The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) provides a one-time payment of ₹20,000 to a BPL family when its primary breadwinner dies — a critical bridge for households that suddenly lose their earning member. It is part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), applied for at the local level.
Key facts
| Benefit | ₹20,000 lump sum (one-time) |
| Trigger | Death of primary breadwinner (natural or accidental) |
| Age condition | Deceased was aged 18–59 |
| Family condition | Household in the state BPL list |
| Apply within | Time limits vary by state — apply as soon as possible |
| Apply at | Gram panchayat / block office / district social welfare office or state e-district portal |
Who counts as the breadwinner
The person whose earnings contributed the largest share to the household — male or female. The claim goes to the surviving head of household (often the spouse), verified by local officials.
Documents required
- Death certificate of the breadwinner
- BPL card/number or state poverty-list inclusion proof
- Age proof of the deceased (Aadhaar/voter ID)
- Applicant’s Aadhaar and bank passbook
- Family/ration card showing household composition
How to apply
- Collect the NFBS form from your gram panchayat/block office (many states also accept online e-district applications)
- Attach the documents above and submit — take an acknowledgement receipt
- Local verification confirms BPL status and the breadwinner’s role
- On sanction, ₹20,000 is transferred to the applicant’s bank account by DBT
Track sanctioned NFBS cases and state contacts on the official portal.
If the claim is delayed or rejected
- Follow up with your receipt number at the block/district social welfare office
- Rejections usually cite BPL-list mismatch or age proof — correct and reapply
- Escalate through the district collector grievance cell or CM helpline
- Some states run parallel/top-up family benefit schemes with different amounts — ask what applies locally
Frequently asked questions
Does accidental death get more?
NFBS pays a flat ₹20,000. Accidental deaths may additionally qualify for PMSBY (₹2 lakh) if the deceased was enrolled, plus state accident relief funds.
Can the payment be claimed years later?
States impose application windows (often within 1–2 years of death). Apply immediately to stay safe.
Related schemes
Disclaimer: PMYojanaUpdates.com is an independent information portal, not affiliated with any government department. Always verify details on the official site nsap.nic.in before applying.