The state said Wednesday that it is mailing letters to unemployed residents eligible for more weeks of unemployment-benefit checks. The 14-week extension went into effect the week of Nov. 8, but the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation needed time to reprogram its computers so residents can claim the additional checks. The agency said eligible Marylanders can get the missed weeks' checks retroactively. The extension took effect immediately after Congress made federal money available, increasing to 73 the number of weeks unemployed Maryland residents can collect.

- Jamie Smith Hopkins | The Baltimore Sun

An earlier version of this article incorrectly noted the number of weeks unemployed Maryland residents can collect unemployment benefits. The Baltimore Sun regrets the error.