Losing jobless benefits? Sign up now for extra food aid for August.

[Bozita]

Last Updated: July 19. 2010 1:00AM
Sign up now for extra food aid
Those slated to lose jobless benefits can get August bump
Nathan Hurst / Detroit News Washington Bureau

Washington -- Families who have lost their unemployment insurance benefits because of a congressional logjam need to file an adjustment for increased Food Assistance benefits by Wednesday to get a bump for August.

That's the word from officials with the nonprofit Center for Civil Justice, who said Friday that more than 85,000 families who receive food and unemployment benefits are facing a loss of unemployment checks.

To get an increase in food benefits for August, Michigan's Department of Human Services has to be notified in writing by Wednesday.

Terri Stangl, executive director of the nonprofit, said the state tries to match up unemployment and food assistance records, but she encouraged recipients to notify DHS caseworkers, as well.

Millions of jobless workers nationwide have seen unemployment benefits expire in recent weeks. Congress is locked in a contentious debate on Capitol Hill over a $33.9 billion bill that would prolong a tiered extension of the program in response to continued high unemployment throughout the nation.

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From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100719/METRO/7190340/1408/local#ixzz0u9Fl8lAJ