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The state’s unemployed will start seeing an increase in their benefits as early as today. The increase is part of the federal economic stimulus package. As Whitney Ray tells us, it will pump an extra 345 million dollars into the state’s economy.

Valencia Williams is an out of work mother. She receives 275 dollars a week to feed her children. The money doesn’t go far.

“I have two small ones, so there’s a lot of cut backs in a lot of areas, you just got to adjust to it… a lot of prayers,” said Valencia.

Small prayers are being answered as half a million Floridians collecting unemployment benefits will now receive an extra 25 bucks a week. That’s 100 more dollars a month for Valencia to spend on…

“More food or a bill I didn’t get too to go pay on that bill I haven’t been able to pay because I’ve been out of work,” said Valencia.

The increase is part of the economic stimulus package. It will pump an estimated 345 million dollars into the state’s economy.

People on the state’s unemployment roll will now receive two checks; one for the original amount and a second check with the increase.

John Barbour has been looking for a job since November. He doesn’t care how the money gets to him, as long as it comes in time to help pay for school.

“I’ll go ahead and get myself some more understanding in computers,” said Barour.

The state began mailing the checks out Friday. Some people with direct deposit have already received the money. People receiving benefits don’t have to do anything extra to collect the extra 25 bucks. The checks are backdated to February, so people who were on the unemployment rolls should receive at least a hundred dollars in back payments.