Ashley Kleinfeld of Olivet knows exactly where the money from her unemployment checks go.

"For bills," Kleinfeld said. "We have rent, we pay the electric bill, everything, phone bills, car payments."

But because Congress did not extend those federal benefits back in June, Kleinfeld's checks -- as well as 100,000 others in Michigan -- were cut.

"I freaked out," she said. "I didn't have any other income."

Tuesday word got out that the Senate might come through and pass an extension, and the Unemployment Insurance Agency's call center in Lansing was bombarded.

"Have the feds acted yet? Did the extension pass yet? A majority of the calls we get relate to the extension," Stephen Geskey, the agency's director, said.

Geskey said they have an action plan in place if and when the Senate agrees and the President signs it into law.

"We've designated special teams, special groups to tackle this as quickly and efficiently as possible," he said.

In short, Geskey said those who were receiving federal benefits before, will be able to call MARVIN or go on the Web site to begin receiving benefits once again.

For those who were not able to graduate to the federal benefits before the deadline passed, will be receiving letters from the UIA with special instructions.

"Those instructions will tell them to contact the agency on special days and times reserved for just for them," Geskey said.

He said retroactive payments owed for the six weeks benefits were cut will take a bit longer, but it's looking like the state is ready, and so too, are those looking for the help.

"I'm excited because now I can pay everything and get back on my feet," Kleinfeld said.

Geskey said if the President signs the benefit extension into law this week, some people could start receiving their benefits by the end of the week.