The Ehsaas Program is a comprehensive social safety initiative launched by the Government of Pakistan to provide financial assistance to low-income and underprivileged families. One of the key components of the Ehsaas Program is cash assistance, which aims to support the most vulnerable sections of society. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for Ehsaas Program cash assistance.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying for the Ehsaas cash program, it is crucial to check if you are eligible. The program primarily targets low-income families, daily wage workers, and other marginalized communities. The key eligibility criteria are:

  • Household income below the poverty line.
  • Family must not have government employees (except those in grade 1-4).
  • No significant property or assets.
  • Not a recipient of other social protection programs.

The National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey is used to determine eligibility, so it’s important to ensure that your household information is updated in this registry.

Step 2: Register through Ehsaas Registration Centers or NSER Survey

If you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to ensure that you are registered in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER). There are two primary ways to do this:

  1. NSER Survey Teams: In various districts, survey teams visit households to collect data. If a team has not visited your area, you can proceed to an Ehsaas Registration Center.
  2. Ehsaas Registration Centers: Visit your nearest Ehsaas Registration Center to register. You can find the list of registration centers by visiting the official website of the Ehsaas Program or by contacting the Ehsaas helpline.

Step 3: Check Status via SMS

After registration, you can check your eligibility status by sending an SMS with your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number to 8171. You will receive a response confirming whether you are eligible or not for the cash assistance.

SMS Format: Type your CNIC number (without dashes) and send it to 8171.

  • Eligible: If eligible, you will be informed and guided to the next steps.
  • Not Eligible: If not eligible, the system will notify you of your ineligibility.

Step 4: Visit Designated Payment Centers

If you are declared eligible, you will be asked to visit the nearest Ehsaas payment center or a designated branch of a partnering bank to collect your cash assistance. The locations for these payment centers are often shared via SMS, or you can look them up on the Ehsaas Program website.

  • Take your CNIC and SMS confirmation with you to the payment center.
  • Biometric verification is mandatory, so you will have to authenticate your identity using your fingerprints at the payment center.

Step 5: Receive Cash Assistance

Upon successful verification, you will receive the cash assistance on the spot. The cash is typically disbursed in lump sums to make the process more convenient for recipients. Depending on the nature of the program you qualify for, the amount may vary, but the usual sum is around PKR 12,000.

Step 6: Helpline for Queries

For any questions or issues during the application process, you can reach out to the Ehsaas helpline by calling 0800-26477. The helpline provides information about registration centers, eligibility criteria, and the status of your application.

Key Points to Remember

  • Make sure your CNIC is valid and updated.
  • Registration in NSER is necessary to apply.
  • Biometric verification is required to receive payments.
  • Be cautious of fraud and only rely on official government announcements or the SMS you receive from 8171.

Conclusion

The Ehsaas Program has been a lifeline for millions of Pakistanis during times of financial distress. Following the steps outlined above ensures that you can apply for and receive the financial aid you are entitled to. The government has streamlined the process, making it easier for vulnerable families to access support quickly and efficiently.