Workers who have exhausted their unemployment benefits can now breathe a sigh of relief, because Governor Steve Beshear’s office has approved an extension of benefits for up to 20 weeks.

Communications Director Cathy Lindsey explained that applicants will be notified by mail if they qualify for the extension. The letter will explain about the steps that people need to take to receive the additional funding.

The program provides up to 20 weeks of additional federally-funded unemployment insurance to workers who have already exhausted 26 weeks of benefits through the state, and the additional 33 weeks provided through federal emergency extensions.

Once applicants receive the letter, they can apply in person at their local unemployment office, or apply online at https://uiclaims.des.ky.gov/ebenefit/. People should start receiving a check within three weeks.

Lindsey said that federal work-search requirements are also in place for the Extended Benefits Program. In order to qualify, people must be able to document job searches, and must seek out work through personal contacts at least two days during the week.

The program, normally funded partly through the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and from the federal employment fund, is now covered 100 percent through the Recovery Act.

Beshear signed the emergency regulation for the Extended Benefits Program in April of this year.

The current unemployment rate for the state is 9.8 percent.