Maryland Sees 12% Rise In First-Time Unemployment Claims

MARYLAND — The number of Maryland workers who applied for first-time unemployment benefits increased to 13,582 last week, according to data released Thursday by the state's labor department.

The latest figure — which covers the week ending March 6 — represents a 12 percent increase from the 12,124 jobless claims that were filed the prior week. It also pushes the total number of claims to more than 1.7 million since coronavirus shutdowns began.

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.

Of the 13,582 workers who applied last week, 5,010 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 last week was Prince George's County, with 1,188, 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 1,835.

The most PEUC claims were filed in Baltimore County, with 281.