NASHVILLE (AP) - The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is warning more than 10,000 people that their extended unemployment benefits will expire soon.

The Extended Benefit program is tied to the state's unemployment rate. Since that rate recently dropped to 8 percent, the program is coming to an end.

Those affected are claimants in the last 20 weeks of the 99 weeks previously available. They will receive their last benefit payments the week of April 12.

Approximately 10,000 people should receive notices in the coming days of their benefit expiration. They will not be eligible for benefits again until they earn qualifying wages.

Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Karla Davis said in a news release that as Tennessee's employment opportunities improve, other federal benefits could be reduced as well.