Three thousand people have had payment of their fuel allowance delayed because of a technical issue at the Department of Social Protection.
Fuel allowance is paid to people who are dependent on long-term social welfare payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs.
For the first time this year, customers were given the option to receive their payment in two lump sums. The first lump sum of €292.50 was paid at the start of the fuel season in October and the second (€315) was due this week.
However the department has said there is a delay in payments to 3,000 people.
In a statement it said: "We sincerely apologise to the customers affected and want to assure them that the issue is being resolved. The delay is caused by a technical issue and upgrading work is currently underway to address this."
The department added that it would "ensure that payments are issued to these 3,000 affected customers early next week."
Of a total 340,000 customers in receipt of fuel allowance, 57,000 opted last year to receive their Fuel Allowance payments in two lump sums.
The schemes affected are: State Pension Contributory, Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension, Invalidity Pension, State Pension Non Contributory, Disability Allowance and the National Fuel Scheme.
The department said any customer who is experiencing financial hardship can contact the Community Welfare Service at their local Department Office or Intreo Centre.
