Updated at 1.45pm

THE DEPARTMENT OF Social Protection has apologised after recipients of some payments didn’t receive them as scheduled today.

A number of TheJournal.ie readers informed us they didn’t get their weekly Disability Allowance payments today. One wrote that they woke up with no money in their bank account, adding:

Please make other readers aware, so they don’t have a mini heart attack when they see their accounts.

A number of other readers reported similar problems, while people have also been raising the issue with the Department and with their banks via Twitter.

It’s since emerged over 70,000 people are affected by the problem.

Delay

In a statement this afternoon, the Department said there was a delay in payment “to a number of its customers who were due to receive their social welfare payment in their bank account today”.

It says Bank of Ireland and AIB customers expecting payments to their accounts today will have their accounts credited this afternoon.

Ulster Bank is helping affected customers through its emergency cash fund, which customers can access by visiting a branch with a valid ID or by calling 1850 424 365.

The Department says that any Permanent TSB Customers affected should contact their local branch and advise them of the issue, adding “they will endeavour to facilitate customers where possible”.

The statement adds:

Customers of all other banks will receive their payment in their accounts tomorrow.

Apologising for the problem, the Department says that “any customer experiencing difficulties” as a result of the issue could contact their local community welfare service, adding:

The Department of Social Protection apologises for the inconvenience caused.

Disability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people aged 16 and over who have a disability. The weekly maximum rate is €188.