(RALEIGH) -- The Governor last week gave the official word through an executive order to keep unemployment benefits flowing to thousands of North Carolinians. Now, it is up to the Employment Security Commission to get that money to whoever needs it.

"We're working very quickly to get those folks who are eligible for any extended benefits paid as quickly as possible," said ESC spokesman Larry Parker. "We began processing claims late Friday and payments should being this week for a majority of those claimants."

He urged those affected by the halt in extended benefit payment to give the ESC a call.  A phone bank has been set up at 1-866-795-8877 to find out where people stand because their benefits may have to be re-established..  Claimants can also go to their nearest ESC office for help.