skip to main content

Help Musicians Opens New Hardship Fund

The Help Musicians Coronavirus Financial Hardship Fund is now available. Eligible musicians can apply for a one-off grant of £500.

Published: 25 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
A man with a guitar standing in the field against the sunlight
The fund is open to anyone that satisfies Help Musicians’ general criteria for support. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

It is hoped that the £5m fund, which was announced on Wednesday 25 March will help reduce the worry many musicians are experiencing about their mounting household expenses.

The charity recognises that it’s usual person-centred approach of Health & Welfare support needs to be boosted in this exceptional period to give as many musicians as possible immediate financial relief.

Eligible musicians can apply through an online form on Help Musicians’ website. They remind musicians to only apply if they are suffering significant financial hardship, to enable them to provide help quickly to those who need it most

Who is eligible

The fund is open to anyone that satisfies Help Musicians’ general criteria for support:

  • You are a professional working musician (by which we mean performer, composer/creator or directly involved in the production of music, or in work for which the main qualification is a high level of musical training)
  • You are self-employed or currently unemployed
  • You are in need of financial help
  • You satisfy our residency requirements

Read more about the scheme, how it works and how to apply on the Help Musicians website.

Further financial support

Find more information on sources of financial assistance in times of hardship, and guidance on Government benefits on our Financial Support page.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Exterior of the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, where the Welsh National Opera is based.

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

Musicians' Union members in the orchestra of Welsh National Opera (WNO) are facing a reduction in working weeks, equating to a 15% pay cut as a result of a funding shortfall for the company.

Published: 28 March 2024

Read more about MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts
Young Black musician looking thoughtful while looking at a laptop in a recording studio.

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) turns 40 this year, and all musicians should be aware of how this pioneering charity could help them to prevent and overcome practice-related physical and mental health problems.

Published: 27 March 2024

Read more about Celebrating BAPAM at 40