How to Check Your PMT Score Online by CNIC in 2026 – Complete Eligibility & Verification Guide
The Poverty Means Test (PMT) Score is one of the most important factors used by the Government of Pakistan to decide who qualifies for major social welfare programs such as the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Ehsaas Kafalat. In 2026, the government has further strengthened the digital verification system, making it easier for citizens to check their PMT score online using their CNIC and confirm eligibility for financial assistance.
If you want to know whether your household qualifies for cash support, this guide explains how the PMT score works, how to check it online, and what to do if your score needs updating.
Understanding the PMT Score System
The PMT score is calculated using data collected through the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER). It reflects the economic condition of a household based on income, assets, family size, education level, and housing situation.
Government welfare programs rely on this score to ensure assistance reaches the most deserving families.
A lower PMT score generally means:
- Higher chances of qualifying for social assistance
- Greater priority for cash transfers
- Eligibility for multiple poverty-alleviation programs
A higher PMT score may indicate that a household does not fall within the poverty threshold set by the government.
Why PMT Score Matters in 2026
With rising living costs and population growth, Pakistan has expanded its digital targeting system. The PMT score is now central to:
- BISP quarterly cash assistance
- Ehsaas Kafalat payments
- Special relief packages during emergencies
- Women-focused financial inclusion programs
- Education and health-linked support initiatives
Without a verified PMT score, households cannot be considered for most federal welfare schemes.
How to Check PMT Score Online by CNIC
The government provides two simple methods to check your PMT score.
1. Through the 8171 Web Portal
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official 8171 web portal
- Enter your 13-digit CNIC number
- Complete the captcha code
- Click Submit
Your eligibility status and related information will appear on the screen.
2. Through SMS Service
If you do not have internet access:
- Open your mobile messaging app
- Type your CNIC number
- Send it to 8171
- Wait for the reply message
You will receive details about your eligibility linked to your PMT score.
What Information Appears After Checking
When you check your PMT score through CNIC, you may see:
- Eligible for BISP / Ehsaas
- Under verification
- Not eligible
- Data not found
These messages indicate your current status in the NSER database.
PMT Score Thresholds Used by Government Programs
While exact numerical thresholds are not always publicly displayed, general categories include:
- Extremely low-income households
- Low-income households
- Vulnerable families
- Non-eligible households
Programs like BISP and Ehsaas primarily target families falling within the first two categories.
Who Should Check Their PMT Score
You should check your PMT score if you:
- Applied for BISP or Ehsaas and are waiting for approval
- Were previously declared ineligible
- Experienced a change in income or family size
- Want to confirm eligibility for upcoming assistance programs
- Have not updated NSER data in recent years
Regular checking helps avoid delays in support.
How to Update or Improve Your PMT Score
If your status shows ineligible or data not found, you can request a data update through the Dynamic NSER Survey.
Steps to Update Your Information
- Visit the nearest BISP Tehsil Office
- Bring your original CNIC
- Provide details about household members
- Share accurate income and employment information
- Complete biometric verification
After verification, your updated data will be entered into the NSER system.
Common Reasons for Incorrect PMT Score
Several factors can affect your PMT score:
- Outdated household data
- Incorrect income details
- Missing family members in records
- CNIC not updated with NADRA
- Biometric verification issues
Correcting these issues often changes eligibility status.
Link Between PMT Score and BISP Payments
BISP uses PMT score as the primary filter for approving beneficiaries. If your PMT score falls within the approved range:
- You may receive quarterly cash assistance
- You become eligible for women-focused financial support
- You can be considered for additional relief programs
Without a qualifying PMT score, payments cannot be released even if you applied.
Tips to Avoid Scams
- Only use the official 8171 portal or SMS service
- Do not share CNIC or OTP codes with unknown persons
- Avoid agents claiming to change PMT score for a fee
- Visit only authorized BISP offices for updates
All PMT checks and surveys are free of cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my exact PMT score online?
Usually, the system shows eligibility status rather than the exact numeric score.
How often should I check my PMT score?
Before each new payment cycle or after updating household data.
Does owning a mobile phone affect PMT score?
Ownership of assets is considered part of the overall household assessment.
Can women apply separately from their families?
Female heads of households can be registered as primary beneficiaries.
Is the PMT score used only for BISP?
No, it is used across multiple federal and provincial welfare programs.
Final Thoughts
The PMT Score system plays a central role in ensuring transparency and fairness in Pakistan’s social protection network. By checking your PMT score online through your CNIC and keeping your NSER data updated, you can improve your chances of receiving financial assistance in 2026.
Staying informed, using official channels, and updating household information on time are the best ways to ensure your family remains eligible for government support.
