Most North Carolinians receiving unemployment benefits will soon be able to get an extension on those benefits.

Our Foothills Bureau reports Employment Security Commission officials are waiting for further instructions from the federal government after President Barack Obama signed another jobless benefits extension.

ESC officials said residents will be able to receive a six-week extension in states with an unemployment rate over 8.5 percent.  North Carolina had a 10.8 percent unemployment rate in September, which is the most up-to-date numbers.

The ESC plans on mailing letters to individuals who are eligible for extensions.