How To Withdraw HELB Money In Kenya – Fast, Safe & Step-by-Step

🚀 Introduction: HELB Sent the Money — Now What?

If you’re a student in Kenya, getting your HELB loan or bursary disbursed is a big relief. But many students still struggle with the next step: how to get the money from HELB into your M-Pesa wallet. This guide will show you exactly how to withdraw HELB money using SurePay, USSD, and the M-Pesa app — step by step.

💡 What You Need to Know First

Before you attempt any withdrawal:

Your HELB upkeep (not tuition) must have been disbursed. If you haven’t applied yet, check out our step-by-step guide on how to apply for HELB in Kenya.
You must be registered with SurePay (this happens automatically for most).
Your ID and mobile number must match what you used to apply for HELB.

Let’s now walk through how to withdraw HELB money safely.

🧾 Step-by-Step: How to Withdraw HELB Money

You can access your HELB upkeep funds in the following ways:

✅ 1. Using Phone USSD (Official HELB Code 642# )*

This is the most reliable method to access SurePay HELB withdrawal or disbursements:

Dial *642# on the Safaricom number linked to your HELB account
Enter your 4-digit PIN
Select “Withdraw Funds”
Choose “Upkeep”
Enter the amount you want to withdraw
Confirm and submit
Wait for M-Pesa confirmation message

⏱️ Funds usually arrive within minutes or even seconds, but may take up to 24–72 hours in some cases.

Take note that this is the most student-favored approach on how to withdraw money from HELB account.

✅ **2. Using M-Pesa USSD (334#) – Official Safaricom Method*

You can also withdraw your HELB funds via the M-Pesa USSD code *334#. This targets students who want to know how to withdraw HELB money from M-Pesa.

Dial *334# on your Safaricom line
Select “Lipa na M-Pesa”
Choose “Government Services”
Select “HELB”
Login using your M-Pesa PIN
Choose “Withdraw Funds → Upkeep”
Enter the amount to withdraw
Confirm and wait for M-Pesa SMS

🎯 This method works well for students who applied through M-Pesa as their disbursement channel.

📱 3. Using the M-Pesa App (HELB Mini-App Option)

Some users may have access to a HELB Mini-App inside the M-Pesa App (useful if you’re figuring out how to withdraw HELB money, depending on the HELB–Safaricom setup at the time of application):

Download and install the M-Pesa App from Play Store/App Store
Register using your M-Pesa phone number
Login and tap “Services”
Select “Education” → “HELB”
Accept the terms and register on HELB Mini-App
Receive and enter verification code sent via SMS
Navigate to Withdraw Funds
Transfer from HELB Wallet to M-Pesa wallet

⛔ Only works if you chose M-Pesa HELB Wallet as your preferred mode of disbursement during HELB application.

💼 Understanding Your SurePay HELB Wallet

Many students wonder what SurePay actually is and why it’s involved in disbursing their HELB funds. Here’s what you need to know:

🔹 What Is the SurePay HELB Wallet?

The SurePay HELB Wallet is a secure digital account automatically created for you when HELB sends out your upkeep disbursement. It works like a temporary holding account, and understanding how to withdraw HELB money from it is essential — you must manually transfer the funds from your wallet to M-Pesa using the available methods.

🔐 You don’t need to download a SurePay app — everything is accessed through USSD code *642#.

🔹 Is SurePay HELB Legit and Safe?

Yes. SurePay is an official HELB partner, licensed to distribute loan and bursary funds to students in Kenya. Your wallet is safe, and transactions are protected using your PIN and ID verification.

🔹 How to Check Your SurePay Balance

To check how much is in your SurePay wallet:

Dial *642# on your registered Safaricom number
Enter your 4-digit PIN
Choose “Check Balance”

This will show you the available funds before withdrawal.

🔹 Can I Use Someone Else’s M-Pesa to Withdraw?

❌ No. For security, the phone number, ID, and HELB account must match. If your number has changed, contact HELB to update your info before withdrawing.

🔹 Key Notes About the Wallet

Upkeep funds are disbursed to your SurePay wallet, not tuition fees
Withdrawals are done via *642#, *334#, or the M-Pesa App (HELB Mini-App)
Funds reflect in M-Pesa within minutes to 72 hours, depending on traffic

💬 If you ever experience delays or issues with your SurePay wallet, reach out to HELB:

📧 Email: contactcentre@helb.co.ke
📞 Phone: 0711 052 000

🛠 Common Problems (and Fixes)

Problem	Fix
No money in M-Pesa	Confirm you withdrew via 642# or 334#. If funds are still missing after 72 hours, contact HELB via email at contactcentre@helb.co.ke or call 0711 052 000.
Wrong phone number	You must update your number with HELB. Email HELB support with your ID scan and request to change your registered number.
Stuck on SurePay	This is common when details don’t match. Call 0711 052 000 for live assistance.
Can’t access *642#	Make sure you’re using your HELB-registered Safaricom line. If it still fails, reach out via contactcentre@helb.co.ke.

📞 HELB Support Quick Contacts:

Email: contactcentre@helb.co.ke
Phone: 0711 052 000

You can also log in to the HELB Portal to check your loan status and details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I withdraw HELB bursary too?

Yes, if it’s categorized under upkeep. If it’s tuition, it’s sent directly to the university.

How long does withdrawal take?

Usually within 5 minutes via M-Pesa, but it can take up to 72 hours during peak periods.

Can I use someone else’s M-Pesa line?

No. Your ID and phone number must match HELB records.

What if I lost my phone?

Visit HELB offices or email them with your ID scan to update your number

🧠 Final Tip

Whenever you’re stuck, always start with *USSD code 642# — it’s the official, most consistent method for how to withdraw HELB money safely and quickly.

Also exploring flexible learning options? Check out our guide to online learning platforms in Kenya — perfect if you’re studying remotely or part-time.