Extension of COVID-19 relief

Fiji National Provident Fund members living or working in any of the lockdown zones will only qualify for the one-off relief of $220, if they are not accessing any of the active COVID-19 relief and are not being paid during the lockdown period.

The relief is for members who will not receive wages as a result of their inability to access their workplace because of the lockdown restrictions.This also includes employers who may have closed due to its high risk or non-essential services business nature such as barber shops, gyms, bars, etc.

Members who are currently receiving fortnightly relief payments for phase 2 round 5 or phase 3 round 4 do not qualify for this lockdown relief.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Viliame Vodonaivalu said those that do qualify, will require their employer to confirm that they are not being paid any wages during this fortnight.

“The Fund is relying on the cooperation of employers to clearly identify members living or working in these containment zones and who would qualify for this relief. It’s also important for members and employers to note that this relief is only for those members who are not accessing the active COVID-19 relief and are not being paid during the lockdown period.”

“We have communicated electronically with employers to provide us the names of their staff who are affected. We have taken this approach to ensure the proper validations are provided through employers”, said Mr. Vodonaivalu.

“It is important that employers send through their list of employees who have been affected and we encourage both parties to refrain from colluding or fraud. Please be honest.”

“Members and employers who will try and take advantage of this relief by colluding or attempt to submit forged documents will face the full brunt of the law”.

Employers are requested to revert with their confirmed list of affected staff as soon as possible to enable their staff to apply on the mobile app.

Employers must also ensure that contributions for their staff are paid up to March 2021 or to at least have the contribution schedule form uploaded.

The Fund is also encouraging employers that are facing difficulties in accessing their workplace to submit relief applications, to reach out to our team on employercovid19lockdown@fnpf.com.fj or call 3238999 or 3307 811 for further assistance.

Employers can also visit the Fund’s website for more information on how they can submit names of their staff to the FNPF. Alternatively, members can download the form from the FNPF website and have the completed form emailed/messaged/vibered to their employer for submission on the Employer portal.

Processing time is three working days. Members must ensure they provide their correct payment mode details to avoid delays.

“We ask our members and stakeholders to bear with us during this period because we are also observing the health protocols for the safety of our members and staff,” said Mr. Vodonaivalu.

“Our digital platforms are available for our stakeholders to use during this period, to minimise visits to our offices.”

The lockdown relief will now close on 10th May 2021