The Ramadan Nigehban Program 2026 (often referred to as the Nigehban/Guardian Card scheme) is a major social welfare initiative by the Government of Punjab to provide financial support to low-income families during the holy month of Ramadan.
Quick Reference Guide
| Feature | Details |
| Financial Support | Rs. 10,000 per eligible household |
| SMS Code | 8070 |
| Official Portal | pser.punjab.gov.pk |
| Helpline | 1000 |
| Payment Method | Digital transfers, ATM withdrawals, or designated payment centers |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Nigehban/Guardian Card relief, households generally must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- Income: Monthly household income should be below Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 60,000 (depending on updated program thresholds).
- Documentation: The head of the household must possess a valid, computerized CNIC.
- Exclusions: Generally, government employees (higher grades), high-income tax filers, and owners of luxury vehicles or expensive property are ineligible.
- Priority Groups: Priority is often given to widows, daily wage workers, disabled persons, and elderly citizens without financial support.
How to Check Eligibility & Apply
1. SMS Verification (Fastest Method)
- Open the SMS application on your mobile phone.
- Type your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes or spaces).
- Send the message to 8070.
- You will receive an automated confirmation message regarding your eligibility status.
2. Official Online Portal
- Visit the PSER official website.
- Enter your CNIC number to verify your registration status in the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) database.
- If you are not in the database, follow the on-screen instructions to complete a “Dynamic Survey” to register your household.
3. Helpline & App Support
- Helpline 1000: If you do not have internet access, you can dial 1000 (“Tell Maryam” helpline) to provide your CNIC and household details for assistance.
- Mobile App: Look for the “Tell Maryam” app on official government sources or the Play Store if you are a smartphone user, which allows for direct registration and status tracking.
Important Payment Information
- Direct Assistance: The government has shifted to direct cash support so families can purchase essential items (flour, oil, rice, pulses) of their choice.
- Secure Disbursement: Payments are made via digital wallets (Easypaisa/JazzCash), Bank of Punjab (BOP) branchless banking agents, or ATM withdrawals using the Nigehban Card.
- Zero-Fee Policy: Registration and all program services are 100% free. Do not pay any “registration fee” or “commission” to agents or middlemen.
- Verification: Always carry your original CNIC when visiting payment centers, as all disbursements require biometric (thumbprint) verification.