The deadline for applications to the MU membership subscriptions holiday scheme has been extended until 30 June 2021. Photo credit: Shutterstock
The MU membership subscriptions holiday scheme has been in operation since May 2020 and has seen several thousand members who are facing financial hardship receive up to six-months of free MU membership so far.
The Executive Committee have now agreed to offer a further three-month holiday, and extend the deadline for applications to 30 June 2021, in which is likely to be the last phase of the scheme.
The new terms will apply from 1 April 2021, offering a three-month holiday to members meeting the eligibility criteria regardless of whether they have previously taken a subscriptions holiday or not.
A light at the end of the tunnel, but support until we get there
Assistant General Secretary, Phil Kear, said:
“We’re acutely aware of the financial issues many members have faced over what is now a considerable period of time without work. We’ve all listened to horrific stories of musicians unable to afford basic provisions or to heat their homes and we just couldn’t allow MU membership to become a further financial burden to people in this position.
“With the publication of the Government’s Spring 2021 Roadmap setting dates that will potentially see members able to return to work, and the ongoing vaccination programme, there finally seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel. This extension will allow us to continue to offer support to members facing financial hardship until we get there.”
As with the original offer, unlike a mortgage holiday, there is no obligation to repay the balance at a later date.
Read the full details, eligibility criteria, and submit your application on our subs holiday advice page.
Eligibility criteria
To receive a subscription holiday, you will need to meet the following conditions:
- You are a current MU member who has kept up to date with your membership subscriptions.
- You are currently paying the full membership rate or joint NEU/UCU/EIS membership rate. Members who joined for £1 over six-months ago and are therefore currently paying the full membership rate by direct debit will also be eligible.
- Members who joined for £1 under six-months ago, members paying the student rate and retired members will not be eligible.
- Members who pay their subscription by Direct Debit but have cancelled their payment instruction will need to reinstate it before applying.
If you are already taking a subscriptions holiday that lasts until after 30 June 2021 you will not be eligible.
For more details, see our subs holiday advice page.