Unemployment In MD: First-Time Claims Near 900K Amid Pandemic

MARYLAND — Another 41,941 workers applied for first-time unemployment benefits last week, according to data released Thursday by Maryland's labor department, bringing the total number of claims to more 800,800 since coronavirus shutdowns began.

The latest figure — which covers the week ending June 13 — represents a 21.5 percent decrease from the 53,464 jobless claims that were filed the prior week. It, however, still remains well above the 2,090 that was reported the first week of March, before Gov. Larry Hogan shut down non-essential businesses to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Most of Maryland except for Montgomery County and Baltimore City entered phase two of reopening. Montgomery County will gradually begin lifting more restrictions on non-essential businesses and gatherings on Friday.

Despite statewide reopening efforts, thousands of workers continue to apply for unemployment benefits.

Of the 41,941 Marylanders who applied last week, 17,843 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 most PUA claims were filed in Prince George's County, according to state data. The total: 2,715.

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 1,196.

The jurisdiction with the most PEUC claims was Baltimore County, at 196.

Here's how many people in each county filed unemployment claims last week:

Here's how many people filed statewide over a 13-week period:

Marylanders can apply for either regular or federal unemployment insurance benefits through the state's BEACON One-Stop application system.