If you or someone in your family depends on the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) or Ehsaas payments, knowing how to check BISP 8171 balance by CNIC and how to complete 8171 online registration is essential. The government has made it easier to verify eligibility and payment status using the official 8171 portal and the simple SMS shortcode 8171 — but scammers and unofficial websites also exist, so you need a clear, safe walkthrough.
What is 8171 and how is it related to BISP / Ehsaas?
8171 is the official shortcode and web portal used to manage registration, eligibility checks, and payment status for social protection programs in Pakistan. Beneficiaries can check their registration status and payment balances by sending their CNIC to the shortcode 8171 or by using the 8171 web portal.
Quick answers — the two fastest ways to check your BISP balance
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SMS (fastest): Send your 13-digit CNIC (without dashes) to 8171 from any mobile number. You’ll get an automated reply with your status (e.g., Eligible, Under Review, Not Registered) and sometimes payment details.
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Web Portal (detailed): Go to the official 8171 portal, enter your 13-digit CNIC and the captcha, then submit to view eligibility, payment history, and instructions for next steps.
Step-by-step: How to check BISP 8171 balance by CNIC (web)
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Open your browser and go to the official portal.
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On the homepage you’ll see a field for CNIC. Enter your full 13-digit CNIC without dashes (for example
4210112345678). -
Type the captcha exactly as shown.
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Click Submit / Check. The portal will show one of the typical statuses: Eligible / Approved, Under Review, Not Registered / Ineligible, or Payment Pending. It may also list the amount and payment cycle if a payment has been scheduled.
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If your status says Eligible and a payment is listed, follow the portal instructions for the payment collection method (e.g., biometric verification, designated bank, or digital disbursement).
Tip: Use a phone or computer with a stable internet connection and avoid public Wi-Fi when entering your CNIC.
Step-by-step: How to check by SMS (8171)
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Open SMS on any mobile phone.
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Type your 13-digit CNIC (no dashes or spaces).
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Send it to 8171.
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Wait for an automated reply — it will usually return your eligibility status or an instruction if more steps are needed.
How to register online with 8171 (online registration process)
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Pre-check by SMS: Send CNIC to 8171 — if you get Not Registered or Under Review, proceed to the next steps.
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Visit the official 8171 portal and look for the Online Registration or Apply Now section.
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Fill the online form carefully. Provide accurate details such as household income, number of dependents, and a reachable mobile number.
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Biometric / in-person verification (if required). Some cases will require you to visit a designated registration center with your CNIC and original documents.
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Wait for verification. The system will verify your data via NADRA and other databases. You can re-check status using SMS or the portal after a few days.
Note: Registration is completely free. Do not trust any third parties asking for money.
What each portal response means (common statuses)
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Eligible / Approved: You are in the program and may have a scheduled/paid amount. Follow the portal’s payment instructions.
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Under Review: Your application or update is being verified. Check again after a few days.
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Not Registered / Ineligible: Your CNIC is not found as an active beneficiary. You can try full online registration or visit a local office for assistance.
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Payment Pending / Collected: If a payment is pending, the portal will show the collection method. If it’s already collected, it may show the date and method.
Common problems and how to fix them
Problem: “No result found” or “Not Registered”
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Double-check you typed the 13-digit CNIC correctly.
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Try SMS to 8171 as backup.
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If unresolved, visit the nearest registration center for in-person verification.
Problem: Portal not opening or showing errors
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Make sure the URL is correct.
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Try a different browser, device, or incognito mode.
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If traffic is high, wait and check again later.
Problem: SMS not returning a reply
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Ensure your SIM has credit and strong network coverage.
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Use a local Pakistani SIM (foreign SIMs often don’t support shortcodes).
How payments are disbursed (what to expect)
Payments are delivered in different ways depending on the program:
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Biometric payment points / designated banks: You may need to verify identity at a bank or payment point with CNIC and fingerprints.
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Mobile wallets / digital disbursement: In some cases, payments are sent digitally to mobile accounts.
Always follow the instructions shown on your portal status.
Safety: avoid fake sites and scams
Be cautious of:
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Websites that look like 8171 but have strange domain names.
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Agents asking for money to “fast-track” your registration.
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Social media posts asking you to comment your full details.
Always use the official portal or SMS shortcode 8171. Registration is free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q — Can I use someone else’s mobile number to check CNIC via SMS?
Yes, you can. The system only cares about the CNIC entered.
Q — How long does online registration take to show up?
Usually a few days to a few weeks depending on verification.
Q — Is the 8171 portal free to use?
Yes, both the portal and SMS shortcode are completely free.
Q — Which documents do I need for in-person verification?
Normally just your original CNIC. In some cases, household or income details may also be required.
Troubleshooting checklist (short)
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Enter 13-digit CNIC without dashes.
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Fill captcha carefully.
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Try SMS to 8171 as a backup.
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Use the correct official portal.
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If still stuck, visit the nearest registration center.
Closing — stay safe and informed
The 8171 system has simplified how citizens check eligibility and payments from BISP and Ehsaas. Use the official portal and SMS service 8171, avoid unofficial websites or paid “help,” and keep your CNIC and mobile number ready for verification. If in doubt, visit your nearest office for in-person assistance.
