LANSING -- Governor Rick Snyder signed a bill Monday that will extend unemployment benefits for an estimated 35,000 Michigan residents.

The federal benefits would have ended April 1 because U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that Michigan no longer met the criteria to remain in the extended benefits program.

Now the benefits will continue through the end of the year.

“These benefits are a lifeline for many Michigan families who are struggling in this challenging economy,” said Snyder.  “Cutting them off so abruptly would have jeopardized the well-being of those who are trying hard to find work.  Now that we have continued this safety net, we must renew our focus on improving Michigan’s economic climate.  We will continue driving forward with our job-creating reforms so that fewer people need to rely on unemployment benefits.”

The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth is notifying affected residents that they will continue receiving their remaining 20 weeks of extended benefits.  Claimants currently receiving Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits will not be affected.

Unemployed workers who have online accounts with the state Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) can check their benefit payment history for information about their remaining weeks of benefits.

Workers who have not established online accounts can call Michigan’s Automated Response Voice Interactive Network at 1-866-638-3993 and press option 2.