New Unemployment Claims In MD Drop To Lowest Level In Six Months

MARYLAND — New unemployment claims in Maryland dropped to its lowest level in six months, the Maryland Department of Labor announced Thursday.

Data released by state officials show 9,185 workers applied for jobless relief in the week ending Sept. 19. That represents a 32 percent decrease from the 13,575 claims that were filed the prior week.

Prior to the pandemic, first-time unemployment filings 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.

Here's how many people sought jobless aid during the pandemic:

Since early March, more than 1.16 million people have applied for jobless aid statewide.

Of the 9,185 workers who applied last week, 3,604 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 1,009, 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 296.

The most PEUC claims were filed in Prince George's County. The total stands at 78.

The state recently began offering an additional 13 weeks of jobless aid to those who have exhausted both their regular unemployment and PEUC benefits.

There were five extended unemployment benefits (EB) applications filed last week.