National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) — How to Apply & Benefits

What is 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), run by the Ministry of Rural Development. Under this scheme, a lump sum amount of ₹20,000 is provided to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family when the primary breadwinner of the household dies due to natural or accidental causes.

The scheme aims to provide immediate financial relief to bereaved families who lose their main earning member. It is applicable across all states and union territories of India.

Key highlights:

• One-time financial assistance of ₹20,000
• Available to BPL families only
• Covers death due to natural or accidental causes
• Breadwinner's age must be between 18 and 59 years at the time of death
• Funded by the Central Government

Who is Eligible?

To receive the benefit under NFBS, the family must meet all of the following conditions:

1. BPL status — The family must be listed in the official Below Poverty Line (BPL) list
2. Age of deceased — The primary breadwinner who died must have been between 18 and 59 years of age
3. Cause of death — Death can be due to natural causes or accident
4. Primary breadwinner — The deceased must have been the main earning member of the household
5. Income limit — Annual household income should not exceed ₹46,000 in rural areas and ₹56,000 in urban areas (as per BPL norms)

Who can claim the benefit:

• Spouse of the deceased
• Minor children
• Unmarried daughters
• Dependent parents of the deceased

Note: Only one claim can be made per death of a breadwinner. The application should be filed within one year of the death.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before applying:

1. Death certificate of the breadwinner (issued by Municipal/Gram Panchayat)
2. BPL ration card or BPL certificate
3. Aadhaar card of the applicant (claimant)
4. Aadhaar card of the deceased
5. Age proof of the deceased (birth certificate, school certificate, or Aadhaar)
6. Bank account details of the claimant (passbook copy or cancelled cheque)
7. FIR copy (if death was due to accident)
8. Passport-size photographs of the applicant
9. Income certificate (if required by state)
10. Relationship proof with the deceased (ration card, marriage certificate, etc.)

How to Apply

You can apply for NFBS through online or offline mode depending on your state.

Online Application

1. Visit the NSAP portal at nsap.nic.in
2. Click on "Apply Online" or go to your state's NSAP application page
3. Select "National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)" from the scheme list
4. Fill in the application form with details of the deceased and the claimant
5. Upload scanned copies of all required documents
6. Submit the application and note down the application/reference number
7. You will receive an SMS confirmation on your registered mobile number

Tip: Some states also allow application through myscheme.gov.in or their state-specific portals.

Offline Application

1. Visit your nearest Block Development Office (BDO) or District Social Welfare Office
2. Collect the NFBS application form
3. Fill the form with correct details
4. Attach self-attested copies of all required documents
5. Submit the form to the concerned officer
6. Collect the acknowledgement receipt with application number
7. The application will be verified by local authorities (Gram Panchayat/Urban Local Body)

Benefit Amount

The amount is transferred directly to the bank account linked with the claimant's Aadhaar number.

Processing Time

• Application verification: 15–30 days by local authorities
• Approval: 30–45 days after verification
• Disbursement: Within 45–60 days of approval (via DBT)
• Total estimated time: 2–4 months from application submission

Processing time may vary by state. Follow up with your Block Development Office if there is a delay beyond 3 months.

Important Tips

1. Apply early — File the application within 1 year of the breadwinner's death. Delayed applications may be rejected.
2. Ensure BPL listing — Verify that your family is on the current BPL list before applying. Contact your Gram Panchayat or Municipal Office.
3. Link Aadhaar to bank account — The benefit is paid through DBT, so your bank account must be linked with Aadhaar and active.
4. Keep photocopies — Always keep extra copies of all submitted documents and the acknowledgement receipt for follow-up.
5. Check state-specific rules — Some states have additional benefits or different age limits. Check with your local Social Welfare Office.

Related Guides

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) — Free food grain scheme for poorest families
• Atal Pension Yojana — Pension scheme for unorganised sector
• Disability Pension — Monthly pension for persons with disabilities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the benefit amount under NFBS?

The government provides a one-time lump sum of ₹20,000 to the family of the deceased breadwinner under the National Family Benefit Scheme.

2. Who can apply for NFBS?

The surviving spouse, minor children, unmarried daughters, or dependent parents of the deceased breadwinner can apply, provided the family is listed as BPL.

3. What is the age limit for the deceased breadwinner?

The deceased breadwinner must have been between 18 and 59 years of age at the time of death.

4. Can I apply online for NFBS?

Yes, you can apply online through the NSAP portal at nsap.nic.in or through myscheme.gov.in. Some states also have their own portals.

5. How long does it take to receive the benefit?

The entire process — from application to disbursement — typically takes 2 to 4 months, depending on your state and verification process.

6. Is NFBS available in all states?

Yes, NFBS is a centrally sponsored scheme available in all states and union territories of India.

7. What happens if the breadwinner died in an accident?

The scheme covers both natural and accidental deaths. For accidental death, you need to submit an FIR copy along with the application.

8. Can a family apply for NFBS more than once?

No, the benefit is provided once per death of a primary breadwinner. However, if another breadwinner in the same family dies later, a fresh application can be filed.