ATLANTA — Georgia's labor department has begun sending an extra $25 a week to more than 180,000 jobless Georgians.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said Friday the department is sending the supplement to those with valid unemployment insurance claims.

The boost comes from an infusion in federal stimulus money and will bring the average weekly unemployment check in Georgia to $292. The maximum check will rise to $335.

Thurmond and Gov. Sonny Perdue signed a memorandum of agreement last month to accept the additional funds.

The extra federal money will be available to anyone filing a valid claim before Jan. 1, 2010 and will end July 3, 2010.

Income tax also will be temporarily suspended on the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits paid to each claimant.