Millions more claims have been filed in the weeks since, but it’s unclear how many of the claims reflect recent layoffs versus continued backlog from overwhelmed state-government websites and call centers.
States could face further stress from the millions of people who need to file each week for continuing benefits. Washington state even posted tips online to avoid getting caught in the crush of required weekly claims.
Florida, which has had some of the most reported difficulties with its website, saw initial claims fall by more than half from the prior week to about 173,200.
Several states started phased reopenings in recent weeks, but to varying degrees.
Georgia, which allowed barber shops, nail salons and restaurant dining rooms to reopen with restrictions, saw initial claims decline by about 39,700 to 226,900 on an unadjusted basis, holding about in line with the extremely elevated pace of filings seen in recent weeks.
Texas, which reopened retail stores and restaurant dining with limited capacity on May 1, saw claims little changed at 247,200.
States are also beginning to feel the financial burden of the now-enormous jobless population. California, the nation’s most populous state, recently borrowed millions from the federal government to pay out worker benefits.
Claims in California registered only a slight decline, to about 318,100 from 325,300.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.