People seeking information on Freephone number 153 cannot get through as the service is experiencing technical difficulties, the government information service said.

Servizz.gov said that it is experiencing an influx of phone calls from clients asking about the additional milk and bread bonus being sent out to families.

The cheques started being received by post over the weekend but the process is ongoing.

“Servizz.gov is investigating the matter in a bid to solve the technical problems quickly as possible and the phone line returns to normal with the least possible impact on clients,” a Department of Information statement said.

The cheques - for 15 euros for single families and 35 euros for other families - were a one-time grant by the government to make up for the rise in the price of milk and bread.

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna said that cheques were to be sent between 14 and 17 February, and that people should wait for a few days before calling for information if they do not receive their dues. But, apparently, many did not take this advice and kept calling 153 to get their money.