Over 150,000 New Unemployment Claims In Washington

SEATTLE, WA — Washington state received more than 150,000 new unemployment claims last week, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor. The number of new claims declined for the second week in a row, but state officials are expecting a wave of new applications over the next week after expanded eligibility requirements go into effect.

Federal assistance under the CARES Act provides an additional $600 in benefits for most unemployment recipients, and that state has worked around the clock to upgrade its systems and provide the extra payments. According to the Employment Security Department, work should be complete by April 18, and the missed weekly payments will be provided retroactively, dating back to March 29 when the legislation went into effect.

According to data from the labor department, more than 600,000 Washingtonians have filed new unemployment claims over the last month, in the wake of widespread business closures and the governor's stay-home order. More than 22 million have applied for unemployment across the nation over the same time frame.

The Associated Press reports the stretch of job losses is the worst on record, and unemployment rates could soon surpass those seen during the Great Depression.

During a news conference Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee said Washington had not reached the "transition point," which would allow the state to begin relaxing restrictions in phases. The governor's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order remains in effect through at least May 4 and could be extended further if public health officials determine insufficient progress has been made.

Learn about expanded unemployment eligibility and new federal assistance on the Employment Security Department website.