First-time claims for unemployment benefits have not slowed in the new year. States reported that 787,000 U.S. workers filed for new unemployment benefits during the week ending Jan. 2. The total number of workers continuing to claim unemployment benefits dropped to 5 million, a decrease of 126,000 from the previous week. More than 19 million people are receiving some type of unemployment aid.
The recently signed virus relief bill reauthorized extended jobless benefits for millions of people and includes a $300-per-week supplement through March 14 for those receiving unemployment benefits.