The Higher Education Loans Board is an important body formed by the government to help students in higher learning institutions by loaning them funds to help them pay for their school fees.
The SPM team is committed to keeping you in the know on how you can successfully apply for these loans, how you can appeal In case it doesn’t go through and how you can repay the loans.
First things first, how do you apply for HELB loans?
The online application procedure must include some important documents that complete the application for it to be successful, especially for first-time applicants.
It is important to note that HELB offers a maximum of Sh60,000 and a minimum of Sh35,000.
Although the application process is done online, the forms later need to be printed to have them signed and stamped by relevant authorities.
The Documents Required include:
1.National Identification card
2.Bank account
3.A KRA Pin (get a pin generated for you in the cyber )
4. Parents Details (a copy of their ID cards )
5.KCSE and KCPE Results
6. Email Address.
7.Details of 3 guarantors (must be employed or working)(ID card Copies )
HOW TO APPLY
1.Visit the official HELB portal
2.Enter your ID and First name
3.Click validate
4.Complete registration with email , password then click register.
5. Start filling the form accurately,do not skip any details (you should have the requirements we mentioned earlier)
6. After you’ve completed filling go to the home page and confirm if the details filled are correct.
7.After filling your form correctly go to the home page and click” print form ” (make 2 copies)
8.Make sure the required parts to be filled are signed and stumped.
9.Attach the required documents and take them to the nearest HELB Huduma Desk .
In case your application is rejected or does not go through you can appeal/ reapply.
Why would HELB reject your application?
1.Providing Inadequate information during application.
2.Filling in false information.
3.Subsequent applicants are banned from applying for providing wrong information.
HELB loans appeal have timelines each Year. So before reapplying confirm if the HELB portal is open for loans appeal.
How To Appeal Helb loans.
1.Visit HELB portal
2.Login to students portal.
3.Click the loans application menu
4. Go to HELB loans type (certificate, diploma, undergraduate)
5.Click the type (eg) Undergraduate loan appeal/Review form ,click the plus sign .
6.Fill the form correctly
7.Submit the form online
You will get a notification if it is successfully submitted or not.
Once a student is loaned this money, you must pay for it as soon as you start earning.HELB beneficiaries are expected to start repaying the loans 1 year after completion of studies.
HELB operates in 3 sections
-The undergraduate section (helps recovering undergraduate loans)
-Jielimishe Loans section (responsible for allocating and recovering loans from working students)
-Allocation section (responsible for collecting and updating loanee’s accounts )
HELB PAYMENT METHODS
There are several methods given for a person to repay their loans,it depends on their preference . Here are some of the methods.
1 .Mobile Payment services (using mpesa )
-Select Lipa na Mpesa , paybill option
– Enter HELB business number (200800)
– Enter your ID number as the account number
– Enter the amount you want to pay for and then enter your mpesa pin
– Confirm the transaction and send
2 .Bank Deposit
This is done using a cheque to any bank of your choice.
3. Using a credit card / Debit card.
One can give authority to HELB to make monthly debits or lump sum payments
Debit cards can also be swiped at the HELB offices .
Do you have any questions or comments on this blog post,be free to reach out and the SPM team will be ready to answer your questions.