What Is the BISP Poverty Score?
Understanding financial eligibility for social support in Pakistan begins with knowing how the BISP Poverty Score works. It’s a system developed by the Benazir Income Support Programme to assess household conditions—beyond just salary. This score is calculated through a structured national survey that examines aspects like family size, housing quality, ownership of assets, and access to education and utilities.

Rather than only focusing on income, the score provides a full picture of a household’s living standard. This allows the program to reach the people who truly need help, including those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of income-based evaluations.
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Why the 13500 Figure Is Important
The figure of 13,500 rupees per month often comes up when discussing eligibility, though it’s not a formal requirement. Instead, it’s a reference point—suggesting that families living on less than this amount may be within the qualifying range. It represents a baseline for basic living expenses such as food, rent, clothing, and transportation.
Families earning below or near this level are encouraged to participate in the eligibility check, especially if their living conditions are modest. However, final qualification depends on the calculated poverty score, not just monthly income.
بینظیر انکم سپورٹ پروگرام کا مقصد غریب گھرانوں کی مدد کرنا ہے تاکہ وہ اپنی بنیادی ضروریات پوری کر سکیں۔ اس کے لیے ایک مکمل سروے کیا جاتا ہے جس میں گھر کی حالت، سہولیات، اور بچوں کی تعداد شامل ہوتی ہے۔ اس سروے کی بنیاد پر فیصلہ کیا جاتا ہے کہ آپ امداد کے اہل ہیں یا نہیں۔
Program Overview
Topic | Details |
What It Measures | Household living conditions, asset ownership, family size |
Use of 13500 | A general benchmark, not a strict limit |
Survey Method | Home visits and questionnaires conducted under the 8171 system |
2025 Updates | More focus on clean water, health, and fuel access |
Key Scoring Factors | Housing type, number of dependents, utility access |
Eligibility Checking | CNIC via 8171 SMS or online portal |
Reassessment Options | Available through appeals or household change |
Payment Frequency | Quarterly (approx. Rs. 9000 to Rs. 13500) |
Myths Debunked | Phones or shops don’t always disqualify; scores can change |
How the 8171 Survey Measures Eligibility
BISP conducts a large-scale household survey using the 8171 system. Trained representatives visit homes and collect answers to questions related to housing, education, employment, and utilities. This information is processed to produce a household’s eligibility score.
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If the resulting score falls below a specific cutoff set by the program, the family becomes eligible for financial assistance. Those above the threshold are considered ineligible, although they can reapply or appeal if circumstances change.
Key parts of the 8171 assessment include:
- Access to electricity, gas, and water
- Type and structure of your home
- Number of dependents, especially school-aged children
What Changed in 2025?
In 2025, the BISP assessment underwent key updates to better reflect the changing economic landscape. The cost of living has risen, and the updated scoring system now gives added weight to indicators like:
- Clean drinking water availability
- Health-related expenses and disabilities
- Fuel or energy consumption in the home
These changes mean that even families who were previously considered ineligible may now qualify. Re-checking your status is a good idea if your household conditions have changed.
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13500 روپے ماہانہ ایک ایسا ہدف سمجھا جاتا ہے جس سے یہ اندازہ لگایا جاتا ہے کہ کوئی گھرانہ اپنی ضروریات پوری کر سکتا ہے یا نہیں۔ اگر آپ کی آمدنی یا سہولتیں اس حد سے کم ہیں تو امکان ہے کہ آپ مالی مدد کے اہل ہوں گے۔ مگر حتمی فیصلہ دیگر کئی عوامل کو دیکھ کر ہوتا ہے۔
Understanding the Role of Housing and Assets
Housing conditions play a critical role in the score calculation. Families living in basic or semi-finished homes with shared toilets or no kitchen facilities often receive lower scores, increasing their chances of qualifying.
On the other hand, families who own valuable assets—like air conditioners, refrigerators, or even motorbikes—may see their score rise. The program uses these indicators to determine financial strength without asking for detailed bank records.
How to Check Your BISP Eligibility
To check whether you qualify, you can use any of the following methods:
- Visit the 8171 web portal and enter your CNIC number
- Send your CNIC via SMS to 8171
- Visit the nearest BISP registration or facilitation center
Make sure all your household data is current. Incorrect or outdated information can lead to a misleading BISP Poverty Score, affecting your eligibility.
For More Information: BISP 8171 Payment Re-Verification Process Update
Reapplying and the Appeal Process
If you’re told you’re ineligible but believe the decision is incorrect, you have the right to appeal. This involves visiting a BISP office and providing updated proof of your situation—such as recent utility bills, medical records, or rent agreements.
You can also request a reassessment if your household has experienced a significant change, like the loss of a job, birth of a child, or relocation.
سال 2025 میں پروگرام میں نئی تبدیلیاں کی گئی ہیں جن کے تحت پانی، صحت، تعلیم اور توانائی کے خرچ کو خاص اہمیت دی گئی ہے۔ اگر آپ کے گھر کے حالات تبدیل ہوئے ہیں تو آپ دوبارہ سروے کروانے کی درخواست کر سکتے ہیں تاکہ آپ کی اہلیت کا صحیح اندازہ لگایا جا سکے۔
BISP Payment Structure for 2025
In 2025, most eligible families receive between Rs. 9,000 and Rs. 13,500 every quarter. The amount depends on region and household size. Payments are usually made via mobile banking platforms, registered retailers, or bank accounts.
The government announces payment dates in advance, and beneficiaries are informed via SMS. It’s essential to keep your registered phone number active and linked to your CNIC.
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Common Misunderstandings About Eligibility
Many people believe certain myths, such as owning a mobile phone automatically disqualifies you. That’s not true. The presence of small electronics doesn’t heavily impact your score unless combined with other signs of financial stability.
Also, some think once declared ineligible, you’re out for good. In reality, your BISP Poverty Score can change with time, and so can your eligibility. Always stay informed and proactive.
Conclusion
The BISP Poverty Score is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of how a household lives, survives, and manages its basic needs. With the updates introduced in 2025, the scoring system has become more responsive to today’s economic realities, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.