Extended unemployment benefits checks to start Saturday

From the Worcester Telegram | July 29, 2010 |

BOSTON —  The state will begin issuing checks Saturday to people whose extended unemployment benefits were restored by recent Congressional legislation. 

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development said unemployed workers whose certifications are up to date will be issued retroactive payments. By Wednesday, the state expects to issue 50,000 payments, the state said today in a news release. It could take several days for individuals to receive the paper checks and for financial institutions to process direct deposits, the state said.

Efforts continue to contact individuals by phone and mail on how to apply for and claim the cash benefits, according to the state. People whose benefits were cut off in recent weeks can call (888) 998-8418.

Thousands of people in Massachusetts who have been unemployed for an extended period lost cash benefits in recent weeks as Congress grappled with legislation to provide funding for payments. The new legislation does not cover people who have exhausted the maximum of 99 weeks of benefits.