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

Musician playing acoustic guitar, facing the setting sun and a crowd, performing at a festival. Flags and fairy lights are out of focus in the background.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT) has announced the 49 artists receiving support in its latest funding round, following the expansion of the scheme to help more UK artists navigate the ongoing cost-of-touring crisis.

Published: 06 November 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists
Black background with wooden stick figures placed on top in different colours, some also represent wheelchair users.

Attitude is Everything Publish the State of Access Report 2026

This week, Attitude is Everything published the State of Access Report 2026, the charity’s first major research report in eight years, revealing persistent and widespread barriers to accessibility across the UK music and live events sector, despite signs of progress in access provision.

Published: 05 November 2026

Read more about Attitude is Everything Publish the State of Access Report 2026
A calculator and pair of glasses on top of a sound mixing desk.

Member Benefit: Discounted Tax Advice for Musicians

From royalties and advances to self-employment, PAYE and international work, musicians often have unique tax needs. MU members can access discounted advice from qualified tax professionals with experience of the music industry.

Published: 01 November 2026

Read more about Member Benefit: Discounted Tax Advice for Musicians
Close up hands playing an organ.

MU Redesigns Organists and Ceremonies Rates

Sector expertise, including contributions from the Royal College of Organists (RCO) and MU/RCO joint members, helped shape the new rates, which introduce new categories, updated guidance and a 3% uplift for 2026 to better reflect organists' working practices and responsibilities.

Published: 30 October 2026

Read more about MU Redesigns Organists and Ceremonies Rates