The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is Pakistan’s key initiative to help struggling families, especially women. To ensure help reaches the truly needy, BISP uses a PMT score — short for Proxy Means Test. This score acts as a financial background check and is calculated using factors like household income, property ownership, number of school-going children, and available home facilities.
If your PMT score is low, you are considered poor and can get help from BISP. But if it’s high, the system assumes your financial condition is better, and you may not qualify anymore. This method helps the government target support to the most deserving families only.
New Eligibility Criteria You Should Not Miss
As of the latest update in 2025, BISP has made major changes to who qualifies. Women whose PMT score is above 32 are now being removed from the BISP Kafalat program and other related benefits. This means around 3.5 million women will no longer receive financial support under this program.
Why is this happening? Because BISP regularly updates PMT scores through fresh surveys and NADRA data. If your financial condition has improved — maybe you bought a vehicle, your children moved to better schools, or your income increased — then your score goes up. And once it crosses 32, you are no longer considered “eligible” under the poverty criteria.
This decision might feel harsh to many, but it is part of the government’s push to make the system more transparent and fair. The idea is to clear up space for those who are still in deep financial trouble.
Who Can Still Stay Eligible Under the New Rule?
Now, let’s talk about who is safe — the exceptions.
Widows: If you are a widow, your PMT score can go up to 36, and you will still qualify. BISP recognizes the hardships widows face and provides them with a cushion even if they don’t meet the general rule.
Disabled Women or Households: The same 36-point rule applies here. If the woman herself is disabled or someone in her household has a disability, BISP offers this relief. The system understands the added expenses these families bear and continues to support them despite a slightly higher score.
These exceptions show that BISP is trying to be both fair and compassionate.
Check PMT Check Score
PMT Score Checker
Enter your 13-digit CNIC to check your PMT score
Disqualified? Here’s What You Can Do
If your PMT score is now above 32 and you are not a widow or don’t have a disability case in the family, you might be worried. But don’t panic. Here’s what you should do next:
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Wait for official confirmation: You’ll receive an SMS from 8171 or an official letter about your status.
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Visit your nearest BISP office: They can give you full details about your updated score and what caused the change.
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Call the BISP helpline: Dial 0800-26477 to speak with a representative.
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Keep your documents ready: You might be asked for new proofs during any upcoming verifications.
Currently, the 8171 online portal is under maintenance. Once it’s live again, you can check your updated PMT score and application status there. Make sure to monitor your phone and keep your contact information up to date.
Also Read: BISP Launches Online Registration for 2025-26: Everything You Need to Know
A New Chance for Deserving Women to Join
There’s a silver lining in this update: new spots are now open in the BISP program. With millions of women removed due to the updated criteria, those with a PMT score below 32 now have a golden opportunity to register.
If you think you or someone you know qualifies:
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Go to the nearest BISP tehsil office
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Complete the Dynamic Survey
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Provide accurate and truthful information
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Get your registration token for future tracking
This is your chance to receive monthly cash support, especially if you’ve been struggling silently. But remember — honesty is key. False information could get you disqualified later on.
Final Thoughts
While the new rules might feel discouraging for some, the purpose behind these changes is to improve fairness. The government wants to make sure that BISP funds go to the truly needy. If your financial situation has genuinely improved, that’s actually a positive thing. But for those still in need, BISP continues to be a lifeline — especially now that more spots have opened up.
Keep your documents ready, stay alert for official messages, and take timely action to stay connected with the program.