NFBS Scheme in Andhra Pradesh: A 2024 Guide to Eligibility, Application Online & ₹20,000 Benefit

Losing the primary breadwinner is a devastating event that plunges a family into emotional and financial crisis. To cushion the blow for impoverished families, the Government of India launched the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), a crucial component of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).

In Andhra Pradesh, the implementation of this scheme provides a vital one-time financial aid to families living Below the Poverty Line (BPL). This comprehensive article serves as your ultimate, SEO-friendly guide, detailing everything from eligibility and benefits to the application process, ensuring you have the latest and most relevant information.

Understanding the NFBS Scheme: Jatiya Kutumba Prayojana Pathakam

The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) is a fully funded Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Ministry of Rural Development. Its primary objective is to provide social assistance to poor households in the event of the death of the primary breadwinner.

What is the NFBS Scheme in Andhra Pradesh?

The scheme in Andhra Pradesh, often referred to by its full name or as a component of the NSAP, offers a one-time lump sum financial assistance to the bereaved family. This aid is intended to help the surviving members meet their immediate financial needs during the crisis period following the loss.

Feature	Details
Scheme Name	National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
Implementing Authority	Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India (Implemented through State Social Welfare Departments)
Type of Assistance	One-time Lump Sum Payment
Financial Aid Amount	₹20,000/-
Transfer Method	Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the beneficiary’s bank or post office account.

NFBS Scheme Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

The eligibility criteria for the NFBS scheme are consistent across the country as it is a central scheme. In Andhra Pradesh, families must meet the following conditions to avail of the benefit:

1. Economic Status: Below Poverty Line (BPL)

• The applicant family must be classified as Below Poverty Line (BPL) according to the criteria set by the Government of India.
• Having a White Ration Card (తెల్ల రేషన్ కార్డు) is often considered a mandatory document or strong proof of being a BPL household.

2. Deceased Breadwinner’s Age

• The age of the primary breadwinner at the time of death must be more than 18 years and less than 60 years (i.e., between 18 and 59 years).
• The death could be due to natural causes, accident, or any other reason.

3. Deceased’s Status

• The deceased must have been the Primary Breadwinner of the household. The primary breadwinner is the member whose earnings constitute the largest share of the family’s total income. This person can be male or female.

4. Residency Requirement

• Some state guidelines or local enquiry teams may require proof that the deceased resided in the district for a specified period (e.g., 3 years) immediately preceding the death, though the main criteria is BPL status and age.

5. Applicant Status

• The applicant must be a surviving member of the household who, after a local inquiry, is found to be the head of the household (usually the widow or unmarried daughter).
• The applicant must be a citizen of India.

NFBS Application Form Andhra Pradesh: Required Documents

To successfully process your application for the National Family Benefit Scheme, you must gather and submit the following necessary documents:

A. Documents related to the Deceased Primary Breadwinner

• Death Certificate: Mandatory proof confirming the date of death and age of the deceased.
• Proof of Age: A document (like a Birth Certificate, School Certificate, or Aadhar Card) to prove the deceased was between 18 and 60 years of age.
• Proof of Address: Document to establish the deceased’s residency.

B. Documents related to the Applicant/Beneficiary

• Identity Proof (ID Proof): Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID Card, etc.
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Utility Bill, or any valid residential proof.
• BPL Card / Ration Card (White Ration Card): Essential proof of economic status.
• Income Certificate: Issued by a competent authority (like the Tahsildar) to officially certify the family’s low annual income (typically required to be less than a state-defined BPL limit, often mentioned as ₹56,000 for urban and ₹46,000 for rural areas, though the BPL list status is key).
• Bank/Post Office Account Details: A copy of the bank passbook (Aadhaar seeded) showing the account number, name of the beneficiary, and IFSC code for DBT.
• Passport Size Photograph of the applicant.
• Family ID / Member ID (Can be found on the BPL Card/Ration Card).

NFBS Scheme Apply Online AP Government & Offline Procedure

The application process for the NFBS scheme in Andhra Pradesh can generally be completed through both online and offline modes, relying heavily on the state’s citizen service delivery system.

