Shadow Seniors and Social Services Minister Louise Jackson has criticised Government for a delay in delivering some Financial Assistance cheques this month.Mrs Jackson said she had spoken to clients of the Department of Financial Assistance (DFA) who had yet to receive payments due on June 1, adding she found the delay “deeply disturbing”.“It causes hardship for people least able to bear it,” said the One Bermuda Alliance MP. “People have gone without medication. People have suffered the indignity of landlords confronting them over non-payment of rent.“The one saving grace for people on Financial Assistance is that they have been able to use their food cards.”A spokesman for the Department of Financial Assistance told The Royal Gazette this afternoon: “The Department of Financial Assistance was alerted last Friday by the Accountant General’s Department of problems being experienced completing the download of cheques and wire payments for the DFA second run.“DFA understands that the problem was resolved late yesterday afternoon and cheques are now being sent out and wire payments should hit accounts by this Friday.”Mrs Jackson said: “When I inquired about the situation with the Accountant General payment clerk, I was told there was a ‘glitch’ with a batch of payments sent ‘a few days ago’ and a second batch sent on Tuesday past.“As this issue came to my attention, Financial Assistance clients complained that no advisory had been issued on the delayed mailings.“Seniors travelled to pick them up at post offices to no avail and called the Accountant General’s Office to learn what was happening.“Times are tough all around but it has been especially stressful for people on Financial Assistance, particularly those with families, and seniors. Many have lost their jobs and have not been able to find another.“In light of their delicate situation, it is essential that the Government comes through for them. Glitches are not acceptable, and, if they happen, then officials need to communicate immediately to inform their clients.”* Have you received your Financial Assistance cheque this month? If not and you’d like to comment, call Sam Strangeways on 278-0155 or e-mail sstrangeways@royalgazette.bm.