First-Time Jobless Claims Drop To Lowest Level In Five Months

MARYLAND — New unemployment claims in Maryland dropped to its lowest level since mid-March, reflecting resilience in a labor market pummeled by the coronavirus pandemic.

Data released Thursday by the Maryland Department of Labor show 11,875 workers applied for jobless relief in the week ending Aug. 22. That represents a 16.3 percent decrease from the 14,191 jobless 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 a closer look:

Since early March, more than 1.12 million people in Maryland have applied for jobless aid.

Of the 11,875 workers who applied last week, 3,338 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 Prince George's County, with 650, 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 1,109.

The most PEUC claims were filed in Baltimore County. The total stands at 209.

Several weeks ago, the state began offering an additional 13 weeks of jobless aid to those who have exhausted both their regular unemployment and PEUC benefits.

Last week's filings for extended unemployment benefits (EB) was 562. Most applications came from Baltimore County, with a total of 76.

On top of those benefits, FEMA has approved Maryland for a federal program that gives people an additional $300 per week. The payments are expected to be distributed in late September.

To receive the extra $300 a week, Marylanders must qualify for a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 and must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to disruptions caused by the pandemic. Claimants do not have to file a new application to receive Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) benefits.

According to officials, eligible claimants will receive $300 per week in benefits retroactive to the week ending Aug. 1 and ending no later than Dec. 26.