Applications were requested through an SMS short code service 8171 and a web portal. Data analysis enabled eligibility to be determined, using unique national identification numbers and drawing on the National Socio-Economic Register and wealth indicators (travel, tax, billing, asset ownership data, and government employment status).
The system was end-to-end data-driven, fully automated, rules-based, transparent, and politically neutral. Payments were verified biometrically. Ehsaas received 139 million applications, of which 66 million were unique and over 14.8 million people collected their payments.
In terms of sharing global experiences, the case of Pakistan offers useful lessons for other countries using unique personal identification systems. It shows that by combining phones, internet connectivity, national identity cards, and commercial payment systems, an innovative, demand-driven digital social protection system can enable those in distress to seek social support during crises. Ehsaas Emergency Cash has been highly praised globally by many countries and international development institutions.
The Asian Development Bank, World Bank, World Economic Forum, Oxford Initiative on Poverty and Human Development, International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth, and the United Nations have all deeply appreciated the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme.
The World Bank ranked the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme third in terms of population share globally and fourth globally in terms of number of people covered. In the program’s second phase, Ehsaas introduced an emergency cash assistance of Rs. 12,000 for each of the 12 million families identified through the new Ehsaas survey.
This shows that by combining phones, internet connectivity, national ID cards, and commercial payment systems, an innovative, demand-driven, digital social protection system can be created to enable those in distress to seek social support during crises. Ehsaas Emergency Cash has been highly praised globally by many countries and international development institutions. The Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, the Oxford Initiative on Poverty and Human Development, the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth and the United Nations have all deeply valued the Ehsaas Emergency Cash program.
Objective of Ehsas Emergency Cash Program
Sometimes life is hard and we do not receive enough help to cover our basic needs. To overcome these harsh conditions, the Pakistani government announced a $14,000 per month aid. It supports families with lower incomes, especially those earning less than $25,000. This program shows that it cares and wants to make life a little easier for people in need.
Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program Registration
Before you qualify to receive a monthly cash income of 14,000, you need to register online for the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program. The process is very easy and you can do it in no time. Let’s take a look at the registration process:
➫ Step 1:
Hold your CNIC card in your hand and pick up your mobile phone. Now go to the SMS center and enter your CNIC number inside the body of the message carefully. Also, you need to enter the number without dashes. Now you need to send the SMS to 8171.
➫ Step 2:
So, the next step is to make sure that you are eligible to receive the Ehsaas 8171 income subsidy. For this, you need to check your mobile phone for a confirmation message from Ehsaas which will let you know if you are eligible or not. If you are not eligible, you will not be able to receive Rs 14,000 in cash as a monthly subsidy.
➫ Step 3:
After ensuring that you are eligible for Rs. 14000 cash, now take the next step which is to get an NSER survey. This is a survey that verifies whether a person is eligible for the Benazir Income Support Program or not, if you pass the test you will get Rs. 14000 for sure
➫ Step 4:
The final step is to submit your payment. This step is very easy as you will get a message telling you where you can deposit your 14000 cash. Mostly, you can collect your grant from any BSIP center retailer.
The registration process is very simple and not at all complicated. You just have to enter your ID number and that’s it.
How to receive Ehsaas emergency cash
After registration, if you are eligible for Ehsaas emergency cash, you will be informed when your grant is ready to be delivered. All you need to do is keep waiting for your turn. The government will send you a message stating that your Rs 14000 cash is now available for withdrawal. So, you can follow the instructions in that message to withdraw or receive your cash.
These are the centers or locations where you can withdraw your Rs 14000 cash.
- Ehsaas Retail Centers
- HBL ATM
- HBL Konnect
- HBL Branches
- NSER BISP Centers
Make sure you visit any of the above-mentioned locations to withdraw your Rs 14000 cash. These are the certified centers of the Ehsaas cash program, so you only need to visit these locations. There is no other way to receive your Rs 14,000 cash registration payment in 2023, so always make sure to go to these verified locations.
