CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today signed an agreement with the federal government extending benefits to New Hampshire citizens who have exhausted their unemployment compensation benefits.

“The current downturn in the national economy is impacting New Hampshire families and businesses. I believe strongly we should do what we can to assist families through these difficult economic times and extending unemployment benefits is one way we can do exactly that,” Gov. Lynch said. “This extension will give more of our hard-working men and women the opportunity to find a new job without having to worry about how they are going to provide for their families.”

The extended benefits program is entirely federally funded.

Any individual exhausting the regular 26-week unemployment benefits in New Hampshire since May 1, 2007, may be eligible to receive an additional 13 weeks of benefits. According to federal requirements, an individual can claim the extended benefits only if they have exhausted the 26 weeks of state benefits, and they are not eligible for any other state or federal benefits program.

The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security will begin sending letters today to individuals who may be eligible for the extension.

Employment Security will determine if a person is eligible for an extended benefits unemployment claim in New Hampshire. Any person that wishes to file an extended benefits claim must visit the nearest New Hampshire Employment Security office to complete the application form. Claims will go through the same verification process and follow the same guidelines as regular unemployment insurance claims.

The extended benefits program is temporary and will remain in effect until March 31, 2009.

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