Washington Unemployment Claims Surge Another 44 Percent

SEATTLE, WA — Washington unemployment hit a new record last week, as jobless claims nearly doubled nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

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According to data released Thursday morning, 187,501 Washingtonians filed new unemployment claims for the week ending March 28. The massive number represented a 44 percent increase over the week prior, which broke the state's previous record. Since the beginning of March, when social distancing measures began, nearly 350,000 people have filed for unemployment in Washington.

The Seattle Times reports the state's Employment Security Department is using federal emergency funds to upgrade its systems, provide payments to more unemployed workers, extend benefits and add additional $600 weekly payments in April.

Emergency rules that went into effect March 20 allows workers up to three months of "standby," meaning they do not have to actively seek jobs while collecting benefits. According to the Employment Security Department, many filers seeking standby status received automated denials, but all claims will be reviewed to determine if they meet the new criteria, dating back to March 8.

Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding unemployment eligibility and other economic support programs on the state's coronavirus website.

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