FNPF announces TC Yasa assistance for members in affected areas

The Fiji National Provident Fund members living in areas that have been declared worst affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa would be able to access their funds for natural disaster rehabilitation purposes.

The FNPF Board has approved a maximum of $2,000 per household, which could be withdrawn for TC Yasa relief assistance.

The TC Yasa Relief is for damage to homes and excludes damage to farms and livestock.

This withdrawal will be accessed from the members’ general account with $100 being the minimum withdrawal amount.

The Fund’s inspection teams have been deployed to Vanua Levu and Taveuni and have started visiting the affected areas from today.

FNPF CEO Jaoji Koroi says the Fund is aware of members’ needs to access funds for immediate relief and this is being enabled through on-site assessment and submission of applications.

Koroi says the devastation caused by TC Yasa is becoming clearer with the assessments that are underway and the Fund is activating the natural disaster relief to allow the affected members to apply for withdrawal.

He says like past natural disaster relief, members will only be accessing their general account for this relief.

Koroi says if the amount is not sufficient due to the extent of the damage or destruction, then members can always apply for the Housing Assistance.

The Fund’s teams will check members’ eligibility on site before issuing the forms.

Members in rural communities need to provide a valid photo ID, their bank account details, in addition to the approval of the village headman and advisory councillors.

Those living in urban areas will need to provide a utility bill as proof of residence, in addition to their ID and bank account details.

FNPF reiterates only members living in the affected areas will be assisted.