The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is one of Pakistan’s leading social safety initiatives, created to assist deserving women from low-income families. However, in 2025, the government introduced updated eligibility filters through the 8171 web portal, leading to the disqualification of several women from receiving BISP payments.
This article provides a complete breakdown of six categories of women who are now ineligible, and what steps affected individuals can take next.
Quick Summary of Disqualification Reasons
| Reason for Disqualification | Action by BISP |
|---|---|
| Received Government Loan | Payment permanently stopped |
| High PMT Score (above 32) | Removed from eligibility |
| No Dynamic Survey Completed | Temporarily blocked for 2 years |
| International Travel (self or family) | Marked ineligible |
| Tax Filer Status (self or husband) | Entire family disqualified |
| Mobile Easy Load Business Activity | Disqualified based on mobile usage pattern |
1. Women Who Received Government Loans Are Now Ineligible
Women who have availed government loans under initiatives like Apna Ghar Apni Chhat or any Maryam Nawaz-led schemes are now automatically disqualified from BISP.
Why This Matters:
- Government assumes loan recipients have alternative financial support.
- BISP is strictly for the financially vulnerable, not those receiving government aid.
2. Women Without a Dynamic Survey Are Temporarily Blocked
Every woman registered in BISP must undergo a dynamic survey, which helps the government assess whether she still qualifies for financial support.
Consequences of Missing the Survey:
- Immediate suspension of BISP payments.
- If not completed, the woman is removed for 2 years.
- Can reapply after 2 years by completing the required survey.
What is the Dynamic Survey?
It’s an in-person or online re-verification process that checks income, family status, assets, and employment changes.
3. PMT Score Above 32 = Disqualification
The Poverty Means Test (PMT) score is used to measure a household’s economic condition. A score above 32 now makes a woman ineligible for BISP.
How PMT Affects Eligibility:
| PMT Score Range | Eligibility Status |
|---|---|
| 0–32 | Eligible for BISP payments |
| Above 32 | Disqualified (financially stable) |
Even women who completed all other steps will be removed if their PMT score exceeds the threshold.
4. Women or Their Husbands Who File Taxes Are Disqualified
Anyone who files income tax — whether the woman or her husband — is now viewed as not financially vulnerable and is disqualified from the program.
Key Points:
- BISP auto-flags families where a tax return has been filed.
- These women are marked as “Failed” in the system.
- Disqualification applies to the entire family unit.
This change reinforces the focus on helping only non-taxpaying, low-income households.
5. Women Whose Families Have Traveled Abroad
If a woman or her immediate family member (husband/children) has traveled abroad, they are no longer considered needy under BISP standards.
Rationale Behind This Rule:
- Foreign travel suggests potential income from overseas.
- Even visiting or working abroad can result in disqualification.
- Data is cross-verified using passport and immigration records.
6. Women Involved in Easy Load Business Activity
The system now detects mobile SIMs that are being used for mobile load transactions of Rs. 2,000 or more per month. Women using such SIMs are assumed to be engaged in a small-scale business, thus considered not poor.
Mobile Load as a Financial Indicator:
| Monthly Easy Load Usage | Eligibility Status |
|---|---|
| Less than Rs. 2,000 | Remains eligible |
| Rs. 2,000 or more | Flagged for disqualification |
This step is part of the government’s AI-based income estimation, helping identify households with hidden income sources.
Can Disqualified Women Reapply?
Yes, most disqualifications are reversible if certain actions are taken:
| Disqualification Reason | Reapply Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Missed Dynamic Survey | Can rejoin after 2 years, if survey completed |
| High PMT Score | Can reapply if PMT score drops below 32 |
| Wrongful Foreign Travel Mark | Visit BISP center and provide travel clarification |
| SIM Misuse | Change SIM or reduce load usage, then reapply |
Real-Life Example Cases
- Nazia from Multan: Her husband traveled for Umrah. She was disqualified but got reapproved after proving it was a one-time pilgrimage.
- Rubina from Lahore: Removed due to SIM load business; became eligible again by transferring the SIM to her brother’s name and proving no income.
Government’s Statement on BISP Reforms
The BISP administration states that reforms are necessary to:
- Ensure transparency and fairness
- Prevent resource misuse
- Support only the truly deserving
Officials continue to improve data tracking using NADRA, FBR, and mobile usage data to cross-check eligibility.
Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Eligible
With the new BISP disqualification criteria now in effect via the 8171 web portal, it’s crucial for women to:
- Regularly update their data through dynamic surveys
- Avoid business activity linked to their SIM
- Stay informed about PMT scoring and family tax status
- Proactively clarify foreign travel records when needed
⚠️ BISP is for the poorest of the poor. Keep your records transparent to avoid removal and secure ongoing financial support.
FAQs: BISP Eligibility & Disqualification (April 2025)
Can I become eligible again if I was removed?
Yes, depending on the reason, like survey completion or PMT change, re-entry is possible.
Is receiving a loan from a private bank a disqualification?
No, only government-issued loans are considered for disqualification.
How do I check my BISP status?
Send your CNIC number to 8171 or visit the official BISP portal.
What if I never traveled abroad but was still removed?
Visit your nearest BISP office with your passport or travel record for correction.
How often should I update my dynamic survey?
Every 2 years or whenever BISP opens a re-verification drive.