First-Time Jobless Claims In Maryland Rose Slightly Last Week

MARYLAND — New unemployment claims in Maryland rose slightly last week as the COVID-19 pandemic dragged into its 14th month.

On Thursday, the state's labor department reported that 13,612 workers sought jobless aid in the week ending May 8 — an increase of 2,006 from the previous week. That pushes the total number of filings since March 2020 to more than 1.83 million.

While the number of initial filings has dropped substantially from its peak in May 2020, it is still high by historical standards.

Prior to the pandemic, jobless claims in Maryland hovered between 2,000 and 6,500 per week. During the public health crisis, however, these numbers have fluctuated between 2,090 and 109,263. The all-time pandemic high was for the week ending May 2, 2020.

Of the 13,612 workers who applied last week, 4,827 filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) — a federal program for gig workers, contractors, and other self-employed people who otherwise are ineligible for regular jobless benefits.

The jurisdiction with the most PUA claims was Baltimore County, with 708, according to state data.

Claims filed for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) — a federal program that provides an additional 13 weeks of pay to workers who've exhausted their other benefits — was 693.

The most PEUC claims were filed in Baltimore County, with 110. Baltimore City followed close behind with 103 claims.