The Fijian Government paid out around $8 million more than it had projected under the $360-unemployment assistance scheme.
Based on an initial assessment, the government set the total costing at $93.6 million to cover 260,000 Fijians that would qualify as per the set criteria.
However, as of yesterday, it had paid out to nearly 30,000 more applicants, with a total payout amounting to around $104.2 million.
The most number of applicants were received from Nasinu at 16.8 per cent (about 48,688 people), 15.7 per cent from Nadi (about 45,506 people), Lautoka was 14.5 per cent about 42,000 people, Suva 11.3 per cent which is about 32,832 people. Nausori 11.3 per cent – 32,805, Ba 8.4 per cent which was 24,444, Sigatoka 5.8 per cent which is 16,749 people, Rakiraki 4.1 per cent -11,743 people, Navua and Tavua 3.1 per cent – 8,985 people and others who from all other parts of Viti Levu were about 16,749 people which constitutes about 5.8 per cent of total applications received.
A total of 345,289 Fijians applied of which only around 84 per cent or 289,489 qualified and were paid out accordingly, including 2,412 individuals who received reduced amounts because they had double-dipped in previous unemployment schemes.
Also among the beneficiaries were individuals who provided incorrect Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) numbers numbering 7,938 who have also been advised that they will miss out on the next disbursement if they fail to provide correct details including their birth registration numbers (BRN). Eligible applicants have until mid-October to acquire the correct information and receive their second dose if they have not already.
Those who have queries relating to the payments are advised to call 158 or message 2499999.
