FNPF to complete processing by April 4

The Fiji National Provident Fund has assured its members that all applications for the TC Winston Natural Disaster assistance would be processed and paid out by April 4.

FNPF chief operating officer Jaoji Koroi gave this assurance yesterday requesting for patience and understanding in regards to the processing time. “Given the huge volume of applications, we are not able to meet our normal turnaround time,” he said. “But we are committing all our resources to turn around all applications by the 4th of April. FNPF staff are working long hours and during the Easter weekend to ensure that we meet our target.” By 1pm yesterday over $100million has been paid out for 85,000 out of the 146,000 applications received.

Currently, 3430 applications are on queried status because of incomplete forms and incorrect personal details.

As well 1300 applications have eligibilities less than $10; and over 300 payments were returned by the banks due to incorrect or closed bank accounts provided by members. “We know that there are a lot of anxious members out there who would like to receive their funds for rehabilitation works associated with the damage by Cyclone Winston,” he said. “We will ensure that your funds will be paid out but just allow us time to complete the processing given the magnitude of the work required here.”

He said all applications received were digitised or scanned and there was minimal likelihood of applications being lost or misplaced. “We have both the physical and soft copy of all applications received,” he said. Mr Koroi said that after the April 4, only applications that have been queried would be dealt with. Source: FNPF