The Family and Social Solidarity Ministry yesterday denied there were any delays in the issue of children’s allowances for anyone who had applied by the end of April, as claimed by the Labour Party’s spokesperson on the sector.

The MLP made these statements regularly, for political gain, the ministry said. But in fact last Saturday, all children’s allowances payments were issued to those who had applied by the closing date, which was 30 April. About 24,000 families had applied by then, and this year the process had been made easier by applications being made possible also online.

The ministry added, however, that not everyone had observed the closing date and there were even some who applied during June. These applications were still being processed but the cheques should be issued by the end of this week. Those needing information about their benefits should phone SPIC on 159 Mondays to Saturdays from 8am to 8pm, or visit a district office of the department of social security, the ministry said.