How to Check HELB Loan Balance Through SMS

If you have a Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loan in Kenya, keeping track of your loan balance is crucial to managing your finances. One convenient way to check your HELB loan balance is through SMS. This method is especially useful for those who do not have regular access to the internet. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check your HELB loan balance via SMS:

1. Register Your Phone Number:
   Before you can check your balance, you need to ensure that your phone number is registered with HELB. If you have not done this yet, visit the HELB website or contact their customer service to register your number.

2. Compose Your SMS:
   To check your loan balance, you need to send a specific SMS code to HELB. The format of the SMS is typically as follows:

   “BALANCE [Your ID Number]”

   Replace “[Your ID Number]” with your actual HELB ID number. For example, if your ID number is 123456, your SMS should read:

   “BALANCE 123456”

3. Send the SMS:
   Once you have composed the SMS, send it to the number designated by HELB for balance inquiries. This number is usually listed on the HELB website or on your loan statement. For example, the number might be 21111, but always verify this on the HELB website to ensure you are sending the SMS to the correct number.

4. Receive Your Balance Information:
   After sending the SMS, you should receive a reply from HELB with details about your loan balance. The response usually includes information on the total amount owed, any outstanding payments, and sometimes the due date for the next payment.

5. Follow Up If Needed:
   If you do not receive a response within a reasonable time, or if the information you receive seems incorrect, contact HELB customer service for assistance. They can help resolve any issues or answer questions about your loan balance.

Tips for Checking Your HELB Loan Balance via SMS:

• Ensure Your Phone Number is Up-to-Date: Make sure that the phone number you use is the same one registered with HELB to avoid any issues with receiving your balance information.
• Keep Track of SMS Costs: While checking your balance via SMS is convenient, remember that SMS services may incur costs depending on your mobile provider.
• Double-Check Your Loan ID: Incorrect loan IDs can result in errors or failure to receive the correct balance information. Always verify that you have entered the correct ID number.

By following these steps, you can easily keep track of your HELB loan balance and manage your repayments effectively. SMS inquiries offer a quick and accessible way to stay informed about your loan status without needing internet access.