The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is one of Pakistan’s most significant social safety net initiatives, providing financial aid to low-income families. Until recently, the BISP 8171 web portal was a key tool for checking eligibility and payment statuses online. However, the portal is now officially closed, and this change brings some important implications for beneficiaries.
Here’s what you need to know about how the closure affects payments, registration, and eligibility verification and what steps you should take next. The Benazir Income Support Program portal has not been completely closed, but rather it is closed for some time because it is closed due to some problems. So you don’t need to worry, you can try after a while, God willing, you will get the portal and you will be able to check your eligibility immediately.
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No Impact on Payments Despite Portal Closure
If you’re already receiving payments under BISP, there’s no need to worry. The closure of the 8171 web portal does not affect the disbursement of payments in any way. All existing payment procedures remain active and unchanged.
Beneficiaries can still access their funds through the following channels:
- 8171 SMS service: Simply send your 13-digit CNIC number to 8171 to check your current payment status.
- Biometric verification: Payments are made available only after biometric verification at BISP campsites or authorized payment centers.
- Physical collection points: Once verified, you can collect payments from partner banks or retail shops assigned by BISP.
This ensures that all eligible individuals continue to receive financial support even if they can’t access the portal.
Registration Process Remains Unchanged
Another key point to understand is that the registration process for BISP was never available through the 8171 portal. Registration has always been handled in-person at BISP Tehsil offices across the country.
To register for BISP support, you must:
- Visit your nearest BISP Tehsil office.
- Provide the required documentation, including your CNIC and household details.
- Undergo the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) data collection process.
Since the web portal was not involved in registration to begin with, its closure has no impact on new or existing registrations.
Major Impact: Eligibility Verification Now Requires Office Visit
One major change brought about by the closure of the 8171 web portal is in the eligibility check process. Previously, many people used the online portal to see if they were eligible for the program. With the portal closed, that option is no longer available.
Now, if your CNIC is not showing as eligible when using the SMS service or if you’re unsure about your current status, you must:
- Visit the nearest BISP office.
- Request a re-verification of your eligibility.
- Update or correct your NSER survey information, if needed.
This new requirement may cause delays for some beneficiaries, especially those in remote areas. However, it is a necessary step to ensure that only eligible families receive assistance.
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What Should You Do Now?
To continue receiving your BISP support or register for the first time, follow these steps:
For Existing Beneficiaries
- Use the 8171 SMS service: Send your CNIC to 8171 to check your payment status.
- Collect payments at authorized banks or retail shops after biometric verification.
- Do not share your OTP or personal information with anyone—BISP does not request such details over phone or WhatsApp.
For New Registrants
- Visit your nearest BISP Tehsil office to complete the registration process.
- Bring your CNIC and relevant household documents for data entry.
- Complete the NSER survey to determine your eligibility.
If Your Eligibility is Not Confirmed
- Go to a BISP office for manual verification.
- If needed, update your socio-economic data.
- Wait for official confirmation from BISP through SMS or notification.
Summary Table: BISP 8171 Portal Closure – Impact Overview
| Category | Before Portal Closure | After Portal Closure |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Status Check | Online portal, SMS service | SMS service only (Send CNIC to 8171) |
| Payment Collection | Biometric verification at banks/shops | No change – continues via banks and retailers |
| Registration Process | In-person at BISP office only | No change – still requires in-person registration |
| Eligibility Check | Online portal and SMS | SMS for basic info, office visit for re-verification |
Stay Safe: Use Only Official Channels
The closure of the web portal has unfortunately led to the rise of fake websites and scams targeting vulnerable citizens. To protect yourself:
- Only use the official 8171 SMS service.
- Never share your CNIC or OTP codes on unknown websites or through WhatsApp messages.
- Do not respond to phone calls claiming to be from BISP unless verified.
BISP will never ask for your sensitive information through unofficial means. Always visit your nearest Tehsil office for any concerns regarding your registration or eligibility.
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Conclusion
While the closure of the BISP 8171 web portal has created some inconvenience especially for checking eligibility online it does not affect your payments or ability to register. The SMS service and in-person visits remain the most reliable ways to access BISP services. Stay informed, follow the official process, and avoid falling for scams.