Many BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme) beneficiaries in Pakistan have faced an issue where their payments were stopped due to expired CNICs (Computerized National Identity Cards). If you find yourself in this situation, there is good news. BISP has confirmed that, starting May 20, 2025, all pending payments will be released for beneficiaries who had their CNIC expired, but have now renewed it through NADRA.
In this guide, we will walk you through simple steps on how to check online if you are still eligible for BISP after your CNIC expiry
Why Were BISP Payments Stopped?
BISP has clear policies to ensure eligibility. One of the requirements is that your CNIC must be valid. When a CNIC expires, the BISP account gets blocked, and payments are stopped to avoid fraud and to ensure that only eligible individuals receive support.
Many people, especially women in Pakistan, were not aware that an expired CNIC would halt their BISP payments, leaving thousands without funds. However, BISP has clarified that once you renew your CNIC, the payments will resume.
Who Will Receive the Pending Payment?
You are eligible to receive your BISP pending payment if:
- You were already enrolled in the program.
- Your CNIC expired, causing payments to stop.
- You have renewed your CNIC with NADRA.
- You did not receive the last installment.
If these conditions apply to you, BISP has reactivated your account, and the pending payments will be released.
How to Check Online If You Are Still Eligible for BISP After CNIC Expiry?
Follow these simple steps to check if you are eligible to receive your BISP payments after CNIC expiry:
1. Check CNIC Validity
Ensure that your CNIC has been renewed. If it hasn’t, visit the nearest NADRA office to get it renewed.
2. Verify BISP Status
- Send your 13-digit CNIC number via SMS to 8171. You will receive a message confirming your eligibility and payment status.
- Alternatively, visit your nearest BISP Tehsil office for manual checking.
3. Payment Collection Starts May 20
If you are eligible, you can collect your payments from:
- Designated BISP payment campsites
- Partner bank ATMs
- Nearby BISP offices (if manual payment is required)
Make sure to bring your original CNIC when collecting payments.
4. Keep an Eye on SMS Alerts
You will receive an official SMS from 8171 confirming your payment release. Only trust official messages and ignore third-party agents.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Problem: CNIC Renewed, but No Payment Yet
Solution: The system may still be updating, so wait until May 20, 2025, when all pending payments will be processed.
Problem: CNIC Recently Renewed
Solution: It may take a few days for BISP and NADRA records to sync. Wait for a few working days before checking again.
Problem: Didn’t Receive an SMS
Solution: Even if you didn’t receive an SMS, you can manually check by sending your CNIC to 8171 or visit the BISP center.
Important Things to Know
- Your payments were paused, not cancelled. Once your CNIC is updated, your old payment will be released.
- If you’re already in the system, you don’t need to re-register. Simply renew your CNIC to reactivate your account.
- The payment amount you’ll receive will be either Rs. 13,500 or Rs. 14,500, depending on the updated payment scheme.
- Your money is safe in the system. No need to worry about it being lost.
- For faster payment collection, try visiting early in the morning to avoid long lines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I renewed my CNIC. Will I get my BISP payment?
Answer: Yes, once your CNIC is renewed, you will receive your pending payments starting from May 20, 2025.
Q: Do I need to re-register for BISP?
Answer: No, there is no need for re-registration. Just renew your CNIC, and your account will be reactivated.
Q: How can I check if my payment is ready?
Answer: You can check your eligibility by sending your CNIC to 8171 via SMS or by visiting your nearest BISP center or ATM.
Q: What happens if I don’t check my payment quickly?
Answer: Your payment will remain safe in the system, but it’s recommended to check early to avoid delays.
Q: What if I haven’t renewed my CNIC yet?
Answer: Go to NADRA immediately and renew your CNIC. Then, check your BISP status via 8171.
Conclusion
The Benazir Income Support Programme continues to play a crucial role in supporting low-income families in Pakistan. If your CNIC expired and your payments stopped, there’s no need to panic. Once your CNIC is renewed, your BISP account will be activated again, and payments will resume.
