The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), part of India's broader social welfare initiatives under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) launched by the Government of India, provides crucial one-time aid to families facing the death of their primary earner.
The program offers immediate relief to vulnerable families, including rural and urban poor, ensuring they can cope with the sudden economic setback.
If you're searching for "government aid for family after death" or "financial help for widows in India", this guide breaks down the scheme's key features, eligibility, and application steps to help you navigate it effectively.
NFBS Benefit Amount & Financial Assistance Details
Under the National Family Benefit Scheme for BPL families, the eligible low-income families receive a one-time payment of ₹20,000 from the government.
This amount offers short-term relief to the household after the death of the breadwinner.
Who Is Considered a Breadwinner Under NFBS?
Under this scheme, both male and female heads of households are recognized as breadwinners. This means that if a homemaker woman is the key contributor to the family’s livelihood, her death also qualifies the family for assistance.
National Family Benefit Scheme Eligibility Criteria and Conditions
While specific rules differ by state, the following central guidelines apply across India:
- Age: The deceased must have been between 18 and 60 years of age at the time of death.
- Poverty Status: The household must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- Eligible Beneficiary: The applicant should be a surviving member and head of the household, such as a spouse or dependent family member, as determined through a local inquiry.
Eligible Family Members Under NFBS (Family Composition)
| Case Type | Members Included in the Household |
|---|---|
| General Case | Spouse, unmarried daughters, minor children, and dependent parents. |
| If the Deceased was Unmarried | Minor brothers/sisters and dependent parents. |
National Family Benefit Scheme Documents Required
To establish eligibility and verify details, the following documents are generally needed:
- Death certificate of the breadwinner
- Proof of age (Birth certificate / School certificate / Ration card / EPIC / Medical Officer’s certificate)
- BPL certificate or income proof
- Identity and residence proof of the applicant
- Bank account details for fund transfer
In case of widows applying for the National Family Benefit Scheme, some states may allow a Revenue Authority to issue an official certificate confirming eligibility.
How to Apply for National Family Benefit Scheme Online
Step 1: Application Submission
Many states now offer the option to NFBS apply online through their official portals.
Applicants must submit the NFBS application form to the designated authority in their respective state.
The specific department or office may differ, so refer to the state-wise NFBS details provided below.
Step 2: Verification by Officers
Each state appoints a Verification Officer or team to review applications. The verification process should be completed within two weeks from the date of submission.
Officers check documents and recommend either approval or rejection with clear reasons.
Step 3: Community Review
- Rural Areas: Applications are discussed in Gram Sabha meetings, allowing local feedback.
- Urban Areas: Applications are reviewed in Ward Sabha or Area Sabha meetings designated by the state.
- Panchayat Level: Gram Panchayats (rural) and Municipalities (urban) consider the community’s input before approval.
Step 4: Final Decision and Approval
If community meetings are delayed, the Verification Officer forwards recommendations directly to the Scrutinizing Officer, while informing the concerned Panchayat or Municipality for record.
State-Wise Implementation of NFBS
Here’s how each state and union territory implements the National Family Benefit Scheme, including eligibility variations and application methods.
