The Fiji National Provident Fund is providing a one-off COVID-19 relief for members impacted by the lockdown restrictions in the Western Division.

This relief would open from Monday April 26, 2021 until May 3, according to a statement from the fund.

FNPF acting chief executive officer Viliame Vodonaivalu said this relief would be a one-off payment of $220, given that the containment period was 14 days, which was equivalent to two weeks or a fortnight.

Those members living in the containment area and who were accessing phase two and three of the COVID-19 relief were not eligible for this one-off relief.

“In line with the prime minister’s announcement on Monday, the fund has mobilised to ensure readiness when this relief rolls out early next week,” said Mr Vodonaivalu.

“Members who are unable to attend work due to the containment restrictions, will be eligible for this relief but will need to liaise directly with their employers.

“This also includes members who live and work in the containment area but their workplace has closed for the lockdown period due to its high risk nature.

“The fund is already liaising with employers in terms of the provision of a list of employees who are affected by the lockdown.

“We continue to encourage these employers to ensure that they only provide us with the list of members who have been genuinely affected to eliminate double dipping.”

“We are encouraging our members in the containment area, as well as those outside of these areas, to access our digital platforms and not risk their health by physically visiting our offices,” said Mr Vodonaivalu.

The fund stated there were two main modes of application submission which was the employer portal and the myFNPF App which would be available from Monday April 26, 2021.

Affected members could access $220 from their general account according to the fund as the Government would provide top up for those that have insufficient GA balance.