AI SummaryNational Family Benefit Scheme gives a one-time cash support of ₹20,000 to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in Gujarat when their main breadwinner passes away. The scheme is part of the central government's National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and is implemented in the state by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Gujarat.
Update (17 October 2026): National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) has a new name: Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana. Union Cabinet approved the change on 14 October 2026 and also continued the National Social Assistance Programme, now called Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with ₹53,428 crore. Only the name has changed. The one-time help given to a BPL family after the death of its main earner, eligibility, documents and the way to apply stay the same.
Payment goes to the widow or unmarried daughter of the deceased and is transferred directly to the linked bank or post office account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Funds for NSAP have been allocated for the 2026-27 financial year, and eligible families can still submit their applications through the nearest Taluka Jan Seva Kendra or Mamlatdar office.
National Family Benefit Scheme - Overview
National Family Benefit Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme under NSAP, with the Ministry of Rural Development as the main central department. In Gujarat, the Social Justice and Empowerment Department carries out the scheme through Taluka offices, so the whole process stays local and easy for families in villages and small towns.
As per data on the official NSAP portal, around 1.79 lakh families across the country are covered under NFBS. For Gujarat, the department releases the one-time payment through DBT, so money reaches the family bank account directly without any middleman. Eligible families can claim this support for every instance of a breadwinner's passing.
Check the main details of the scheme in the table below before applying:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Family Benefit Scheme |
| Level | Central scheme under NSAP, implemented in Gujarat |
| Target Group | BPL families |
| State | Gujarat |
| Category | Social welfare and empowerment |
| Benefit Amount | ₹20,000 one-time |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Main Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Gujarat |
Benefits
Families get a single lump sum payment of ₹20,000 after the death of their main earner. This money helps the household manage immediate needs during a difficult period, whether the death was natural or accidental. Important points to remember:
- Who gets the payment: The money goes only to the widow or unmarried daughter of the deceased.
- Claim for every case: Eligible families can claim this benefit for every instance of a breadwinner's passing.
- DBT payment: The amount is transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer into the linked bank or post office account.
- One-time support: This is a single payment made to give immediate support to the family.
Eligibility
A family must meet these conditions to apply for the scheme:
- Applicant must be a resident of Gujarat.
- Applicant should be a legal family member of the deceased.
- Family must be listed in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list maintained by the Government of India.
- Deceased person must have been the main income earner of the household.
- Death should be due to natural or accidental causes.
- Deceased should have been between 18 and 60 years of age at the time of passing.
- Application should be submitted within two years of the date of death.
Documents Needed
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Identity proof of the applicant.
- Official certificate confirming the family's BPL status.
- Death certificate of the main income earner showing the cause of death.
- Age proof of the deceased to confirm the age at the time of death.
- Bank account details for the DBT payment.
- Any other supporting documents asked by the local office.
Application Process
Applications are handled at the local level in Gujarat, so the process is easy to follow. A family can apply online or offline; both options are explained below.
Online application process
Visit the nearest Taluka Jan Seva Kendra or the Mamlatdar office with all the required documents. The office staff will enter the application details online and start the checking process. The official NSAP portal at nsap.dord.gov.in also publishes scheme details, fund allocation and circulars for NFBS.
Offline application process
STEP 1 - Visit the local Mamlatdar office or your Gram Panchayat and get a physical copy of the application form.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the required information clearly and attach self-attested copies of the supporting documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application form to the Gram Panchayat office of your village.
Approval and appeal: The Taluka Mamlatdar reviews and approves applications. If an application is rejected, an appeal can be filed with the Prant Officer or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) within 60 days of the rejection notice.
Families should keep their Aadhaar number and bank account linked for the DBT payment. Similar support is available under the same NSAP pattern in other states; for example, National Family Benefit Scheme for BPL families in Haryana also gives a one-time ₹20,000 payment. In Gujarat, families of workers who lost their lives to silicosis can also check the Silicosis Financial Assistance Scheme.
References
Official Guidelines - NFBS SankatMochan (Patan District) | Scheme Details - Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Gujarat | National Social Assistance Programme Official Portal
FAQ's
What is the main purpose of this scheme?
The scheme gives a cash safety net to poor households after the loss of their main earner, so the family can manage daily needs without delay.
How much money does a family get?
Eligible families receive a one-time lump sum payment of ₹20,000.
Is BPL status required?
Yes, the family must be listed in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list to qualify for the support.
Are natural and accidental deaths both covered?
Yes, the family is eligible whether the passing was due to natural or accidental causes.
Does the gender of the deceased matter?
No, the scheme supports the family whether the main income earner was male or female.
What is the age limit for the deceased?
The deceased main breadwinner should have been between 18 and 60 years of age at the time of death.
Is there a time limit for applying?
Yes, the application should be submitted within two years of the date of death.
How is the payment made?
The amount is transferred directly to the family bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Who approves the application?
The Taluka Mamlatdar approves or rejects the application. Rejection can be appealed to the Prant Officer or Sub-Divisional Officer within 60 days.
Can a family apply at a Jan Seva Kendra?
Yes, applications can be submitted online through the Taluka Jan Seva Kendra or the Mamlatdar office.