Posted Thursday, February 19, 2009 --- 4:10 p.m.

Press release from the Governor's Office:

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced an additional $25 in weekly unemployment compensation payable to Wisconsin residents currently receiving state or federal unemployment benefits.

“The $25 in additional assistance is part of the much-needed relief in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,” Governor Doyle said. “When combined with other benefits and employment and training services, it will go a long way in helping our working families get back on their feet and return to work, as we all join forces to get this nation and its economy back on track.”

As soon as President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law, Governor Doyle signed the necessary papers from the U.S. Department of Labor to secure the extra $25 per week for Wisconsin residents receiving unemployment benefits. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides the additional weekly supplement for the remainder of the year.

Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman said that anyone who is currently receiving unemployment will automatically get the additional $25 per week for as long as they are eligible for benefits this year.

“No one needs to file a separate claim or call us to ensure payment,” Secretary Gassman said. “We already are working to get these additional dollars in the hands of unemployed workers as soon as we can. We are moving swiftly to provide the weekly supplement as soon as possible.”

Qualified individuals will be eligible for the additional benefits beginning next week, the week of February 22.

Wisconsin provides regular benefits of up to $363 per week for as many as 26 weeks. Individuals who have exhausted their 26 weeks of regular state benefits may be eligible for federal extended benefits of up to 33 weeks.