How to Apply NFBS Scheme (Offline Process in AP)

The offline process is often the most common route, utilizing the state’s decentralized service centers:

1. Obtain the Application Form: The NFBS application form is a standardized form (often referred to as Annexe-III of the NSAP guidelines). You can obtain the NFBS application form Andhra Pradesh PDF download from the official state social welfare department website (search for NSAP forms), or physically collect it from the designated offices like:
   • Village/Ward Secretariat (గ్రామ/వార్డు సచివాలయం)
   • Mandal Parishad Development Office (MPDO) / Municipal Commissioner Office
   • District Social Welfare Office (DSWO)
2. Fill the Form: Carefully fill in all the details, including the applicant’s name, address, details of the deceased breadwinner (name, age, date of death, cause of death), and family income.
3. Attach Documents: Attach all the necessary documents mentioned above (Death Certificate, BPL Card, Aadhaar, Bank Passbook copy, etc.).
4. Submission: Submit the complete application form along with the required documents to the Village/Ward Secretary or the designated officer at the MPDO/Municipal Office.
5. Verification and Sanction:
   • The application will undergo a preliminary inquiry by a local team (e.g., Village Panchayat Level team/Revenue Officials/Village Secretary) to verify the BPL status and other details.
   • The case is then forwarded to the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO), consolidated, and submitted to the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) for final sanction by the District Level Sanctioning Committee.
6. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Once sanctioned, the ₹20,000/- lump sum will be directly transferred to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account.

NFBS Scheme Apply Online AP Government (Through MeeSeva/UMANG)

While a specific, dedicated AP NFBS online portal may not exist, the scheme is typically accessible via:

1. UMANG App/Website: The National Family Benefit Scheme is listed under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) on the central UMANG platform. Users can try applying here, though the final processing will still be managed by the Andhra Pradesh state department.
2. State Citizen Service Portals (e.g., MeeSeva): Andhra Pradesh’s MeeSeva portal is the primary digital gateway for many government services. Check the MeeSeva list of services under the ‘Social Welfare Department’ for the ‘National Family Benefit Scheme’ application.
   • You generally need to log in, select the service, fill in the e-Form, and upload scanned copies of all required documents.
   • Note: Given the nature of NFBS, which requires local inquiry and ground verification, the offline submission at the Village/Ward Secretariat is often a necessary initial step.

NFBS Scheme Last Date: Time Limit to Apply

Unlike schemes with annual closing dates, the NFBS scheme has a time-bound window relative to the date of death:

• The application for assistance must be submitted within two years (24 months) of the date of death of the primary breadwinner.

Crucial Point: If a family is eligible, they should apply as soon as possible after the death, as officials recommend an early submission to ensure prompt inquiry and fund disbursement.

NFBS Form PDF Download & Application Structure

While a universally accessible, guaranteed Andhra Pradesh-specific NFBS form PDF download link may change, the format is generally standardized across all states as it falls under the central NSAP scheme.

The form is typically structured into two parts:

Part-I: To be filled up by the Applicant

• Applicant Details: Name, Father’s/Husband’s name, Full Address, Age, Category, Identification mark.
• Deceased Breadwinner Details: Name, Age, Date of Death, Cause of Death.
• Declaration: A solemn affirmation that the family’s income is within the specified limit and that the applicant has not previously applied for the benefit.
• Supporting Documents Checklist: A section to list all documents attached.

Part-II: To be filled up by the Enquiry Team

• Preliminary Enquiry Result: Verification of Age, Income, Category, and domicile status of the deceased and the family.
• Certification: Confirmation that the deceased was the primary breadwinner and was a resident of the district for the required period.
• Recommendation: A clear recommendation for or against the sanction of the family benefit.

Tip for Finding the Form:

The most reliable way to get the latest official form for Andhra Pradesh is to visit your local Village/Ward Secretariat or search the official AP Social Welfare Department website or the NSAP central website for “Annexure-III Application Form for Benefit Under NFBS.”

Conclusion:

The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) is a critical social security net that provides crucial relief to BPL families in Andhra Pradesh who have lost their main source of income. It is essential for eligible families to be aware of this scheme, prepare the necessary documents, and apply within the two-year window. By utilizing the local Village/Ward Secretariat system, the Andhra Pradesh government has made the application process more accessible at the grassroots level.

NFBS Scheme F.A.Q.

Also read:-

• NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme 2025: How to Apply Online, Eligibility, Pension Amount, and Beneficiary List