The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a critical institution in Kenya, providing loans to students pursuing higher education. Over the years, HELB has introduced various ways to disburse funds to beneficiaries, one of the most popular being the HELB Mpesa Wallet, facilitated through SurePay. This system allows students to receive and withdraw their upkeep funds seamlessly. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to withdraw HELB money from SurePay to M-PESA.
Understanding SurePay and the HELB Mpesa Wallet
SurePay is a payment platform that facilitates the secure and efficient transfer of funds from institutions like HELB to individual beneficiaries. The HELB Mpesa Wallet is integrated with this system to ensure that students can access their funds directly through their mobile phones using M-PESA. This innovation has greatly enhanced convenience for students, allowing them to manage their finances more effectively.
Receiving Your HELB Funds
Once you have been approved for a HELB loan, you will receive two critical SMS notifications from SurePay:
- First SurePay Message: This message confirms that you have been added as a beneficiary by HELB. The message typically reads, “Hi ****, welcome to SurePay. You have been added as a Beneficiary by Higher Education Loans Board.”
- Second SurePay Message: This message informs you of the specific amount that has been credited to your HELB Mpesa Wallet. The message will say, “You have received Ksh. ***** from Higher Education Loans Board for Upkeep. New balance is Ksh. *****.”
These messages are essential as they confirm that your funds are available and can be accessed through the SurePay system.
Registering and Accessing Your HELB Mpesa Wallet
To access and manage your HELB Mpesa Wallet, follow these steps:
- Dial *642#: On your mobile phone, using the number registered for receiving HELB funds, dial *642#. This is the SurePay USSD code that allows you to access your HELB Mpesa Wallet.
- Register and Set Up a PIN: If it’s your first time using the service, you will be prompted to register by providing the necessary details and selecting a secure PIN. This PIN will be used for all future transactions.
- Logging In: After registration, you can log in to your HELB Mpesa Wallet by dialing *642# again. Enter your PIN to gain access to the main menu.
Withdrawing Funds to M-PESA
Once logged in, you can easily withdraw your upkeep funds from the HELB Mpesa Wallet to your M-PESA account:
- Select the Withdrawal Option: From the main menu, choose the option that allows you to withdraw funds. This is typically labeled as “Withdraw Funds” or a similar term.
- Choose Upkeep Option: You will be prompted to choose the type of funds you want to withdraw. Select “Upkeep” as these are the funds specifically allocated for your day-to-day expenses.
- Enter Withdrawal Amount: Specify the amount you wish to withdraw from your wallet to your M-PESA account. Ensure that the amount is within your available balance.
- Confirm and Enter M-PESA PIN: After entering the withdrawal amount, you will need to confirm the transaction by entering your M-PESA PIN. This step ensures that the funds are securely transferred to your M-PESA account.
- Receive Confirmation: Once the transaction is complete, you will receive a confirmation SMS from M-PESA, indicating that the specified amount has been credited to your account.
- NOTE: Ksh.15 will be charged per transaction.
Tips for Managing Your HELB Funds
While the process of withdrawing funds is straightforward, managing your HELB loan responsibly is crucial. Here are a few tips:
- Budget Wisely: Plan how you will use your upkeep money to ensure it lasts for the entire semester. Allocate funds for essential expenses such as food, transport, and learning materials.
- Save Where Possible: Consider saving a portion of your upkeep money for emergencies or future needs. M-PESA offers savings options like M-Shwari and KCB M-PESA that can earn you interest on your savings.
- Avoid Impulse Spending: With the convenience of M-PESA, it can be tempting to spend impulsively. Stick to your budget and avoid unnecessary expenditures to ensure your funds last.
What to Do If You Encounter Issues
If you experience any challenges while trying to withdraw your HELB funds, such as delays in receiving money or difficulties accessing your wallet, you can reach out to HELB or SurePay for assistance. Contact HELB through their official website or social media platforms, or visit the nearest HELB office for support.
Conclusion
Withdrawing your HELB money from SurePay to M-PESA is a straightforward process designed to offer students convenience and financial autonomy. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily access your funds and manage them effectively. Remember to budget wisely, save when possible, and spend responsibly to make the most of your HELB loan.
