Unemployment benefits reinstated for half of recipients, so far

Nevada employment security officials say extended unemployment benefits have been reinstated to about half of all eligible recipients, and the rest should receive them by next week.

The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation says about 20,000 claimants have had their benefits restored since President Obama signed the extension bill on July 22.

About 40,000 Nevadans had lost their benefits after the program expired June 2.

Officials say the department will continue mailing instructions and benefits statements to those who qualify for extended unemployment benefits.

Nevada's jobless rate in June climbed to 14.2 percent, the highest in the nation.