National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS): ₹20,000 Assistance for BPL Families
The sudden loss of a family’s primary earning member not only brings emotional grief, but it also creates an immediate financial vacuum that many households are not prepared for. For families living below the poverty line, even basic expenses can become difficult to manage overnight. The National Family Benefit Scheme exists to provide timely financial support during such moments.
Let us read more about NFBS eligibility!
National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| NFBS full form | National Family Benefit Scheme |
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Rural Development |
| Parent Scheme | National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) |
| Type of Scheme | Central Government Family Welfare Scheme |
| Objective | To provide immediate financial support to Below Poverty Line households after the death of the primary breadwinner |
| Eligible Families | Below Poverty Line families |
| Eligible Age of Deceased Breadwinner | More than eighteen years and less than sixty years |
| Cause of Death | Irrespective of the cause of death |
| Benefit Amount | ₹20,000 |
| Nature of Benefit | One-time lump sum financial assistance |
| Beneficiary | Surviving family member identified as the head of the household after local inquiry |
| Mode of Application | Offline through Social Welfare Offices and Online through UMANG |
| Official Platform | myScheme and UMANG Portal |
The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) is a central government welfare scheme under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
It provides a one-time cash assistance of ₹20,000 to BPL families when the primary earning member, aged between 18 and 60 years, passes away.
BPL full form – Below Poverty Line.
The scheme aims to offer immediate financial support and social security to the affected household. The assistance amount is paid as a lump sum to the head of the family or an eligible surviving member, such as a widow or an unmarried daughter, to help manage urgent expenses during a difficult period.
NFBS Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for assistance under the National Family Benefit Scheme, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- The applicant’s family must be classified below the poverty line.
- The primary breadwinner of the family must have passed away.
- The deceased breadwinner should have been between eighteen and sixty years of age at the time of death.
- The applicant must be the succeeding primary breadwinner of the family.
NFBS Application
Here is the basic application process for the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
NFBS Offline Application Process
Step 1:
Download and print the application form provided in Annexure III on page forty-seven of the official scheme guidelines.
The form is also available free of cost at the District Social Welfare Officer or Tehsil Social Welfare Officer office.
Step 2:
Fill in the application form carefully and attach all required documents, including proof of age, income, address, status, and the death certificate of the deceased breadwinner.
Step 3:
Submit the complete application to the concerned Tehsil Social Welfare Officer. The officer will consolidate applications and forward them to the Block Level Sanctioning Committee. After verification, the case is sent to the District Social Welfare Officer for final approval by the District Level Sanctioning Committee.
NFBS Online Application Process
Applicants can also apply online through the UMANG platform by following these steps:
- Download the UMANG application or visit the official UMANG website.
- Log in using your mobile number and One Time Password.
- Search for the National Social Assistance Programme.
- Click on “Apply Online”.
- Fill in the required details, select the mode of payment, upload a photograph, and submit the application.
NFBS Documents Required
Documents Related to the Deceased Breadwinner
- Death Certificate
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Address
- Below Poverty Line Card or Ration Card of the family
- Family ID or Member ID
Documents Related to the Family Member Receiving Assistance
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Address
- Proof of Age
- Family ID or Member ID
- Details of Aadhaar-linked bank account or post office account
- Passport-sized photograph
This simple documentation and application process ensures timely financial support for families facing a sudden loss of income.
Looking for a steady monthly pension for senior citizens? Read about the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS).
Disclaimer– The rankings and figures in this article have been compiled from multiple verified reports, credible news sources, and public financial data available as of 2025.
All values are approximate and may vary with newer updates, revisions, or changes in official records.
Source: myscheme.gov.in
National Family Benefit Scheme Details – FAQs
No. Under the National Family Benefit Scheme, the term “household” strictly includes the spouse, minor children, unmarried daughters, and dependent parents of the deceased breadwinner.
A household can receive a one-time financial assistance of ₹20,000 under this scheme.
The assistance is provided to the surviving family member who is identified as the head of the household after a local inquiry by the concerned authorities.
The assistance under the National Family Benefit Scheme is provided as a one-time lump sum payment.
NBFC stands for Non-Banking Financial Company. It is a financial institution registered with the Reserve Bank of India that provides loans, credit, and investment services, but does not hold a full banking licence.
Families belonging to below-poverty-line households are eligible if the primary earning member, aged between 18 and 60 years, has died. The benefit is provided to an eligible surviving family member.
