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New Year benefit payments hit by computer glitch

Normal fortnightly payments will resume on January 21

Money

People claiming benefits could expect changes over the early start of the New Year due to a computer glitch.

The Department for Communities says a “technical issue in the benefits computer system” means some Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) customers will receive weekly payments instead of their normal fortnightly payments.

This affects customers due a fortnightly payment on January 8, 9, 10 and 11.

For example, claimants expecting a fortnightly payment on Thursday,  January 10, will receive half of their payment this coming Thursday and the other half on Thursday, January 10.

A spokesperson said: “No one will miss out on a payment and customers do not need to take any further action.

“However, customers should take account of this split in payments while planning their financial needs and budget accordingly.”

Normal fortnightly payments will resume on January 21.

The Department for Communities has apologised for any inconvenience caused.

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