Full and joint MU members in financial hardship are now able to apply for a three-month subs holiday. Photo credit: Shutterstock
In response to the widespread cancellation of work that has hit our profession as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we have taken the decision to allow members facing genuine and pressing hardship to apply for a three-month holiday from payment of their MU membership fees.
Unlike a mortgage holiday, there is no obligation to repay the balance at a later date. We hope that the break in fees will offer some financial relief to members who are in need.
As with our Hardship Fund, this scheme will have a significant impact on MU resources, so please act responsibly and only apply if you are in real need.
Read the full details, eligibility criteria, and submit your application on our subs holiday advice page.
Eligibility criteria
To receive a three-month subscription fee holiday you will need to meet the following conditions:
- You are a current MU member who has kept with 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.
The subscription holiday is available for members who pay their fees annually, quarterly, or through a monthly direct debit. For more details on how this works, see our subs holiday advice page.
A message from our General Secretary
We released a message from our General Secretary, Horace Trubridge, on Thursday 30 May announcing and explaining our decision to open applications for subs holidays. You can view the full video message on our twitter channel.
Other sources of financial support
We’d also like to remind you that our MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund remains open, and is continuing to release individual grants of up to £200 to meet the immediate financial needs of members.
Our Crowdfunder for the hardship fund had passed £47K on the publication of this news story, and is continuing to grow. And our auction to raise further funds is quickly building momentum.
For further information on financial assistance, including other hardship funds, sources for financial advice and details on the Government’s income support schemes – see our advice page on financial support.