Checking your PMT (Proxy Means Test) score in 2025 is the first and most important step to find out if you qualify for the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), the Ehsaas Program, or other government assistance schemes. For many low-income families, this single score decides whether they will receive quarterly cash, utility subsidies, or education stipends for their children.
I’ve personally helped families use the 8171 portal and SMS service, and I’ve seen the difference it makes when they finally access benefits after years of struggling. That’s why I’ve written this guide — so you can check your poverty score confidently and avoid mistakes that often delay or block payments.
Understanding the PMT Score
The poverty score is more than just a number — it’s a mirror of your household’s economic condition. This data-driven system evaluates your monthly income, assets, and living arrangements, then gives you a score that usually ranges from 0 to 100.
Factors that affect the score include:
- Monthly income: whether your family depends on daily wages, salaries, remittances, or a small business.
- Assets: ownership of property, vehicles, livestock, or valuable possessions.
- Housing: whether your house is permanent, temporary, or rented.
- Utilities: average electricity usage, gas bills, and access to water.
- Family size: total household members, including children, elderly parents, or dependents.
- Education & employment status: what level of education and job stability your household members have.
Healthcare: presence of serious illnesses or disabilities.
When these details are combined, the system calculates your financial standing and places your family in a score category.
Why the PMT Score Matters in 2025
In 2025, the eligibility threshold remains strict. If your PMT score is 32 or below, you’re considered fully eligible for BISP cash assistance. Between 33–37, you might still qualify for targeted programs, especially if you’re widowed, disabled, or part of a special case household. A score above 37 generally means not eligible.
Your PMT score impacts
- Cash assistance: Rs. 13,500 quarterly through Kafalat.
- Education stipends: Rs. 2,500–6,000 monthly per child via Taleemi Wazaif.
Utility subsidies: discounts on food, ration, and essential services. - Special relief: Rs. 10,000 under the Minority Card, help from the Nigheban Program or Aghosh Program.
- Housing & youth loans: including Maryam Nawaz Car Loan scheme and Apni Chat Apna Ghar.
For many families, this one score is their gateway into Pakistan’s social safety net.
How to Check Your PMT Score
There are several ways to confirm your PMT score. Each method is official, and using them ensures you avoid fraud or misinformation.
1. Web Portal (Most Reliable)
- Visit 8171.bisp.gov.pk or 8171.pass.gov.pk.
Enter your 13-digit CNIC without dashes. - Solve the CAPTCHA and click submit.
- Your score classification, eligibility, and payment details will appear.
Web Portal
2. SMS Service (Quick & Offline)
- Type your 13-digit CNIC in your messaging app.
- Send it to 8171.
- You’ll receive your poverty score and eligibility status via SMS.
3. Utility Store Centers
- Visit the Utility Store Center or ration desk.
- Share your CNIC.
- Staff can access your record, sometimes printing your score system active sheet.
4. NADRA or Tehsil Offices
- Go to your nearest BISP Tehsil Office or NADRA office.
- Request a survey or dynamic update.
- Provide proof such as electricity bills, income certificates, or medical reports.
From my own experience, families in rural households often prefer the SMS service, while those in cities find the portal easier.
PMT Score Breakdown
The classification system ensures fairness:
- 0–16: Highest priority, immediate access to relief.
- 17–32: Medium priority, eligible but sometimes needs review.
- 33–37: Special cases, including widowed or disabled.
- Above 37: Not eligible, unless records are corrected.
This prevents errors and keeps government assistance targeted at the right people.
What to Do if Your Score Is Wrong
One of the biggest challenges I see is families being listed as ineligible despite being poor. This happens because of outdated or incorrect household data.
How to fix it:
- Update NADRA records — especially if your marital status, address, or family size has changed.
- Provide documents like income certificates, medical reports, or school slips.
- Ask for a dynamic survey or NSER resurvey at your Tehsil office.
- Wait 2–3 weeks (sometimes 5–7 days) for updates.
- Re-check your status through the 8171 portal or SMS service.
Common Problems and Solutions
- CNIC not found → Double-check digits or visit NADRA.
- Website not working → Clear cache, use Chrome, or try later.
- Score not updated → File a resurvey request at the survey office.
- Fraud agents → Never pay money, share OTPs, or give out your CNIC.
Important Updates for 2025
I’ve tracked the latest system updates that affect families:
- Quarterly stipend raised to Rs. 13,500.
- A new mobile app on Play Store and App Store simplifies checks.
Faster SMS replies with clearer messages. - Stronger captcha and fraud filters to protect users.
- More inclusive schemes now accept scores up to 37.
- New scoring rules consider SIM ownership, mobile balance spending, and government fee payments.
Programs Linked to the PMT Score
Your score connects you to a wide network of government programs:
- BISP Kafalat: Rs. 13,500 quarterly support.
- Taleemi Wazaif: Rs. 2,500–6,000 monthly per child.
- Minority Card: Rs. 10,000 for selected households.
- Nigheban Program: ration and food subsidies.
- Ramzan Relief Package: cash and food support during Ramadan.
- Apni Chat Apna Ghar: housing subsidies.
- Maryam Nawaz Car Loan & youth loans: conditional financing for unemployed youth.
Real-Life Experiences
When I visited a BISP Tehsil Office, I met a family of six whose electricity bills barely reached Rs. 1,000 a month. They were overjoyed when their PMT score showed 30, granting them full eligibility.
On another occasion, a widow came worried because her score was 35. At first, she was told she wasn’t eligible. But after providing proof and requesting a resurvey, her case was accepted under special cases, and she began receiving stipends.
