Losing your phone or doing a SIM swap can be frustrating, especially if the number linked to your Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) account is no longer accessible. If you’re in this situation, you might be wondering how to update your HELB phone number to continue receiving important notifications about your loan status, disbursements, and repayments.
I recently went through this process myself, so I understand the stress of not being able to access my HELB account. In this article, I’ll take you through the steps you need to follow to change your HELB phone number and regain access to your account.
Why Changing Your HELB Phone Number is Important
Your registered phone number is crucial for:
- Receiving loan disbursement notifications
- Getting repayment reminders
- Resetting your account credentials
- Accessing HELB services via USSD Code (642#) and the HELB Mobile App
If you’ve lost your phone, done a SIM swap, or changed your number, it’s important to update your details to avoid missing out on vital HELB updates.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your HELB Phone Number
1. Visit the Nearest HELB Office or Huduma Centre
The safest and fastest way to change your HELB phone number is by visiting their offices or a Huduma Centre. Here’s what you need to carry:
- A copy of your National ID
- Your HELB account details (email, old phone number, and loan reference number if available) You must have the HELB Bank and Phone number Change Form ( dully filled)
- A police abstract (if your phone was stolen)
Once you arrive at the HELB customer service desk, inform them that you need to update your phone number. They will verify your identity before processing your request.
2. Contact HELB Customer Care
If you’re unable to visit an office physically, you can reach out to HELB through:
- Phone: Call HELB at 0711 052 000
- Email: Write to contactcentre@helb.co.ke explaining your situation
- Social Media: You can send a direct message on their official Twitter (@HELBpage) or Facebook (Higher Education Loans Board – HELB) pages
When contacting HELB, ensure you provide:
- Your full name as registered with HELB
- Your National ID number
- Your old phone number and the new one you wish to update
- A clear reason for the phone number change
3. Update Your Number via the HELB Portal
In some cases, HELB allows you to update your phone number via their self-service portal. Here’s how:
- Log in to your HELB account on www.helb.co.ke
- Go to ‘Personal Details’
- Edit the phone number field
- Submit your request
After submission, you may receive a confirmation message or be required to visit a HELB office for identity verification.
4. Visit Your Mobile Network Provider (If You Did a SIM Swap)
If you changed your SIM card, you might need to confirm that your new number is active and can receive messages from HELB. If you’re having trouble receiving messages after updating your number, visit your mobile service provider (Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom) to confirm that your SIM is properly registered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take for HELB to update my phone number?
Typically, HELB updates phone numbers within 24 to 72 hours, but it may take longer depending on verification processes.
2. Do I need to pay any fee to change my HELB phone number?
No, changing your phone number is free of charge. Be wary of fraudsters claiming they can update your details for a fee.
3. What if I forgot my HELB account login credentials?
If you lost access to your HELB portal due to the phone number change, you can reset your password via email or call HELB customer care for assistance.
Final Thoughts
Losing your phone or doing a SIM swap shouldn’t stop you from accessing your HELB account. By following the steps I’ve outlined above, you can quickly update your phone number and continue receiving important notifications from HELB.
If you run into any challenges, don’t hesitate to contact HELB directly for assistance. Remember to always safeguard your phone number and account details to prevent unauthorized access.
I hope this guide has been helpful! If you have any questions or have gone through this process yourself, feel free to share your experience with us in the commentary system below!!