First time unemployment claims jumped nearly 25% in one week, with 965,000 people filing for support as the nation saw new spikes in the coronavirus and states taking steps to curb the spread of the virus.
According to the Department of Labor, the number of first time claimants increased from the previous week’s total of 784,000, a 23% increase. Currently, more than 18 million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits, 850% higher than the same week one year ago.
The states with the largest increases were Louisiana, Kansas, Texas and Georgia, while Illinois, California, Maryland and Florida saw the largest decreases.