Long term jobless benefits to expire

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia Department of Labor officials say extended federal jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed in Georgia will expire soon without congressional intervention.

Officials say more than 39,500 long-term unemployed Georgians are set to lose Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits Dec. 28.

The Emergency Unemployment Compensation program is offered to former workers who have exhausted state unemployment insurance benefits. The maximum weekly benefit is $330 and the average weekly benefit is $253.

Labor officials say they'll post an announcement on their website if Congress passes legislation to continue offering assistance.