The Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) has issued an important clarification regarding the access to retirement savings for members facing terminal or severe medical conditions. During a recent FNPF Member Forum, officials addressed inquiries about the eligibility of individuals with terminal illnesses to withdraw funds prior to reaching the age of 55, emphasizing their medical incapacitation withdrawal provisions.
Farnaz Queet, FNPF Senior Manager of Member Services, explained that members who are unable to continue working due to significant health issues can apply for a medical withdrawal grant. “We have a medical incapacitation withdrawal grant. It has its own qualifying conditions, and it allows you to withdraw under medical grounds before you turn 55. If you are incapacitated, disabled, or face any medically certified reason preventing you from continuing your work, there is a medical grant that allows you to withdraw under full entitlement,” she stated.
The application process is carefully scrutinized under strict criteria. Queet elaborated that a panel of doctors assesses each application, necessitating thorough documentation from the applicant’s physician, including a referral and medical certificates. “We encourage our members to ensure their doctors provide detailed medical diagnosed reports to support their applications,” she added.
The importance of comprehensive and precise medical documentation cannot be overstated, as Queet noted that vague or insufficient medical information can lead to delays or complications in the assessment process. The medical board responsible for evaluating these applications consists of doctors from the public health sector, who help verify reports according to established medical standards.
The FNPF’s dedicated approach aims to support members facing significant health challenges, providing an avenue for financial assistance during difficult times. This initiative highlights the organization’s commitment to the well-being of its members and ensures that those in need can access their savings when it matters the most.