National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)

Launched: 1995 as a component of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).

Nature: Non-contributory social assistance scheme.

Target Group: BPL households facing the death of their primary breadwinner.

Key Objective: To provide immediate financial assistance to a poor family after the death of its primary breadwinner, helping the household cope with the resulting loss of income.

Age of Breadwinner: The deceased breadwinner should generally be 18–59 years.

Benefit: ₹20,000 as a one-time lump-sum assistance to the eligible household.

Beneficiary: The assistance is provided to the bereaved household, rather than being a monthly pension.

Nature of Benefit: One-time financial assistance, unlike IGNOAPS, IGNWPS and IGNDPS, which provide recurring pension assistance.

Key Features

• NFBS provides financial assistance when the primary breadwinner of a BPL household dies, helping compensate for the sudden loss of livelihood.
• The eligible family receives ₹20,000 in a single payment rather than a monthly pension.
• The beneficiary does not contribute to the scheme. Assistance is provided by the Government as part of its social-assistance programme.