Applications for the third phase of the COVID-19 relief assistance will open on August 10, says Jaoji Koroi, the Fiji National Provident Fund chief executive officer.

This phase of relief payment will be paid to members from August 25 and is specifically for members who are working both reduced hours wage rate.

Mr Koroi said the fund was expected to assist approximately 53,000 Fijians with $60 million budgeted for this phase.

“For members on reduced hours working less than normal hours in a week or fortnight, they will be paid $220 to $880 over five fortnights,” he said yesterday.

“For those who are working four days a week instead of five days, they will be paid $22 for every day that they are not working in a week. So for two weeks, those who are working four days a week will get $44. Over five weeks, their total payout will be $220.

“Members with reduced wage rates, but their working hours have not changed, will receive a lump sum payment of $550 or $1100 depending on the percentage of reduction to their wages.”

Members working on both reduced wages and rates can only apply for one of the categories.

Mr Koroi said members affected by COVID-19 were eligible for Government top up if they had insufficient funds in their general accounts.

He said members, who had recently applied for unemployment assistance, could only reapply if they were not assisted in phase two.

“The employers’ role is crucial once again because they will need a valid reduction in hours and reduction in wage rates.”

All applications for phase three should be submitted by employers through the employer portal.

Meanwhile, Mr Koroi said $54 million was paid out to 85,000 members during phase one of the relief assistance and $13.7 million to 25,000 members for phase two so far.

He assured members of the public that their savings in the Fund were safe.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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