Saint Lucians who have been jobless since COVID-19 forced the closure of business island-wide, will have to wait a while longer to apply for the Economic Relief Program.
According to a press release from the NIC, the application process has been compromised.
āIn order to more efficiently execute the Economic Relief Program, it was always the intention of the National Insurance Corporation to accept applications primarily in electronic format.ā However, recognizing that there are people without access to the online platform, the NIC had made provisions to accept applications by hard copy.
āWe have become aware that persons are selling NIC Economic Relief forms to the public without any authorization to do so, resulting in an inordinate number of premature applications.ā
āRegretfully, we must inform that the NIC will not be accepting hard copy applications. Applications for the NIC Economic Relief Program will only be accepted online. Persons who previously submitted forms for this program are advised to file electronically when we begin accepting applications. The details on how people without online access can apply will be shared shortly.ā
The release promised that a public announcement will be made once the NIC begin accepting applications and a note on the NIC’s official website confirmed that ample time will be provided for the submission of claims and everyone who qualifies for the relief payment for the month of April will be paid.