The Government of Punjab has launched the CM Punjab Rehmat Card 2026, a welfare initiative by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif aimed at providing financial support to widows and orphaned children in the province.
The Rehmat Card eligibility criteria for 2026 is essential for applicants. This guide offers comprehensive details to assess qualification and secure this valuable assistance. Official Website
What is the Punjab Rehmat Card?
The Rehmat Card is a digital social protection initiative funded by the provincial Zakat Fund, offering significant one-time grants: Rs. 100,000 for widows and Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 100,000 for orphaned children. This program aims to help families start small businesses or cover essential educational expenses, promoting self-reliance.
1. Core Eligibility Criteria 2026
To guarantee financial aid reaches the deserving, the government established strict eligibility criteria, with applications verified via NADRA and the Zakat Department databases.
| Criterion | Requirement for Approval |
| Residency | Must have a permanent address in Punjab (CNIC/Domicile). |
| NADRA Status | Widow status must be updated on the CNIC. |
| Age Limit | No specific age limit for widows; orphans must have a guardian. |
| Zakat Eligibility | Must be “Mustahiq” (eligible to receive Zakat) under Shariah. |
| Mobile Link | Mobile SIM must be registered on the applicant’s own CNIC. |
2. Financial & Professional Ineligibility
Certain individuals are excluded from the program to prioritize those with no income sources.
| Category | Eligibility Status |
| Govt Employees | Ineligible (Both current and retired). |
| Pensioners | Ineligible (Receiving any provincial/federal pension). |
| Sahib-e-Nisab | Ineligible (Anyone owning assets above the Zakat threshold). |
| Other Relief | Ineligible if receiving other Punjab-specific regular aid. |
| Professional Beggars | Ineligible (Program targets dignified, struggling families). |
3. Document Checklist for Eligibility Verification
Before accessing the rahmatcard.punjab.gov.pk portal, ensure you have the required documents ready, as missing items will hinder the verification of your eligibility.
| Document Name | Why It Is Needed |
| Valid CNIC | To prove identity and Punjab residency. |
| Death Certificate | NADRA-issued proof of husband’s or parents’ death. |
| B-Form | To prove the number of orphaned children in the house. |
| PSER Receipt | Proof of registration in Punjab Socio-Economic Registry. |
| Guardian CNIC | Required if the applicant is a minor orphan. |
Special Focus: The PSER Requirement
In 2026, the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) becomes mandatory for determining eligibility for the Rehmat Card based on a “Poverty Score.” To qualify, applicants must complete the PSER survey at a local registration center if they have not done so already.
How the Eligibility Verification Works
- Submission methods include the 1077 helpline, mobile app, or web portal.
- NADRA Check verifies the authenticity of the death certificate and the applicant’s status as a widow or orphan.
Zakat Committee Review confirms the applicant is not considered “Sahib-e-Nisab” (wealthy). - Cross-Check ensures the applicant is not receiving a similar grant from another Punjab government scheme, such as the Himmat Card.
Conclusion
The Rehmat Card eligibility criteria for 2026 prioritize widows and parentless orphans to support vulnerable individuals. Meeting residency, income, and documentation requirements allows for a grant up to Rs. 100,000. It is essential to keep NADRA records updated to access this support.
(FAQs)
1. Yes, a widow receiving BISP can apply for the Punjab-specific Rehmat Card, but her household income will be assessed by the Zakat Department to confirm she is “Mustahiq.”
2. A widow must update her CNIC to reflect her marital status as “Widow” at NADRA to avoid application rejection, as the Rehmat Card portal verifies this status in real-time.
3. The Rehmat Card program is available in all 36+ districts of Punjab, with application options online or through local Assistant Commissioner’s offices.