More money available for region’s jobless
Government offers 13 more weeks of pay
Washington and Idaho have notified about 120,000 residents they might be eligible to collect unemployment checks as part of a federal extension for workers who lost their jobs and who exhausted their original insurance benefits.
Both states have established Web sites that allow workers to file for extensions.
Washington officials said roughly 100,000 workers could qualify.
The state mailed notices to people who filed a claim for unemployment benefits on or after May 7, 2006, and later exhausted the benefits.
Idaho officials say they mailed out notices to 20,000 workers.
Recently approved federal emergency compensation allows up to 13 additional weeks of benefits for those workers who are still unemployed or meet other qualifications.
Those applying must fill out a paper application.
Washington residents can find a copy of that form at www.euc. go2ui.com or at a local WorkSource office.
In Idaho, workers can find the application at www.labor.idaho.gov/iw/ and click on File New Claim.
Idaho state spokesman Bob Fick said applicants can file the application online.