Associated Press - May 6, 2009 3:35 PM ET

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Gov. John Lynch says federal stimulus funds will allow for the extension of unemployment benefits for New Hampshire residents.

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, New Hampshire qualifies for a 13-week extension of emergency unemployment compensation benefits. The 13-week increase is in addition to the 20-week federal extension already in place. This does not include the first 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits.

The federally funded 13-week extension was triggered due to New Hampshire's increased unemployment rate. Eligibility for the additional 13 weeks began this week.

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