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 Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

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

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Read more about MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square
Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

Read more about MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025