COVID assistance
FNPF requests employers to be honest with applications
THE Fiji National Provident Fund has noticed an increase in the number of Phase 3 applications received and has issued a warning to employers who have falsified COVID-19 member withdrawals.
Acting chief executive officer Viliame Vodonaivalu said this was for applications received for the reduced wage rate option that entitles a member to a lump sum payment of $550 or $1100 depending on the percentage of wage rate decrease.
“Employers are requested to be honest with the applications,” he said in a statement yesterday.
“Our verification processes include checks on members’ contributions and we are able to see if the member’s salary has not changed.
“This is of great concern, especially if the member is accessing the full government top-up subsidy.”
He also issued the warning to employer representatives and members alike.
“We are urging our members and employers not to collude or engage in such fraudulent activities.
“If anyone is found engaging in such practices, they will have to face the law.”
The Phase 3 Round 4 Cycle 2 payments were stated to be scheduled for next week (April 13, 2021) and the deadline for applications would be on April 8, 2021.
The fund also stated it had issued an early payment for Phase 2 Round 5 members last week, which was initially scheduled for yesterday.
It said payments for members banking with ANZ, BSP and Westpac were processed last week while members banking with Bred Bank, Bank of Baroda and HFC would receive their funds today.
Those members opting for the
M-PAiSA and Post Fiji bill pay would receive their payment this week, stated the FNPF.
FNPF also stated it issued an SMS to two groups of members last week, who were not paid because the member was firstly auto-registered, but the application was cancelled as a contribution was received.
The fund said the member would need to reapply on the mobile app or through their employer.
Secondly, the member had re-applied, and the verification process was ongoing and if approved, the member would be paid in the next Phase 2 payment cycle on April 20 2021.