177,000 New Jobless Claims In Washington; 6.6 Million Across U.S.

SEATTLE, WA — Another 176,827 Washingtonians filed new jobless claims last week, bringing the total number of people seeking unemployment since the coronavirus outbreak began to more than half a million, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Across the United States, initial jobless claims rose by 6.6 million for the week ending April 4, and the number of new claims filed over the last three weeks reached an unprecedented 16.8 million. The Associated Press reports more than one in 10 American workers have lost their jobs over the same period, marking the largest and fastest group of job losses on record.

Estimates suggest nearly one-third of the U.S. economy's output has been erased for the quarter, with all businesses deemed non-essential ordered closed in 48 states to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

According to the Seattle Times, Washington's jobless claims last week were down about 3.2 percent from the week prior. The Employment Security Department expects claims to spike again in late April, when new federal rules will allow for expanded unemployment assistance. State officials expect the increased benefits will be available starting April 18.

Learn about the expanded benefits and recent changes to unemployment eligibility in Washington here.