BISP Announces New Policy for Out-District CNIC Holders in January 2026
At the beginning of 2026, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) introduced an important update for beneficiaries who were unable to receive their payments due to the “Out-District CNIC” issue. This policy is a major step toward ensuring that deserving women do not face difficulties in accessing their financial entitlements, even if their current residence does not match the address listed on their CNIC.
Many women relocate after marriage or for employment, often moving to different cities while their CNIC continues to reflect their previous address. Under the older system, this mismatch prevented them from receiving BISP payments unless they travelled back to their original city. The new policy introduced in January 2026 eliminates this obstacle, allowing beneficiaries to access funds from their current location without the burden of unnecessary travel.
You can read more: BISP Digital Bank Accounts Activated in 2026
Understanding the Out-of-District CNIC Issue
Previously, BISP payments were strictly tied to the city mentioned on the beneficiary’s CNIC. For instance, if a woman’s CNIC was registered in Lahore but she had moved to Karachi, she had to return to Lahore to collect her payment. This situation was not only inconvenient but also expensive, particularly for low-income households.
Recognising this challenge, BISP implemented the “Anywhere Payment” system in January 2026. This system enables beneficiaries to receive payments from any city in Pakistan, thereby saving both time and money.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Resolve Out-of-District CNIC Issues
Beneficiaries whose CNIC address does not match their current residence must follow a few simple steps to update their details and access payments:
1. Dynamic Registry Survey Update
The first step is to visit the BISP Tehsil Office in your current city. Inform the staff that your CNIC is registered in a different district. The staff will conduct a Dynamic Survey to record your updated residential information in the BISP system. This ensures that your current address is officially recognised for payment purposes.
2. Biometric Verification
After updating your address, you will need to undergo biometric verification at a designated centre in your current city. The new system introduced in January 2026 allows for a “Location Override” in coordination with NADRA, meaning that your biometric verification can now be completed anywhere, eliminating the need to return to your original district.
3. Payment Transfer Request
While completing the survey, beneficiaries must fill out a “Payment Transfer Form”. This form allows BISP to transfer the digital account from the old district to the new one, ensuring that future payments are credited to a local bank account. For example, if your account was previously with HBL in another city, it can now be moved to a local branch of Bank Alfalah or any participating bank.
Key Updates Introduced in January 2026
- ATM Access Across Cities
Beneficiaries with out-of-district CNICs can now withdraw payments from any bank ATM, provided they have completed the Dynamic Survey update. This flexibility significantly reduces the logistical challenges previously faced by relocated beneficiaries. - Special Provisions for Widows
Widowed women whose CNICs were not updated after the death of their spouse are now eligible for a “Priority Update”. This ensures that their payments are not delayed and they continue to receive financial support without interruption. - Digital Wallet and Mobile App
BISP has launched the 8171 mobile application, allowing beneficiaries to submit address update requests digitally. This platform complements in-person updates at BISP offices, providing an alternative method for beneficiaries who may face difficulties visiting an office physically.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Issue | CNIC address different from current city |
| New Solution | Anywhere Payment / Inter-District Transfer |
| Required Action | Dynamic Survey update at current tehsil |
| Verification | Biometric verification in current city |
| Charges | Completely free (no fee) |
| Official Check | 8171.bisp.gov.pk |
Beneficiaries are strongly advised not to share their CNICs or payment details with any private agents, shopkeepers, or third-party individuals claiming they can update your district for a fee. All legitimate BISP surveys and address updates are conducted free of charge at official offices.
If anyone contacts you claiming to update your CNIC or BISP account online in exchange for money, it is a scam. BISP will never charge beneficiaries for updating addresses or transferring payments. All updates must be completed through official channels, either in person at BISP offices or via the authorised mobile app.
You can read more: BISP Finger Verification at NADRA 2026
How to Check Your Payment Status
After your address update is completed, check your payment status on the 8171 portal. Enter your CNIC to log in. Updates usually appear within 48 hours after the survey and biometric verification. If your new district is shown with “Payment Ready”, your payment is approved and ready for withdrawal.
Conclusion
The January 2026 BISP update has made payments easier for beneficiaries with out-of-district CNIC issues. With flexible surveys, biometric verification from any location, and digital tools like the 8171 app, women can now receive payments without delays or middlemen. This system saves time, increases transparency, and ensures uninterrupted financial support through the Anywhere Payment facility.
FAQs
1. Can my CNIC address be different from the city where I receive my BISP payment?
Indeed. You can get paid by your current city after updating your Dynamic Survey and completing biometric verification.
2. Does resolving the out-of-district issue require me to go back to my former district?
No. All upgrades can be completed at the BISP Tehsil Office in your current district in accordance with the January 2026 policy.
3. Is there a cost to transfer money or change districts?
No, BISP does not impose any fees for payment transfers, biometric verification, or survey updates. Any request for cash is fraud.