The Samoa National Provident Fund says the disbursement of the 2.4 per cent dividend is for every member of the superannuation fund despite their loan status.

The dividend was announced in Parliament on Tuesday and is to be rolled out at the beginning of January. The cash payout will provide extra assistance for Samoans in need of help with back-to-school preparations in the upcoming year.

At a press conference on Friday the Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai, and NPF Chairman, Papalii Panoa Tavita said all payouts must be done through the online portal.

Papali'i said those who haven't registered online must do so to access their payout. 

"It is compulsory for every contributor to access the portal as it will be much more easier and convenient for both the NPF employers and our people"

The total dividend payout is $24.77 million and members can access it starting 10 January.

The dividend is only available for two months and if a member doesn't claim their payout it will automatically be added to their contribution. 

The payment from S.N.P.F, which will greatly assist in the preparation of the children for the beginning of the year, has been welcomed by the public. 

There were questions raised that some people were blocked from accessing the portal because of their loan default. The chair said the payout is for everyone irrespective of their loan status.

In December 2022 N.P.F. paid its members two per cent in cash which was a total of $16.27 million.