CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today announced that federal stimulus funds will allow for the extension of unemployment benefits for New Hampshire citizens.

“New Hampshire families and businesses continue to be impacted by the ongoing national recession. I believe strongly we should do what we can to assist families through these difficult economic times and extending unemployment benefits to hard-working men and women looking for jobs is one way we can do exactly that,” Gov. Lynch said.

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.

All individuals that wish to file for the extension will have to visit their nearest New Hampshire Employment Security office to complete the application form. If it is determined that regular unemployment insurance has been exhausted, then a claim for extended benefits can be established.

For contact information and directions to New Hampshire Employment Security offices go to www.nh.gov/nhes, or call 1-800-852-3400.