Several mothers are facing a cash-strapped Christmas after failing to receive financial assistance cheques.

One woman claimed that she did not receive a cheque in November and was told that she will not get a one this month.

"They said they will give us some money for food, but the electric light bill, telephone and everything else still needs to be paid," the mother, who did not wish to be named, said.

"They (financial assistance) have admitted that it is their fault, but that there is nothing that they can do, because the cheques are issued through the Attorney General's office and they will not be able to issue any until January.

"I know that I am not the only on who this is happening to. There are several other families who will not have any money over the Christmas period."

A financial assistance spokesperson admitted there were some delays and advised that clients who were reaching a crisis point to contact their case workers. The woman went on to say that she wished she was not in the position of having to look to Government for financial help, but said that she had not been able to find a job.

"I have been looking for a job for ages and I have not been able to find one," the woman said.

"A lot of people think that you don't have a job so you are nothing, but think of all the people that are being laid off at the Bank of Bermuda, what's going to happen to them.

"It's so easy to find yourself in this position."

The woman blamed the delay on people who are abusing the system, rather than people who really need it.

"There are a lot of crooked people out there getting financial assistance and whenever one of them gets caught, it affects us who are really trying to change our lives," said another woman who wished to remain anonymous.

The woman said she had not been able to pay her rent and was afraid that she might be evicted. "I have never been late with my rent and not receiving the financial assistance cheques will put me in a bad position with my landlord. I do not want to get evicted."

A financial assistance spokesperson said she could not speak to individual cases, but could respond in general terms.

"If they need food, medicine or are having problems with utility companies we can help."

The financial assistance spokesperson added that sometimes delays are caused when they do not have all the information about people. "Individuals who bring their information on time are dealt with in a timely manner," said the spokesperson.

"Also their rent will be paid if they are eligible."

Another mother said that she was in the same situation as the other woman and that she and her children would not have any money before the new year.

"I hope and pray that something comes through before Christmas," said the second mother.

"I don't know what we are going to do without any money."