How to Benefit From FG’s ₦50,000 Relief Fund: Eligibility, How to Check and Receive Payment
Find out how to benefit from FG’s ₦50,000 NERSI relief fund, eligibility requirements, how to check your status, receive payment and avoid scams.
Thousands of Nigerians are searching for information about the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief support, but before rushing to register or clicking links circulating on social media, there is something important to know: you cannot independently apply for this grant.
The Federal Government has commenced disbursement of the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), a programme designed to provide financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households facing rising living costs.
Under the initiative, selected beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 monthly, according to the announcement by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. The intervention is being implemented through approved digital financial service providers.
However, not every Nigerian will receive the payment immediately. Beneficiaries are being selected through existing government records, and disbursement is taking place in phases.
Here is how the programme works, who may benefit, how to check eligibility and what to do if you receive a notification.
What Is the FG’s ₦50,000 Relief Fund?
The National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention, popularly known as NERSI, is a Federal Government cash-support initiative intended to help vulnerable Nigerians cope with the rising cost of essential goods and household expenses.
The programme is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
According to the official announcement by the ministry, the intervention is designed to provide immediate financial assistance to vulnerable households.
The government announced that eligible beneficiaries would receive ₦50,000 monthly, with the programme subject to periodic review.
The support is a grant, not a loan. Beneficiaries are not expected to repay the money, and the full ₦50,000 is credited without deductions by the programme.
Who Is Eligible for the ₦50,000 FG Relief Support?
The government says beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records.
The selection process is based on poverty and vulnerability criteria, with beneficiaries distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This means the programme is not restricted to a particular state, religion, ethnic group or political affiliation.
However, being financially vulnerable does not automatically guarantee selection in the current payment phase.
According to the official NERSI Frequently Asked Questions, beneficiary selection is automated and based on established eligibility criteria.
Important: There is no public application form through which individuals can independently register for the ₦50,000 support.
The government has warned that nobody can add an individual to the beneficiary list or influence the selection process.
How to Check if You Have Been Selected for the ₦50,000 Grant
If you are interested in the relief support, the government says selected beneficiaries will receive an SMS from one of the approved payment providers.
The notification will inform you of your selection and provide instructions for accepting the payment.
The approved providers are:
- ALAT by Wema Bank
- MoMo PSB
- NairaGram
- OPay
- Moniepoint
Beneficiaries may also check their eligibility through the designated USSD channel of their payment provider.
How to Receive the ₦50,000 Relief Payment
If you receive an authentic notification confirming your selection, you will need to follow the instructions provided by your assigned payment provider.
The process generally involves the following steps:
Step 1: Receive an SMS notification
Selected beneficiaries will receive a text message from their designated payment provider informing them that they have been selected for the Federal Government’s relief support.
Step 2: Confirm your participation
The message will provide instructions on how to accept the grant. This may involve replying YES or dialling the provider’s designated USSD code.
The government says payment will not be made until the beneficiary gives consent.
Step 3: Activate your mobile wallet
After consent is given, a mobile wallet will be created or activated and linked to your phone number and National Identification Number (NIN).
Step 4: Receive your ₦50,000
The money will be credited to your wallet, and you should receive a confirmation message from your payment provider.
You can then withdraw the funds, transfer them or spend them through the available payment channels.
The programme does not require beneficiaries to own a smartphone or have internet access to complete the basic USSD process.
Approved Payment Platforms and USSD Codes
The Federal Government has identified five payment providers for the disbursement.
| Payment provider | USSD code |
| ALAT by Wema Bank | *945*23# |
| MoMo PSB | *671*0# |
| NairaGram | *726*00# |
| OPay | *955*20# |
| Moniepoint | *5573*27# |
These codes are intended for beneficiaries to check eligibility or access their payment through the relevant provider.
Important: Use the code associated with your assigned provider and follow the instructions in your official notification. Do not enter sensitive information into unfamiliar platforms.
How to Withdraw Your ₦50,000 Relief Money
Once the money has been credited to your mobile wallet, you can access it through your payment provider.
The government says beneficiaries may withdraw all or part of the funds, transfer the money to a bank account or spend it directly through their wallet.
Available options include:
- Withdraw through a POS agent.
- Transfer funds to a personal bank account.
- Use the provider’s official mobile application, where available.
- Visit an approved bank or agent, depending on the provider.
- Beneficiaries should confirm any applicable POS withdrawal charges before completing a transaction.
The programme says receiving the grant, accepting it and responding to the official notification are free.
What If You Have Not Received an SMS?
If other Nigerians are receiving their ₦50,000 notifications and you have not received yours, it does not necessarily mean that you have been permanently excluded.
The government says disbursement is being carried out in phases, and beneficiaries are being contacted in batches.
However, it is important to understand that not everyone will be selected in the current phase. You can check your eligibility through your assigned provider’s USSD channel and follow the instructions provided.
If your status indicates that you have not been selected, there is no guarantee that you will receive payment in a later batch.
The government has also warned that nobody can guarantee your inclusion or speed up payment in exchange for money.
Beware of ₦50,000 Relief Fund Scams
As public interest in the programme increases, Nigerians should be careful about fake registration links, WhatsApp messages and individuals claiming they can help secure the grant.
The Federal Government has made it clear that:
- There is no application fee.
- There is no payment required to secure a place on the beneficiary list.
- No agent is authorised to collect money to facilitate payment.
- Beneficiaries should never disclose their PIN, OTP or BVN.
- Genuine notifications come only from the approved payment providers.
- The programme does not require beneficiaries to click unfamiliar links.
Anyone asking you to pay a registration fee, processing charge or activation fee to receive the ₦50,000 should be treated with suspicion.
Do not share your banking information or security details with strangers.
If you receive a suspicious message or need clarification, contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.
Final Advice for Nigerians
The Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief support is intended to assist vulnerable households affected by rising living costs.
The most important thing prospective beneficiaries should understand is that the programme does not operate through an open online application.
Beneficiaries are selected using verified government records and contacted through approved payment providers.
If you believe you may qualify, check the official programme information, monitor notifications from authorised providers and avoid anyone demanding money to secure your payment.
For the most reliable information, visit the official programme website:
National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI)
For enquiries and complaints, call 0700-022-2222.
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