FNPF COVID-19 HOME LOAN ASSISTANCE
A TOTAL of $475,200 was paid out to 2160 Fiji National Provident Fund members yesterday, who had applied for COVID-19 Phase 2 Round 5 relief.
According to a statement from the fund, they had to verify these members’ employment status because of contributions being paid to their accounts from December 2020 to March 2021.
Acting chief executive officer Viliame Vodonaivalu said the process of verification involved contacting these members’ employers to confirm their employment status, which had delayed the processing of their applications.
“The verification process is important because it determines whether the member qualifies for the COVID-19 relief,” said Mr Vodonaivalu.
“The fund will continue to conduct due diligence when processing applications to ensure that those who access this relief, genuinely need it.
“We encourage members to be honest when submitting their applications for
COVID-19 relief.”
It was stated the first payment for Phase 2 Round 5 was disbursed through an early payment last week before the Easter weekend and the next payment was scheduled for April 20. Those members who had applied for Phase 2 but have still not been paid were requested to contact FNPF.
FNPF stated the COVID-19 relief for voluntary members, which was scheduled to open from April 12, was now deferred to April 26.
“We are addressing some system challenges which are impacting the availability of this relief for our voluntary members from 12th April,” said Mr Vodonaivalu.
“Apart from our usual withdrawals, the COVID-19 relief which is running simultaneously is putting a lot of pressure on our IT administration system, through which these applications are processed.
“We plead with our members to bear with us while we address these challenges.”
All information on the COVID-19 relief for voluntary members was stated to be available on the fund website, social media pages and at FNPF offices.