalat program will have personal savings accounts opened for them, along with ATM cards for withdrawal.
Payment Amounts & Frequency
- Monthly Stipend: The program initially provided a monthly stipend of PKR 2,000, which was later increased to PKR 2,333, and beneficiaries receive a one-time payment of PKR 14,000.
- Increased Stipend: The recent Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, increased the stipend amount from PKR 12,000 to PKR 14,000.
Payment Centers and Timings
- Ehsaas Payment Centers: Payments can be collected from Ehsaas payment centers, which are operational from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Biometric ATMs: Beneficiaries can also receive payments through biometric ATMs of partner banks such as Bank Al-Falah and Bank Al-Habib.
Helpline and Support
Beneficiaries can reach out to the Ehsaas Kafalat helpline for assistance or visit the official website pass.gov.pk for more information.
The Ehsaas Kafalat Program’s payment and distribution system is designed to be secure and efficient, ensuring that the financial assistance reaches the intended recipients in a transparent manner.
Benefits of the Ehsaas Kafalat Program
The Ehsaas Kafalat Program, part of the broader Ehsaas Programme by the Government of Pakistan, offers a comprehensive range of benefits aimed at alleviating poverty and empowering the most vulnerable segments of society, especially women. Here are the key benefits provided by the program:
Monthly Cash Stipends
Registered beneficiaries receive monthly cash stipends to help meet their basic needs and improve their standard of living. The amount has been increased from PKR 12,000 to PKR 14,000.
Health and Education Support
The program provides access to healthcare services, ensuring that beneficiaries can receive medical care without financial hardship. It also supports educational initiatives, offering scholarships and incentives to students from low-income families to further their education.
Women Empowerment
By targeting financial aid primarily towards women, the program aims to empower them, ensuring their active participation in the socio-economic development of the country. One of the objectives of the Kafalat program is to provide better access to smartphones for women, as a step towards digital inclusion, enhancing their connectivity and access to information.
Additional Benefits
- Monthly Subsidy on Petrol and Diesel: A monthly subsidy of PKR 2,000 on petrol and diesel for eligible families.
- Inclusion of Transgender Persons: The program also includes transgender individuals, promoting their inclusion and empowerment within society.
The Ehsaas Kafalat Program’s benefits are designed to break the cycle of poverty and uplift the lives of the vulnerable sections of society by providing financial assistance, healthcare, education support, and empowerment opportunities.
Updates & Developments
The Ehsaas Kafalat Program, a cornerstone of social welfare in Pakistan, has introduced several significant updates and developments aimed at enhancing its support for the underprivileged and marginalized communities. Here are the key updates for 2024:
Double Payment for Students
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ehsaas Kafalat Program has introduced double payments amounting to PKR 21,000 specifically aimed at supporting students. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to investing in the education and future of the nation’s youth, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints.
Online Registration and Accessibility
To streamline the enrollment process and improve accessibility for beneficiaries, the Ehsaas Kafalat Program now offers online registration options. Through the program’s online portal, eligible individuals can easily submit their information and apply for assistance from the comfort of their own homes, enhancing convenience and ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.
Payment Status and Eligibility Check
Beneficiaries enrolled in the Ehsaas Kafalat Program can easily check the status of their payments and eligibility through various channels, including the program’s official website or contacting designated helplines. This transparency and accountability measure ensures that beneficiaries are informed and empowered throughout the process.
Increased Quarterly Installment
The quarterly installment of the BISP Kafalat program for 2023 has been increased by 25% by the government of Pakistan due to increasing inflation. This increase is part of the government’s efforts to provide more substantial support to beneficiaries in the face of economic challenges.
Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Program Update
The Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Program, another component of the broader Ehsaas initiative, has also seen updates in 2024, including expanded eligibility criteria and improved distribution mechanisms. These updates reflect ongoing efforts to optimize program effectiveness and reach more beneficiaries.
Contact Details
For beneficiaries and individuals seeking information or assistance with the Ehsaas Kafalat Program, the Government of Pakistan has established multiple channels of communication. These channels are designed to provide support, address queries, and facilitate the application process. Here are the primary ways to get in touch with the Ehsaas Kafalat Program:
Official Website
Ehsaas Program Website: For comprehensive information about the program, eligibility criteria, application process, and updates, visit the official Ehsaas Program website at http://www.pass.gov.pk.
Helpline
Ehsaas Program Helpline: For direct assistance, queries, or to report issues, you can call the Ehsaas Program helpline. The helpline number is 0800-26477. It operates during business hours and is staffed by representatives who can provide guidance and support in multiple languages.
SMS Service
8171 Service: Applicants and beneficiaries can use the 8171 SMS service to check their eligibility, application status, or receive notifications about payments. Simply send your CNIC number to 8171 to receive instant updates related to your application.