Unemployed workers in Utah may now be eligible for up to 13 more weeks of benefits.

The Utah Department of Workforce Services says it was notified of the extension on Friday the U.S. Department of Labor.

The expanded program authorizes up to an additional 13 weeks of emergency unemployment compensation on top of the original 20 weeks of benefits.

Unemployment Insurance Director Bill Starks says the department will send letters to those who may be eligible by Nov. 9.

The new extended weeks benefits are generally equal to 50 percent of the total amount received for regular state unemployment benefits.

The extended benefits are being offered because Utah's total unemployment rate has now averaged over 6 percent for three months, seasonally adjusted.