Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy are demanding the Senate pass an extension for unemployment insurance benefits.

The initial $600 a week payments ended Friday. The House approved an extension but there is no deal in the Senate.

The senators say thousands of residents are at risk of being unable to pay for housing, groceries and other essentials.

Sebrina Wilson received the benefits and says they were a big help.

"This is something that is not just an essential for us. It's definitely needed for every American citizen so when you put us out of work for whatever reason, my particular job the grant ended and I've been looking. It just made it a little bit impossible for me to survive without those extended funds," said Wilson.

Republicans want to reduce benefits by $400.