BISP 8171 Payments Stopped? How Becoming a Filer Can Affect Eligibility in 2025
In recent months, many families in Pakistan have noticed that their Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) payments have suddenly stopped. One of the main reasons behind this is that someone in the household—usually the husband—became a tax filer. While filing taxes is an important responsibility, it may unintentionally disqualify your family, especially your wife, from receiving BISP installments.
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🧾 What Does It Mean to Be a Filer in Pakistan?
A tax filer is someone who is listed in the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). These are people who regularly submit their income tax returns.
Being a filer gives you many benefits, like:
- Lower withholding taxes on bank transactions
- Better chances for getting loans
- Easier car or property registration
But for those applying for social support programs like BISP, becoming a filer can be seen as a sign of financial stability—even if your income is still low.
⚠️ How Does Being a Filer Affect BISP Eligibility?
The BISP program uses the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) to determine which households are poor and deserve assistance. If someone in your household becomes a tax filer, the system may mark your family as “no longer deserving”, even if that’s not the full picture.
Why does this happen?
- Filing taxes suggests higher income
When someone files taxes, it can indicate that they have a stable or higher income—even if the tax amount is very small. - Your Poverty Score (PMT) may increase
The Poverty Means Test (PMT) score is used to decide if your household qualifies for BISP. Filing taxes may increase this score, making you ineligible. - Your wife’s card may be blocked
In many cases, women who were receiving BISP payments saw their cards deactivated after their husbands became filers.
📉 Real-Life Impact: BISP Cards Getting Blocked
Many families have reported:
- Payments stopped without warning
- Cards marked as inactive
- Long delays in re-verification
Even though being a filer is a good practice, it has caused unintended harm to many low-income households who still need government support.
🛠️ What Can You Do If Your BISP Payments Stop?
1. Visit Your Nearest BISP Office
Bring your CNIC and ask for a status check. They will tell you if your card was blocked due to a tax filer issue.
2. Request a PMT Score Re-evaluation
Ask for your household to be re-surveyed through the NSER update. If your current income is still low, you may become eligible again.
3. Avoid Filing Taxes if You Rely on BISP
If your household depends on this support, think carefully before becoming a filer. It may affect your eligibility in the short term.
🔍 Important Points to Remember
- BISP is for the poorest segments of society.
- Becoming a filer can signal financial improvement to government systems.
- Many women lost their BISP benefits because their husbands became filers.
- Always check how government registrations affect your benefits.
FAQs
Can I get BISP if my husband is a tax filer?
Usually no. If your husband is a tax filer, the household may be considered financially stable, making you ineligible for BISP.
My wife’s BISP card was working before, but now it’s blocked. What should we do?
Visit the nearest BISP office and ask for a status update. You can also request an NSER re-survey to update your household information.
Is becoming a filer a bad thing?
Not at all! Being a filer has many benefits in the long run. But if you rely on social welfare programs, it’s important to understand the trade-offs.
Can I reverse my filer status to get BISP again?
No. Once you’re listed as a filer, it’s recorded with the FBR. However, you can request a re-evaluation of your PMT score if your income is still low.
📌 Final Thoughts
While becoming a tax filer is a good step toward financial responsibility, it can unintentionally disqualify your family from receiving BISP benefits. If your wife was getting help from the BISP program, think twice before registering as a filer—especially if your financial situation hasn’t really improved.
Stay informed, know the rules, and check your BISP status regularly to avoid unexpected problems.