In contrast, some urban households with higher monthly expenses or multiple SIM cards on their CNIC were rejected. It taught me that the scoring system doesn’t just measure poverty — it also checks lifestyle indicators.
Key Takeaways to Stay Eligible
- Always use your own CNIC and registered SIM number.
- Keep household earnings and family details updated in NSER records.
- After big life changes (marriage, death, relocation), request a dynamic survey.
- Update fingerprint biometric data at NADRA when needed.
Avoid false information — it leads to permanent disqualification.
Final Thoughts
The PMT score system in 2025 is stricter, but also more inclusive for those who truly need help. By keeping your records accurate, using only official methods, and knowing your eligibility thresholds, you can secure your family’s place in Pakistan’s social safety net.
For me, the most rewarding part is seeing how a simple SMS to 8171 or a quick portal check can open doors to relief packages, cash assistance, and even youth loans that transform lives.
FAQs
1. What is a PMT score in Pakistan?
A PMT (Proxy Means Test) score is a number that shows the financial status of a household. It is based on income, assets, housing, family size, and expenses. The Government of Pakistan uses this score to decide if a family qualifies for help under BISP, Ehsaas, and other welfare programs.
2. How can I check my PMT score online in 2025?
You can check your PMT score by visiting the official 8171 web portal. Enter your 13-digit CNIC without dashes, complete the CAPTCHA, and click submit. Within seconds, your score and eligibility details will appear. This method is quick, secure, and free, making it the most reliable way to confirm your poverty score online.
3. Can I check my PMT score without the internet?
Yes. If you don’t have the internet, you can use the 8171 SMS service. Just open your phone’s messaging app, type your 13-digit CNIC number, and send it to 8171. You will receive an SMS reply showing your PMT score and eligibility. This service is simple and works on any basic mobile phone.
4. What PMT score is required for BISP eligibility?
In 2025, households with a PMT score of 32 or below are fully eligible for BISP Kafalat cash support. Scores between 33 and 37 may still qualify for special programs like widows, disabled persons, or minorities. A score above 37 is usually considered not eligible, unless corrected through a survey or update.
5. What benefits do I get with a low PMT score?
Families with a low PMT score qualify for several government benefits. These include Rs. 13,500 quarterly payments under BISP Kafalat, Rs. 2,500–6,000 monthly stipends per child through Taleemi Wazaif, Rs. 10,000 for the Minority Card, food and ration subsidies, and access to schemes like Nigheban, Aghosh, and Apni Chat Apna Ghar.
6. Why is my PMT score showing wrong information?
Your PMT score may appear wrong if your NSER or NADRA records are outdated. Common issues include incorrect family size, old address, or missing marital status updates. To fix this, visit your nearest BISP Tehsil Office or NADRA center, request a survey, and submit supporting documents like utility bills or income certificates.
7. How often does the PMT score update?
The PMT score updates whenever a household completes a dynamic survey or requests a resurvey at a BISP Tehsil Office. Updates may take 2–3 weeks to reflect in the system. It’s important to re-check your score after major life changes such as marriage, relocation, new children, or changes in income.
8. What should I do if my PMT score is above 37?
If your PMT score is above 37 and you believe it’s wrong, you can request a dynamic resurvey. Visit your local BISP Tehsil Office or NADRA office, update your household information, and provide proof of financial hardship. After reassessment, check your score again via the 8171 portal or SMS.
9. Is there an official app to check PMT scores?
Yes. The Government of Pakistan has introduced the 8171 PMT Score App, available on the Play Store and App Store. You can use it to check your PMT score, eligibility, and payment status. Always download from official stores to avoid fake apps, and never share your CNIC or OTP with unauthorized agents.
10. What documents are needed to fix a PMT score?
To correct your PMT score, you may need documents like CNIC copies, utility bills, income certificates, school slips for children, or medical reports for dependents. These help verify your household situation during a resurvey. Providing accurate paperwork ensures your record is updated quickly, improving your chances of becoming eligible for support.
11. Can widows and disabled people qualify with higher PMT scores?
Yes. Widows, disabled persons, and other special cases may qualify even with scores up to 37. The government recognizes these groups as vulnerable, so exceptions apply under BISP and Ehsaas programs. If you fall into this category, provide supporting documents during your dynamic survey to confirm eligibility for financial and social assistance.
12. How much financial aid can I receive with a low PMT score?
With a low PMT score, you may receive several types of aid. This includes Rs. 13,500 every three months through BISP Kafalat, Rs. 2,500–6,000 monthly per child for Taleemi Wazaif, Rs. 10,000 Minority Card support, and subsidies on ration and utilities. Additional programs like Aghosh and Nigheban provide extra relief.
13. What are the most common mistakes when checking PMT scores?
The most common mistakes are entering the wrong CNIC number, using unofficial websites, skipping the CAPTCHA, and ignoring updates in NADRA or NSER records. Many people also forget to re-check after a dynamic survey. To avoid errors, always use the official 8171 portal or SMS service and keep your household data updated.
14. How can I stay safe while checking my PMT score?
Always use official platforms like 8171.bisp.gov.pk or the SMS service. Never trust agents who ask for money or share your CNIC, OTP, or fingerprint data with strangers. Fraud is common, so rely only on official helpline numbers or BISP Tehsil Offices. This ensures your financial information stays safe and secure.
15. What programs depend on PMT score eligibility?
Several key programs depend on your PMT score. These include BISP Kafalat, Taleemi Wazaif, Minority Card, Nigheban Program, Aghosh Program, Apni Chat Apna Ghar, and seasonal Ramzan Relief Packages. Youth loans and Maryam Nawaz Car Loan scheme also use PMT scoring. Keeping your score accurate ensures you don’t miss out on these benefits.