| State / UT | Eligibility / Conditions | How & Where to Apply | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Monthly family income below ₹6,000. | Apply at Grama/Ward Secretariat or Meeseva. | Verification route: Revenue Department. |
| Arunachal Pradesh | – | Contact the CDPO / Deputy Director, ICDS for clarification or further details. | – |
| Bihar | Applicant family must have lived in Bihar for at least 10 years. | Apply at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in | Not eligible if already receiving any pension benefit. |
| Delhi | Resident of Delhi for at least five years. Family income ≤ ₹1,00,000 per annum. | Apply online via e-District Portal. | Applicant must have a singly-operated bank account within Delhi. |
| Gujarat | Application should be submitted within two years of the breadwinner’s death. | Apply to the respective Taluka Mamlatdar or Gram Panchayat. | Appeals may be filed with the Prant Officer within 60 days if rejected. |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Age 18–59 years. Apply within one year of the breadwinner’s death. | Submit to Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO). | The District Social Welfare Officer approves the benefit after committee review. |
| Jharkhand | – | Submit application to the Block Development Officer or Assistant Block Officer. | Appeal hierarchy: BDO/ABO → Circle Officer → District Development Commissioner (30-day resolution). |
| Karnataka | – | Apply online via Seva Sindhu Portal. | Processing time: around 70 days. |
| Madhya Pradesh | Eligible families under NFBS guidelines. | Submit documents to District Panchayat (rural) or Municipality / Municipal Council (urban). | – |
| Maharashtra | – | Application to be made at the Collector’s Office / Tehsildar’s Office / Talathi Office. | – |
| Mizoram | Application should be filed within one year of the breadwinner’s death. | Submit to CDPO, ICDS Project of the concerned village. | – |
| Nagaland | – | Implemented through the District Level Committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner. | Disbursement handled by District Welfare Officer (DWO). |
| Odisha | Applications sanctioned on a first-come, first-serve basis. | Apply online at ssepd.gov.in. | Sanctioning authority: BDO / Executive Officer. |
| Punjab | Applicable to BPL families and those included in the SECC 2011 list. | Contact the District Social Security Officer. | – |
| Sikkim | One-time grant of ₹30,000 for BPL families. Applicant must have a PM Jan Dhan Yojana account. | Apply through local welfare office. | Amount includes both central and state shares. |
| Uttar Pradesh | Annual income limit: ₹56,450 (urban) / ₹46,080 (rural). | Apply online through NFBS UP Portal. | Benefit amount ₹30,000. Fully digital since 2016. |
| West Bengal | – | – | ₹40,000 assistance under Panchayats and Rural Development. |
Financial Assistance by State under NFBS
| State / Category | Assistance Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| West Bengal | ₹40,000 | Highest benefit provided among all states. |
| Uttar Pradesh & Sikkim | ₹30,000 | Enhanced support through state and central contribution. |
| Other States | ₹20,000 | Standard amount as per the main NFBS guidelines. |
The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) offers a one-time financial help to families who lose their main earning member.
The amount of support can differ from state to state. Some states add extra funds on top of the central government’s amount to provide more relief.
This small but important assistance helps families manage essential needs during difficult times.
How to Check Your National Family Benefit Scheme Status
After submitting your application, you can check the National Family Benefit Scheme status through various methods depending on your state:
Online Status Check
- Visit your state's official portal
- Log in using your application reference number or registered mobile number
- View the current status of your application (Pending, Under Review, Approved, or Rejected)
Offline Status Check
If your state doesn't have an online tracking system:
- Contact the office where you submitted your application (Gram Panchayat, Block Office, Tehsil Office, etc.)
- Provide your application reference number and applicant details
- Speak with the Verification Officer or designated official handling NFBS applications
Status Check Timeline
- Applications are typically processed within 2-8 weeks after submission
- If you haven't received any update within 30 days, it's advisable to check your NFBS application status proactively
- For urgent queries, contact your District Social Welfare Officer or Block Development Officer
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If the Breadwinner Dies in an Accident Outside the State?
Answer: If the main earning member of the family passes away in an accident or due to any cause outside the home state, the family can still apply for benefits under the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS).
The key requirement is that the family must be a resident of the applying state and meet eligibility criteria (such as income limit and age of the deceased).
To verify the claim, the applicant must attach relevant documents such as the death certificate issued by the authority where the death occurred and a residence certificate proving that the family belongs to the state where the application is filed. Once verified by the local officials, the benefit is processed in the same way as other cases.
In short, the place of death does not affect eligibility — what matters is that the family is a recognized resident of the state fulfills all the NFBS scheme conditions.
Can I Get NFBS Benefit If the Breadwinner Committed Suicide?
Answer: Under the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), families can receive financial assistance even if the breadwinner’s death is due to suicide, as long as all rules and documentation requirements are fulfilled.
Can I Apply for Multiple Family Members If More Than One Breadwinner Has Died?
Answer: No, benefits under the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) are granted on a per-household basis, not per individual.
This means that even if more than one earning member of the same family has passed away, the family is eligible for only one-time assistance under the scheme.
If multiple breadwinners die at different times, the scheme covers only the first eligible case, as long as the family meets all other conditions, such as BPL status and age limit (18–60 years) of the deceased.
Conclusion
The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) provides essential financial relief to economically vulnerable families after the loss of their main income earner.
Through a one-time assistance grant, it helps stabilize households facing sudden financial hardship.
Since eligibility rules and benefit amounts differ by state, understanding your local guidelines is crucial. This guide outlines how to apply for and access NFBS support effectively, ensuring families receive timely government assistance.
For state-wise details or online applications, visit the respective government portals or local welfare offices mentioned above.