Support with financial difficulties
Financial uncertainty is a reality for many musicians. We provide information and guidance to help you manage financial challenges, and we signpost to further support for benefits and debt issues when necessary. In certain circumstances, we may offer cost-of-living grants when health issues prevent you from earning.
Who is eligible to apply for support?
The support we can provide depends on your personal circumstances, and where you are in your career in music.
Services are available for, and tailored to, four musician groups:
Student musicians
- Aged 18 or over
- Studying or are intending to commence a course study in the coming September on an eligible music degree at an eligible music institution
Please note that if you have a disability, our eligibility criteria are different: learn more.
Early Career musicians
- Be aged 18 or over
- Evidence that you earnt at least £500 from music in the 12 months before application
Please note that if you have a disability, our eligibility criteria are different: learn more.
Working musician
- Be aged 20 or over
- Have earnt least 40% of your total income in the last 24 months before application from music
- Evidence you have earnt at least £5,000 from music in the last 12 months before application
- Not be a full-time student
Please note that if you have a disability, our eligibility criteria are different: learn more.
Retired musician
- Be state retirement age or older
- Receive primary income from pension
- Since the age of 18 have worked for at least 5 years in music, earning at least 40% of your income from music across that time
Please note that if you have a disability, our eligibility criteria are different: learn more.