Reduced subscriptions (long term affiliates only)
Affiliates are automatically given a lower subscription rate for the first three years after completing their exams, therefore, they are not eligible to apply for a reduced subscription. However, once you’ve been an affiliate for more than three years, you’ll pay the ‘permanent subscription’ rate and may qualify for a reduced subscription if you satisfy the eligibility criteria outlined below.
Extended leave subscription
You may qualify for an extended leave subscription if you earn less than 16,500 GBP, and you are not in active employment by being in one of the following categories:
- are raising a family full-time or are a full-time carer;
- have re-entered full-time education;
- are experiencing long-term unemployment;
- are suffering a prolonged illness that’s prevented you from seeking employment;
- have left accountancy to pursue a religious vocation.
Subscription assistance
You may qualify for subscription assistance if you are in employment and earn less than 16,500 GBP
Full time study support
If during your time as an affiliate, you have been unable to start your PER due to being in full-time study (e.g. a full-time masters programme), you may qualify for a reduced rate. This rate is the equivalent to the standard affiliate rate and can be claimed for a maximum of two years only.
Applying for a reduced subscription
If you’d like to apply for a reduced subscription, please go to MyACCA. You’ll be asked to submit evidence documents to confirm you earn less than 16,500 GBP. This will depend on your situation but examples include
- Tax Return
- Confirmation of benefits
- Letter of Termination from employer
- A document from your local tax office confirming no tax paid for the year
- Confirmation of salary from employer.
All documents must be dated within the last 3 years (excluding birth certificates) and should be officially translated to English by a sworn translator. Please be aware that bank statements can’t be accepted as evidence. If you have any questions please contact us.
Video guide: Apply for a reduced subscription
[00:05]
At ACCA we're happy to support you with your membership, should you experience financial difficulty throughout the year.
This video will show you how to apply for a reduced subscription.
[00:18]
As personal circumstances can change from year to year, you'll need to apply for a reduced subscription annually, as we won't automatically carry this over from one year to the next.
[00:29]
After signing into your My ACCA account, search for reduced subscription using our knowledge base to get started.
[00:40]
We offer 3 different reduced subscription options to support our long-term affiliates who are on low income, not in active employment, or haven't been able to progress with their Practical Experience Requirement (PER) due to full-time study.
[00:55]
If you have any questions about the reduced subscription process not already covered in this article, you can contact us by selecting here.
To start your reduced subscription application, click the link as shown on screen.
[01:12]
Take a moment to review the eligibility criteria and make sure you have all the required documentation ready to submit with your application.
When you're ready, click start application.
[01:26]
On this page, you can review your personal details to ensure they're up to date.
If you need to change your name, date of birth, gender, or nationality, you'll need to contact us, and you can do this by selecting the Raise Case link.
However, you can update your email address, phone number, and primary address.
Click next to move on.
[01:52]
You can select if you'd like to apply for a reduced subscription for the current year or the following year.
The following year will be available from September onwards.
In the category field, select the reduced subscription you wish to apply for.
[02:09]
If you're applying for the extended leave subscription, a new dropdown field will appear, allowing you to select the reason you're applying for this option.
[02:19]
You'll then need to upload your evidence documents.
To do this, select choose file and add the documents from your device.
Take a moment to check the files you're uploading meet our maximum file size and accepted formats.
When you've uploaded all your documents, click next to move on.
[02:44]
Next, you can update your contact preferences.
You'll always receive important updates from us by email. However, you can specify if you'd also like to receive retention updates by text message, and if you've taken any exams, you can specify if you would like to receive your results by text message too.
You'll also have the option to opt in to receive information and updates relating to other events, products and services we've developed with our partners.
And you can also let us know if you'd like to receive information on relevant products and services from third party organisations.
When you're happy with your selection, click next to move on.
[03:28]
Take a moment to read through our terms and conditions.
You can confirm you agree by clicking the I accept box underneath.
Then click next to move on.
[03:41]
On the last page, you'll have the option to review the information you're submitting as part of your application.
Finally, click submit.
[03:51]
Your reduced subscription application has been submitted to ACCA for assessment.
A member of our team will process your application within 5 working days.
You can track the progress of your application and communicate with us from the help section of your My ACCA portal.
And you'll receive an email with confirmation of the outcome of your application.
[04:17]
We look forward to receiving your application and supporting you with your ACCA membership.
