Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Rural Development, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Rs 20,000 lump sum to the bereaved family |
| Who can apply | Families below the poverty line where the main bread-winner, aged 18 to 64, has died |
| How it is paid | One-time assistance, through the state or district administration |
| Apply at | nsap.nic.in, the gram panchayat, block office or district social welfare office |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- A one-time payment of Rs 20,000 for the family.
- The deceased must have been the main bread-winner, aged 18 to 64.
- The family must be below the poverty line.
- Apply through your local panchayat or district office, and keep the death certificate ready.
So what exactly does a bereaved family get?
The family receives a one-time lump sum of Rs 20,000.
This is not a monthly pension. It is a single payment to help the family after the loss.
The amount is set by the central scheme. Rules can change, so confirm the current figure on nsap.nic.in.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
The main bread-winner of the household must have died.
The bread-winner must have been between 18 and 64 years of age at the time of death.
The household must be below the poverty line. The scheme covers only poor families.
Families with a bread-winner who was above 64 or below 18 are generally not covered under this component.
Why does this scheme exist?
The National Family Benefit Scheme began in 1995 as one part of the National Social Assistance Programme.
It is run by the Ministry of Rural Development and fully funded by the Central Government.
The aim is to give quick help to poor families who lose their main earning member.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep the death certificate of the bread-winner ready.
Keep proof of the family's poverty status, such as a BPL card or the relevant certificate.
Keep Aadhaar cards of the applicant and the deceased, and a bank account passbook of the applicant.
Keep proof of the relationship with the deceased, such as a family card or ration card.
How do you apply online?
Visit nsap.nic.in and look for the National Family Benefit Scheme section.
Fill in the application form with the details of the deceased and the family.
Upload the death certificate and other documents, then submit the form.
- 1Visit nsap.nic.inLook for the National Family Benefit Scheme section.
- 2Fill in the application formEnter the details of the deceased and the family.
- 3Upload documents and submitUpload the death certificate and other documents, then submit.
- 4Note the application numberKeep it safe for future tracking of your application.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Note down the application number for future tracking.
How do you apply offline?
You can apply at your gram panchayat, block development office or district social welfare office.
Ask for the NFBS application form and submit it with the documents.
Officials will verify the details before the amount is sanctioned.
How can you check the status, and what if payment is stuck?
Check the status on nsap.nic.in using your application number.
If the payment is delayed, contact your block or district office with the application number.
Keep copies of all forms and receipts you submit.
Any helpful tips and warnings?
Never pay any agent or middleman to apply. Applications are free.
Apply at the official portal or the government office only.
For current helpline details, check nsap.nic.in or your district office.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Rs 20,000 paid monthly?
No, it is a one-time lump sum paid to the bereaved family.
Can a family apply if the deceased was 65 or older?
Generally no. The bread-winner must have been aged 18 to 64.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying is free. Never pay any agent to do it for you.
Which documents are needed?
Usually the death certificate, BPL proof, Aadhaar cards and a bank passbook.
Where can I check my status?
On nsap.nic.in, using your application number.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
