AI SummaryNational Family Benefit Scheme provides essential one-time financial assistance of ₹20,000 to families living below the poverty line who have lost their primary breadwinner. This supportive scheme, made for those facing sudden financial hardship, aims to bring stability to bereaved households by helping them after the loss of an earning member between 18 and 64 years of age.
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.
National Family Benefit Scheme acts as a strong support system for families who have lost their primary earning member. It runs under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and is implemented in Bihar by the Social Welfare Department. The scheme offers a one-time cash grant of ₹20,000 to families living below the poverty line (BPL).
For example, if Ramesh, who was the sole breadwinner of his family, suddenly passes away, his family can claim this support to manage immediate expenses. The scheme covers households where the deceased family member was between 18 and 64 years of age. Although the state manages the rollout, the scheme is fully funded by the Central Government.
The main aim of this scheme is to give social security to the dependents of the deceased, helping them get through a difficult time with a bit of financial relief. As of August 2026, the scheme continues to accept claims through the official NSAP portal.
National Family Benefit Scheme - Introduction
National Family Benefit Scheme is a central welfare scheme that gives a one-time payment to a BPL household when its primary breadwinner passes away. The death can happen from any cause, and the payment goes to the surviving member of the household after a local inquiry confirms the claim. The Central Government fully funds the benefit, while the state government handles the application and payment process.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Family Benefit Scheme |
| Level | Central (implemented in Bihar) |
| Scheme for | Family |
| Beneficiary State | Bihar |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Benefit Amount | ₹20,000 one-time |
| Main Department | Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar |
| Official Website | nsap.dord.gov.in |
Benefits
Under this scheme, a relief of ₹20,000 is directly provided as one-time cash support to the bereaved family to help them recover from the sudden loss of their income provider. The amount is paid to the surviving member of the household after the claim is verified through a local inquiry.
Eligibility
To get the benefit of the scheme, the applicant and the deceased family member should meet the following requirements:
- Family should be a permanent resident of Bihar and officially registered as living below the poverty line (BPL).
- The applicant should be a close family member or a legal dependent of the deceased person.
- The deceased person should have been the primary breadwinner of the family at the time of passing.
- The deceased must have been between 18 and 64 years of age at the time of their passing.
Application Process
The application for National Family Benefit Scheme is submitted offline through the local block office. Follow these steps to apply for this support:
STEP 1 - Visit your nearest block office and collect the prescribed application form for National Family Benefit Scheme.
STEP 2 - Fill out the application form carefully with the details of the deceased breadwinner and the applicant.
STEP 3 - Attach all the required supporting documents, including the death certificate, FIR copy and BPL card.
STEP 4 - Submit your application at the Right to Public Service (RTPS) counter and collect your acknowledgment receipt, as you will need this to track your application.
STEP 5 - Once processed, you will receive an update regarding your approval or rejection via SMS or email.
STEP 6 - If approved, collect your Sanction Order from the same RTPS counter by presenting your original receipt and identity proof.
Complaint Help
If you face any issues, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Block Development Officer or the District Social Security Cell. Alternatively, you can use the Bihar Public Grievance Redressal Rights Act, 2016, to approach the Public Grievance Redressal Officer at the sub-divisional or district level.
Documents
When applying, please make sure you have the following documents ready:
- Identity proof of the applicant (Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card) and identity proof of the deceased (Aadhaar Card).
- Official death certificate and a copy of the FIR.
- Proof of age of the deceased person.
- BPL Card or Ration Card and caste certificate, if applicable.
- Address proof and bank passbook details for the payment.
References
FAQ's
What is the objective of the scheme?
The scheme aims to give social security to the dependents of a deceased family member by offering a one-time cash payment after the sudden loss of the primary breadwinner.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
You are eligible if you are a Bihar resident, a dependent of the deceased (who was between 18 and 64 years old), and if your family holds a valid BPL status.
How much financial support is provided?
A one-time amount of ₹20,000 is provided to the bereaved family.
What documents are required to apply?
Required documents include the death certificate, FIR copy, BPL card, residence proof, and identity documents of the applicant and the deceased.
How can I apply for the scheme?
You should submit your filled application form to the RTPS counter at your local block office.
Where can I get the application form?
You can collect the official application form directly at the RTPS counter.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
If you receive a rejection notice, it will contain the reasons. You can fix the issues and reapply or file a complaint through the official complaint channels.
Can the support be claimed if the deceased was above 60?
Yes, the age limit for the deceased breadwinner is now 18 to 64 years, so a person above 60 can still qualify as long as they are below 64.
How will I be notified about my application status?
You will receive updates directly via SMS or email provided at the time of application.
Is this scheme funded by the state government?
The scheme is implemented in Bihar but is fully funded by the Central Government under the National Social Assistance Programme.
Can families above the poverty line apply?
No, this scheme is specifically intended for families living below the poverty line (BPL).