FNPF received around 300 applications for TC Harold assistance, paying out $141,000 to 112 members

The Fiji National Provident Fund has received around 300 applications for the Tropical Cyclone Harold withdrawal scheme and has paid out a total of $141,000 to 112 members.

FNPF Chief Executive Officer Jaoji Koroi says the TC Harold Scheme is targeting only those members whose homes were damaged and also reside in areas that were declared a natural disaster area by the National Disaster Management Office.

Koroi says the Fund is working closely with the NDMO and District/Provincial Offices to verify which members were affected by the cyclone and their inspectors will then visit the affected areas to issue the FNPF Natural Disaster Forms, which is also collected on-site. He says members who have missed out on the inspections have been requested to provide their details to their nearest District Office.

Koroi says the Fund is also aware of members that have taken to the media to publicise their frustration on the Fund, its processes and requirements.

He says they understand that members are in a difficult position and FNPF has even gone to the extent of relaxing some of the requirements, however, they will not compromise their processes.

Koroi says they are governed by their legislation and policies that protects the long term interest of the member.

He says FNPF is here for the member’s retirement and they request that members be mindful of any withdrawal as it leads to the depletion of their retirement funds.