Jobless benefits raised $25

By Staff
Gov. Bob Riley has authorized an additional $25 a week in unemployment benefits that is part of the federal stimulus law passed by Congress. Claimants who qualify for the additional $25 benefit will begin receiving it on or before March 27.
The increase in weekly unemployment benefits will bring in $75 million to the state’s economy.
Claimants who qualify for the additional $25 benefit will begin receiving it on or before March 27. The benefit applies to anyone currently receiving regular Unemployment Compensation benefits as well as those receiving Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits. Currently, approximately 70,000 Alabamians could be eligible to receive the additional benefit.
The additional payment will show up on claimants’ statements as an additional deposit; either to their bank account, if they have elected direct deposit, or to their debit card, if they have chosen that option.
The additional benefit will expire at the end of this year.