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Assembly Grills EDD for Unemployment Check Delays
File photo.

SACRAMENTO—

Unless Washington agrees on an unemployment benefit extension, over 222,000 Californians could be without paychecks by the end of the year, the California Employment Development Department warns.

In a media release put out Tuesday, EDD writes that California – along with all 49 other states – will have to end federal extension benefits the week ending on Dec. 28.

EDD notes that there are more than 617,000 in California who are seeking unemployment benefits. However, only about one-third of that number – about 222,000 – are those receiving the now-endangered federal extension payments.

“We’re notifying unemployment claimants of this approaching federal benefits cutoff to ensure that everyone is aware of the situation. We want to make certain that people know what to expect so they can plan their personal finances accordingly,” said EDD’s Chief Deputy Director Sharon Hilliard in the release.

Even if the person is unemployed and still has a remaining balance on their extension, payments will come to an end unless Congress takes action, EDD warns.

EDD asks claimants to monitor their website closely for any possible developments. Head over to www.edd.ca.gov for more information.