Thousands of unemployed Idahoans are facing the loss of benefits this summer unless Congress approves an extension.
The Idaho Department of Labor estimates as many as 22,000 people in Idaho could exhaust their unemployment benefits in the next three months. The agency says more than 4,000 lost jobless benefits last week.
Eligible workers receive up to $359 per week in unemployment compensation.
Federal benefits are set to expire under rules set forth in the 2009 economic stimulus bill. The legislation allowed unemployed workers to get benefits for up to 73 weeks beyond the 10 to 26 weeks covered by the state.
The state Labor Department paid out $5.9 million in extended federal benefits last week. (AP)
