It hasn’t been easy for Lauren Collalto since she lost her job last year, but yesterday, she breathed a sigh of relief when the Senate finally broke the impasse blocking passage of a bill extending unemployment to millions of jobless Americans.

“It’ll make the job search less stressful,” said the Manhattan woman, who had worked as an assistant client manager in an insurance firm before being laid off.

Collalto, 27, calculated that her unemployment benefits were set to run out in the fall and she’s been eyeing the calendar with trepidation.

The extension will provide a lifeline and possibly give her as long as a year in additional benefits.

“My savings go to rent and my unemployment goes to bills,” said the Wellesley college grad, who majored in art history.

“It’s really stressful. You like to think when you go to a top school and graduate with honors, you won’t have to worry about these things. But it affects everyone.”