Relief phases extended

The COVID-19 relief for members who qualify under Phase 3 opens today Thursday 3 June 2021.

Phase 2 and the $220 Lockdown relief opens on Wednesday 9 June 2021.

This follows Government’s announcement of the extension of the phases for two additional payments, until the end of June 2021.

Automatically registered – Phase 2 Round 6 & Lockdown relief

Fiji National Provident Fund members who accessed Phase 2 Round 5, will be registered automatically based on the consent provided in their last application. However, members who have contributions paid for February to May 2021, will need to reapply, if they remain unemployed.

Acting CEO Viliame Vodonaivalu acknowledged Government’s continued support, especially since majority of the members accessing Phases 2 and 3, are now being subsidised through the top-up.

“More than 59,000 members accessed Phases 2 Round 5 and 3 Round 4. Payments for more than 47,000 of these members have either been partially or fully topped up by Government because their general account balance is insufficient,” said Mr. Vodonaivalu.

Unemployed members accessing Phase 2 Round 6 will qualify for a total payout of $440, which will be paid over two instalments in the month of June.

The Lockdown relief for working member’s impacted by the containment situation, is also being topped up by Government. Of the 22,013 members that accessed this relief, 7,165 have received Government top-up.

Members who have already accessed the Lockdown relief, will also be automatically registered. This is especially for members who had applied before the end of the first round on 31 May 2021.

These members and new applicants will be paid a total of $440, split into two fortnightly payments of $220.

“It’s important to note that the lockdown relief is not open to members’ currently accessing phases 2 or 3 and vice versa. Members can only access one relief at a time,” said Mr. Vodonaivalu.

FNPF will inform members via SMS blast if their applications will be automatically registered for Phase 2 Round 6 and for Lockdown Round 2.

Both relief will open on 9 June 2021 and close for submissions on 25 June 2021.

Phase 3 Round 5

“Member’s who qualify under Phase 3 Round 5, will have to re-apply to ensure their employers select the category of reduced hours that are applicable to them. The payout for those in this category is $44 to $176 per cycle for two fortnights.” 

“Those who had their wage rate or salary reduced, will now qualify for $110 or $220 per cycle for two fortnights – depending on the percentage reduction they fall under.”

Employers must ensure that they are correctly selecting the assistance category for their staff so that it reflects their current arrangement.

“We have zero tolerance for fraud and if anyone, be it employer or member, is found in breach, we will alert the relevant authorities.”

Phase 3 Round 5 will open from 3 June 2021 and final date of submission is 22 June, 2021.

Phase 4 Round 3

The Fund is also activating another round of Phase 4 withdrawal for members who were unemployed from 1 January 2010 to 30 September 2019, and remain unemployed. This also includes taxi, minivan or hire vehicle drivers and small business operators.

To qualify, the member must have at least one contribution between 2010 to 2019, must have a minimum general account balance of $85 and can apply for a lump sum payment of $50 to $440.

Phase 4 Round 3 opens on 11 June 2021 and will close on 30 June 2021. There is no government top-up for this phase.

Home Loan Assistance deadline extended

“The Fund will also extend the COVID-19 Home Loan Assistance, which was due to close on 30 June but will now close on 30 September 2021. Of the 374 applications received to date, 211 members have been assisted, with a payout of more than $2.3million to banks and lending institutions.”

“All information pertaining to these relief measures have been updated on the Fund’s website and shared to our social media pages. We encourage members to please read up on the details to enable them to submit their unemployment or lockdown applications through self-service via the myFNPF App.”

Mr Vodonaivalu encouraged all Fund stakeholders to utilise the digital platforms to communicate and engage with staff.

He also confirmed that the Fund has not suspended any withdrawals, however, members can simply email their applications or connect with the Fund online and to refrain from visiting the Fund’s offices, given the high risk of coronavirus transmission.

Members and pensioners can call the Fund on 3307811/5857, visit the Funds website for live chat, message on social media or email information@fnpf.com.fj.

Employers can email employerhelpline@fnpf.com.fj or call 3238999, 8901019, 8901023 or 8901130.