Navigating the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) system is essential for many students in Kenya. HELB has streamlined processes for students to access their funds efficiently, and SurePay is now a key platform for disbursing funds directly to student accounts. This week, students whose applications fall under specific batch numbers have received their funds. The HELB and SurePay platforms also offer a straightforward way to transfer funds from HELB’s Mpesa Wallet to M-PESA, making it easier to access and manage upkeep funds.
In this article, we’ll cover the most recent HELB batches that have been paid, detailed steps on how to register and withdraw funds using SurePay, and additional tips on ensuring a smooth transfer process.
New HELB Batches Paid This Week
Each week, HELB disburses funds to qualifying students across various batch numbers. This week, the following batch numbers have received their funds:
- Batch 5782
- Batch 5858
Students in these batches will receive SMS notifications through SurePay, a reliable system that HELB uses for fund disbursement to students’ HELB Mpesa Wallets.
To ensure you’ve received the funds, it’s essential to confirm the SMS notifications from SurePay. These messages play a critical role in confirming the status of your loan and informing you when the funds are available for withdrawal.
Understanding SurePay Notifications and the HELB Mpesa Wallet
Once your HELB loan is approved and funds are released, SurePay notifies you through two important SMS messages:
- First Message: You’ll receive a welcome message when HELB adds you as a SurePay beneficiary. The SMS usually reads, *“Hi ***, welcome to SurePay. You have been added as a Beneficiary by Higher Education Loans Board.” This message is the first indicator that your HELB funds are on the way.
- Second Message: Shortly after, a second SMS informs you of the credited amount for upkeep. It might read, *“You have received Ksh. ***** from Higher Education Loans Board for Upkeep. New balance is Ksh. ****.” This message is confirmation that the funds are ready in your HELB Mpesa Wallet for use.
It’s essential to keep these messages as they serve as proof of fund disbursement and help you track your balance.
Setting Up Your HELB Mpesa Wallet Through SurePay
To manage your HELB funds efficiently, you need to set up and access the HELB Mpesa Wallet. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Dial *642#: Using the phone number you registered with HELB, dial *642#. This is the SurePay USSD code to access your HELB Mpesa Wallet.
- Register and Set Up a PIN: If it’s your first time using this service, you’ll be prompted to register by providing the necessary information. You’ll also be required to set a secure PIN, which you’ll use for future transactions.
- Log In to Your HELB Mpesa Wallet: Once registered, log in by dialing *642# again. Enter your PIN to access the main menu and view available services.
The HELB Mpesa Wallet is a safe and easy-to-use platform that lets students manage their upkeep funds without the hassle of traditional bank transfers.
Withdrawing HELB Funds from SurePay to M-PESA
After receiving funds in your HELB Mpesa Wallet, you can transfer them to your M-PESA account in a few easy steps:
- Select the Withdrawal Option: Log into your wallet and select the withdrawal option from the main menu. Typically, this option is labeled as “Withdraw Funds” or something similar.
- Choose Upkeep Funds: You’ll be prompted to specify the type of funds you wish to withdraw. Select “Upkeep,” as these funds are intended for daily expenses and are deposited into your wallet specifically for this purpose.
- Enter Withdrawal Amount: Specify the amount you want to transfer from your HELB Mpesa Wallet to your M-PESA account. Make sure the amount is within your available balance.
- Confirm the Transaction: Enter your M-PESA PIN to confirm the withdrawal. This step authorizes the transfer and ensures security.
- Receive Confirmation: After the transaction is complete, you’ll receive an SMS from M-PESA confirming the credit. A Ksh.15 transaction fee applies to each transfer.
By following these steps, students can access their upkeep funds seamlessly and use them for their immediate needs.
Benefits of Using SurePay and the HELB Mpesa Wallet
The SurePay and HELB Mpesa Wallet system has simplified financial management for students in Kenya. Some benefits of this setup include:
- Convenience: Students can withdraw funds from the HELB Mpesa Wallet anytime, removing the need to visit a bank.
- Security: The system provides secure, PIN-protected transactions.
- Low Transaction Fees: Each transfer from the wallet to M-PESA costs only Ksh.15, a manageable fee compared to other financial services.
- Accessibility: The USSD code (*642#) allows students to access their funds even without a smartphone, making it a widely accessible service.
Troubleshooting Common Issues in Accessing HELB Funds
While SurePay and HELB Mpesa Wallet are generally reliable, students might encounter occasional issues. Here’s how to address some common problems:
- No SMS Notification: If you haven’t received the SurePay SMS after your batch was paid, confirm your batch number, then contact HELB to ensure the payment was processed. Sometimes, network issues or errors in registration can delay notifications.
- Failed Withdrawal: If your withdrawal transaction fails, double-check your available balance, transaction fees, and ensure you have entered the correct PIN. You can also try again later, as sometimes network issues can cause temporary failures.
- PIN Issues: If you forget your PIN or encounter a security issue, follow the steps to reset your PIN via the USSD code. HELB and SurePay provide support for PIN reset.
- Insufficient Balance: If your balance appears lower than expected, verify if any other deductions (e.g., transaction fees) apply. HELB occasionally deducts processing fees, so contact their support team for clarification if the amount seems incorrect.
HELB’s Role in Supporting Kenyan Students
HELB continues to play a vital role in supporting higher education in Kenya by providing students with affordable loans and bursaries. The introduction of digital platforms like SurePay reflects HELB’s commitment to innovation, making fund disbursement and access more streamlined for students across the country.
HELB loans primarily cover tuition and upkeep for students enrolled in government and private institutions. The funds have enabled thousands of Kenyan students to pursue their studies without financial hindrance. With a growing emphasis on financial technology, HELB is poised to expand its digital footprint and improve accessibility.
HELB Repayment and Financial Responsibility
Once students complete their education and secure employment, they are required to start repaying their HELB loans. Repayment is critical for sustaining the loan program and enabling future students to access these resources. HELB offers flexible repayment terms, and students are encouraged to repay their loans promptly to avoid penalties and interest accumulation.
For students in their repayment phase, HELB has integrated mobile and online platforms to simplify the process. By making timely payments, graduates contribute to HELB’s ability to continue offering financial aid to new students.
HELB Contact Information and Support
For inquiries about loan disbursement, SurePay, or any issues related to your HELB Mpesa Wallet, students can reach out to HELB directly. Here are the contact details for HELB support:
- Customer Support Number: 0711 052 000
- Email: contactcentre@helb.co.ke
- Website: www.helb.co.ke
HELB also has a dedicated customer service team to assist students facing technical or financial issues related to loan disbursement and repayment. By contacting HELB, students can address issues and ensure they have access to the support they need.
The HELB loan disbursement system via SurePay and HELB Mpesa Wallet is a major step forward in enhancing financial accessibility for Kenyan students. This week’s release of funds to batches 5782 and 5858 is a reminder of HELB’s ongoing efforts to support students and make financial management easier. By following the steps outlined in this article, students can access their funds quickly and effectively, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in their academic pursuits.
For students awaiting their funds or looking to transfer funds to M-PESA, the SurePay platform offers convenience, security, and ease of use. As HELB continues to innovate and refine its services, students can look forward to even more accessible and reliable financial support in the future.
