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State unemployment benefits have been extended again because of Rhode Island's high unemployment rate, according to the state Department of Labor and Training.

State unemployment benefits normally last up to 26 weeks, but with this, a second extension, eligible recipients can receive benefits for up to 20 additional weeks.

The first extension was for 13 weeks and this extension -- known as high unemployment extended benefits -- adds up to seven more weeks. It will go into effect the week of Nov. 9.

The seven-week extension was triggered because Rhode Island's three-month average unemployment rate met or exceeded eight percent. Rhode Island's unemployment rate was 8.8 percent in September, the highest rate in the country.

Last month, 50,200 Rhode Islanders were out of work, the most on record.

Eligibility for the extension is based on several factors. It's available only to those who have exhaused their regular state benefits and any additional federal emergency compensation, the DLT says.

About 2,000 Rhode Islanders are currently receiving extended state benefits.

 Tags  state Department of Labor and Training unemployment

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