New Unemployment Claims Surge After Benefits Expand In Washington

OLYMPIA, WA — Hundreds of thousands of new jobless claims were filed last week after a large pool of workers became eligible for expanded benefits in Washington.

According to the state Employment Security Department, initial claims for regular unemployment grew 67%, while the total number of initial claims surged more than 450%.

Unemployment claims for April 19-25
Initial claims filed for regular unemployment insurance; 137,605
Initial claims filed for pandemic unemployment assistance: 190,948
Initial claims filed for pandemic emergency unemployment compensation: 168,165
Ongoing weekly claims: 959,190
Total claims: 1,455,908

Suzi LeVine, the Employment Security Commissioner, said last week's numbers reflect an expected "tsunami of claims" after the state completed upgrades to offer expanded benefits under the federal CARES Act on April 18.

Related - Report: Seattle Leads Nation In Unemployment Growth

"This is, by far, the largest week of unemployment benefits delivered in our state's history," LeVine said. "We are humbled and grateful to be able to get those benefits to so many Washingtonians during this crisis, but our work is far from over."

LeVine said claims filed over the last seven weeks represent more applications than those received over the last 3.5 years combined.

The state paid nearly $1 billion in claims to 504,407 people last week. At least 787,533 Washingtonians have applied for assistance.

In a YouTube video and Twitter thread Wednesday, LeVine acknowledged ongoing issues, resulting in delays for many, as the state deals with the large influx of applications.

"I am so sorry we haven't been able to provide everyone with relief when they need it, and we are working night and day to make sure that we do," LeVine said. "We want to remind people: the money won't run out, and you won't miss out."

Unemployment claims by county (April 19-25)
King County: 40,088 (+63%)
Pierce County: 16,680 (+51%)
Snohomish County: 15,122 (+38%)

Across the United States, approximately one in six American workers have filed for unemployment since the coronavirus crisis began, and another 3.8 million people filed new claims last week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Learn more about expanded unemployment eligibility in Washington here.