Eligibility for Ehsaas Cash Program
This program has become a helping hand for many of us. But to ensure that it reaches the truly needy, the program has set specific eligibility criteria. If you don’t meet the criteria, you will be terminated.
Women
It also facilitates women who are the main breadwinners of the family. Who is working hard to feed their families?
Students
Students who cannot afford to go to school due to financial difficulties can get relief from the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program.
Low-income families
If your family income is less than 25000, you are eligible and can apply for a 12000 RS per month stipend.
The widow
Widows facing the world on their own, with courage, can also benefit from the help of the program.
Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program New Update
Good news! In 2024, the Government of Pakistan announced that the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program would be revived. The program was created to deal with emergencies.
Due to this, 25 thousand rupees in financial assistance were given to people during the coronavirus outbreak and to the victims of floods.
Due to the country’s conditions not being suitable, the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program financial assistance has been resumed and now a financial assistance of 14 thousand rupees will be provided. Registration has also started regularly. You need to visit the nearest Benazir Income Support Program office to register.
You need to make sure that you register there, after that, as soon as you start receiving the money, it will also be given to you. It is also said that the amount will start from 25th February 2024, so make sure that you register as soon as possible before it is too late. If you are facing issues registering for the Ehsaas Kafalat program, So don’t worry. Here is all the guidance about the Ehsaas Kafalat program.
Ehsaas Program Offices
This method may not be valid for those who do not have the nearest Ehsaas program office. This method is only for those who can easily reach the office and register for the Ehsaas emergency cash program.
If you do not know in which areas the BISP offices are located, here you can check the updated list of Ehsaas BISP offices and go to the nearest office to register. It is not an online method either, mind you. Follow these steps to register for the program through the Ehsaas office. Here is the list of BISP tehsil offices.
- Start the process by visiting the nearest Ehsaas office in your area.
- Before heading to the office, make sure you have all the necessary documents with you, including your CNIC card.
- The Ehsaas staff will guide you through the entire process once you reach there.
- They will ask you several questions regarding your identity, home, and work. So, answer each question correctly.
- After completing the required documentation, the staff will assess your eligibility based on the information provided.
- Staff will let you know if you are eligible for Ehsaa assistance after the process.
Please follow the instructions of the Ehsaas office staff throughout the visit, making sure to provide accurate information and answer any questions they may have.
How to check Ehsaas program money
The Ehsaas program has started receiving funds for the new installment. If you have not received the message to receive money from 8171, do not worry. Here are two methods to check your money.
Method 1
- For the convenience of people, the government has launched an online portal through which you can check your money from the comfort of your home without having to queue for hours.
- A portal is provided to you. Open it, enter your ID number, and enter the code shown in the image.
- After that, press the Know button to inform you about your eligibility immediately.
Method 2
- If you are less literate and cannot check your eligibility online, do not worry
- Type your ID number on your mobile phone
- And send it to 8171
- You will receive a confirmation message immediately.
FAQ’s
How can I check my CNIC for the Ehsaas program?
To check your CNIC for the Ehsaas program, you need to text your national identity card to 8171.
What is CNIC SMS to 8171?
CNIC SMS to 8171 is a process to check your eligibility for BISP and Ehsaas income support program in Pakistan.
How can I register for Ehsaas program in Pakistan in 2023?
To register for Ehsaas program in 2023, you need to pass the survey test and then text your identity card number to eight-one-seven-one.
How to collect my cash grant of Rs 14,000 and Rs 12,000?
To collect your cash grants of Rs 14,000 and Rs 12,000 from the government, you can visit any nearest retail center of the Ehsaas program. Or you can use HBL ATMs.
Conclusion
Ehsaas emergency cash program is helping millions of underprivileged people across Pakistan. It is giving them money and helping them meet their daily expenses. It was a great initiative taken by the government in 2020 during the pandemic.
Still, even in the current government, the program is still going on. If you want to be a part of this amazing program, you can follow the Ehsaas emergency cash program online registration guide given above.