Hawai'i'i residents who have exhausted their unemployment benefits will be eligible for an additional seven weeks of federal unemployment benefits, the state announced.

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said residents who have used up their 26 weeks of state benefits and 13 weeks of federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits will be able to apply for the additional compensation.The extra seven weeks was authorized by President Bush under the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 and became effective Nov. 23.

Darwin Ching, labor department director, said his department is in the process of identifying individuals who have already exhausted their first 13 weeks of federal EUC benefits. These people will be notified on how to reactivate their claims to file for the additional seven weeks.

For information, call one of the following unemployment insurance offices:

• Honolulu — 586-8970 or 586-8971

• Waipahu — 675-0030

• Maui — 984-8400

• Moloka'i — 553-1750

• Hilo — 974-4086

• Kona — 322-4822

• Kaua'i — 274-3043