Political Gridlock Could Affect Benefits To 1.1M Calif. Unemployed

SACRAMENTO (AP) — More than 1 million unemployed Californians will be affected if Congress and President Barack Obama fail to break their political deadlock.

The California Employment Development Department said Wednesday that about 1.1 million residents will begin losing unemployment extensions at the end of this year if Congress does not extend benefits.

That means people who are at or near the end of their benefits will no longer be able to file for extensions. For about 100,000 people in their final federal extension, that means benefits will stop after the first week of January.

California provides up to 26 weeks of benefits, but the federal government has allowed extensions up to 99 weeks during the recession.

The state provides a maximum weekly benefit of $450 with an average unemployment check of $300.

(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press)