The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has rolled out a simplified process that allows university and college students to withdraw their upkeep funds directly to their mobile money accounts. In a notice issued on Wednesday, August 27, HELB confirmed that beneficiaries can now access their upkeep by dialing the self-service USSD code *642#.
According to the board, applicants must ensure that the mobile money account used for withdrawal is registered under their official name and national identification number. This requirement is meant to curb cases of failed transactions and ensure funds are accessed securely by the rightful recipients.
Importantly, students will only be able to access the upkeep funds after receiving a second Sure Pay confirmation message. This confirmation acts as proof that the disbursement has been completed and funds are available for withdrawal. Each withdrawal transaction will attract a Ksh15 service charge.
Step-by-Step Guide to Withdraw HELB Upkeep Funds
- Dial *642# on your phone.
- Register and set up a PIN that you will remember.
- Dial *642# again and log in using your PIN.
- Select the “Withdraw Funds” option.
- Choose “Upkeep” and enter the amount you wish to withdraw.
- Confirm the transaction by entering your mobile money account PIN.
- A confirmation message will be sent to your mobile money account.
HELB emphasized that the new withdrawal method is designed to give students faster and more convenient access to their upkeep. Previously, delays and administrative bottlenecks often left students struggling financially while waiting for disbursements to reflect in their accounts.
This development comes just weeks after HELB announced significant changes in the allocation structure of student loans. On August 8, the board clarified that while upkeep funds and scholarships will now be processed separately, the scholarship component has not been removed.
“HELB has changed the structure of allocations. The scholarship has not been removed; it has just been separated from your upkeep and will be processed differently,” the board stated.
With the new USSD service, students can now access their funds more quickly, enhancing financial flexibility as they pursue their studies.
