UNDATED, WI (WTAQ) - One plus side for a rising jobless rate in Wisconsin, long-term unemployed will be eligible for nine more weeks of jobless benefits starting next week.

The U.S. Labor Department told state officials Friday that those who qualify can get up to 63 weeks of unemployment benefits instead of the current 54.

That’s because the state’s jobless rate averaged more than seven-percent over the most recent three-month period.

The state lost the same nine-week benefit package in June.But now, Wisconsin is among 33 states eligible for the 63-week benefit total as of Monday.

State workforce development officials say about 10,000 Wisconsinites are eligible for the increased benefits. They’ll soon get letters informing them of the increase.