The Ehsaas Program is a government program for giving financial assistance to families with low income in Pakistan. Ehsaas has supported families in need by offering cash assistance, scholarships, interest-free loans, and healthcare services through multiple programs.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about applying for the Ehsaas Program in 2024, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and tips that can help you ensure that your application has the highest chance of approval.
Overview of the Ehsaas Program
The Ehsaas program was initiated in 2019, focusing on effectively eradicating poverty along with enhancing the welfare of the deprived communities of society. Projects under this are termed as Ehsaas Kafalat (monetary help for women), Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarships, Ehsaas Emergency Cash, and Ehsaas Nashonuma (nourishment support for mothers and children). Pakistani citizens, meeting certain eligibility criteria, can avail of this program by applying through the Ehsaas online portal or physical registration centers.
1. Types of Ehsaas Program Initiatives in 2024
Before applying, one needs to know the kinds of help provided under the Ehsaas Program. Here is a short summary of the main initiatives:
- Ehsaas Kafalat Program: Monthly cash assistance for women in underprivileged families.
- Ehsaas Emergency Cash: One-time cash support for families who face an emergency situation.
- Ehsaas Nashonuma: Nourishment for mothers and children to overcome malnutrition.
- Ehsaas Scholarship Program: Monetary support to deserving candidates who intend to pursue an undergraduate.
- Ehsaas Interest-Free Loan: Any person seeking support to start a small business can get small interest free loan.
Note: Requirements, form submission, and all available packages differ with each program.
2. Ehsaas Program Eligibility Requirements
Applicants can qualify for the Ehsaas Program Initiative by meeting a specific eligibility criteria. The requirements for each program vary slightly, however, the general criteria are:
- CNIC: A Pakistani citizen holding a valid CNIC is eligible.
- Income Threshold: The income of the family must be less than that stipulated by the program.
- NSER Registration: Most of the Ehsaas programs require that families must be registered in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) database, which assesses financial eligibility.
Other conditions may apply depending on the program. For instance, applicants should have the qualifications necessary for approval for Ehsaas Scholarships, and Ehsaas Nashonuma is a program only applicable to pregnant women and children under two years old.
3. How to Apply to the Ehsaas Program 2024 Step by Step
Step 1: Check Eligibility on the Ehsaas Program Portal
Visit the Ehsaas Program official website (which is now Benazir Income Support Programme) and click on the “Eligibility” section. Here you can check your eligibility status for the chosen program using your CNIC number.
- SMS Service: One may also check your eligibility by sending a text message to Ehsaas Program SMS service at 8171 using their CNIC number. It is the easiest way to Ehsaas Program CNIC check online.
Step 2: Visit the Nearest Ehsaas Registration Center
For those eligible, move to the nearest Ehsaas Registration Centre. All such registration centers are spread all over the country, wherein applicants register their cases and stand a chance to be beneficiaries. For those of you who are registering your CNIC with all the supporting documents – carry originals.
- Online Application: Most initiatives, for example, Ehsaas Scholarship, allow online applications; find how through the Ehsaas online platform.
Step 3: Form Filling
Application forms for registration are filled out at registration centers. Make sure you fill in all the accurate details or you may experience a delayed response on your application. Different forms may request information like household income, dependents, and other financial factors.
Moreover, the government has established Ehsaas One-Window Centers across major cities. This integrates all services under one roof. You can access all the facilities and support available to apply for different schemes at the same facility.
4. Ehsaas Program Application Documents
The following documents should be prepared to apply for the Ehsaas Program:
- Original CNIC: For verification of identity.
- Proof of Income: Salary slips, business records, or any document that shows household income.
- Education Documents: For scholarship applications, the student must present educational certificates and transcripts.
- Birth certificates: In some cases, a birth certificate of the child could be required for the Nashonuma program.
Note: Ensure your documents are recent and you are not carrying expired or invalid ones to avoid delays while processing your application.
5. Following Up on Your Application Form for Ehsaas Program
After applying, you can view the status on the Ehsaas tracking portal. Use the CNIC number to find the latest status of your application. To track the Ehsaas Program application, you can also send a message to the Ehsaas 8171 SMS service number.
- Common Application Status: The application processing covers a cycle from “Verification” to “Approval” and “Disbursement.” You are notified through messages about your application status at each stage.
6. Cash Benefits to Beneficiaries
Once screened, the benefits can be collected through any of the Ehsaas Payment Centers. Instead, direct benefits are transferred to the targeted beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Once more, frequency and amount vary case by case, though some may result in benefits only once in their lifetime, others receive benefits every month as cash benefits or installments.
- Monthly Aid: Ehsaas Kafalat provides monthly cash support.
- One-Time Emergency Support: The Ehsaas Emergency offers single cash disbursement.
- Scholarships and Loans: Scholarships are paid half-yearly, while loans have flexible terms.
7. FAQs on the Ehsaas Program
For first-time applicants, the following are some frequently asked questions about the Ehsaas Program:
Am I allowed to apply for more than one Ehsaas Program?
Yes, based on the eligibility criteria, applicants stand eligible for more than one initiative, but applications for each are submitted separately
How long does it take to get the help released?
Processing time may vary according to the selected program. Normally an applicant gets a response back within 2 to 4 weeks after submitting their application.
Can I also submit an online application?
Some Ehsaas initiatives, like scholarships, can be applied for online but for other programs, you have to visit a registration center.
Conclusion
Pakistan has much needed the Ehsaas Program to stabilize underprivileged communities through a family-based approach for stability while providing access to important resources. This article enables applicants to move smoothly through the application process for the Ehsaas Program 2024. Lastly, stay updated on this program through Pakistan Location as the government plans to expand this program with more opportunities.