Unemployment Applications Drop for Second Straight Week

The number of new unemployment applications fell another 17% last week – to 13,822 – the lowest weekly total of new claims in five months, as the state paid out another $516 million in weekly benefits to eligible claimants.

The week ending Aug. 8 marked the second consecutive double-digit decline in weekly unemployment applications. Last week, 16,573 people applied for benefits, a 41% drop from the prior week.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has put $13.7 billion into the pockets of unemployed and underemployed workers since the economic effects of COVID-19 began being felt, with an average benefit of $11,500 per claimant.

The total amount of benefits paid out to date includes nearly $8.3 billion in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), the $600 weekly supplement that recently expired. Though federal law prohibits the state from continuing to offer the benefit, New Jersey continues to issue payments for eligible weeks from April 4 through July 25.

“It’s a relief to see initial unemployment claims decline for two consecutive weeks.  But with hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans still out of work, or being called back only partially, our workforce needs continued, sustained economic relief,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “We are doing everything we can to make sure every person in need receives every benefit they qualify for.”

The number of New Jersey workers claiming extended state unemployment benefits rose to 13,986, with the weekly payment surpassing $6 million. Up to 20 weeks of extended benefits kicks in for eligible claimants when all other federal and state benefits have been exhausted. 

The weekly totals of new unemployment claims are:    

Below is the weekly breakdown of payments (in millions):    

NA: Benefit not applicable during the indicated weeks.   

FPUC, PUA and PEUC are federal programs authorized by Congress under the CARES Act. PUA provides benefits through the end of the year to self-employed workers, independent contractors and those who do not have enough recent earnings to qualify for regular unemployment benefits, as well as those unable to work due to COVID-19. The maximum eligibility is 46 weeks, including extended benefits. PEUC provides 13 weeks of federal benefits for those who have exhausted 26 weeks of state unemployment. State extended benefits automatically offers an additional 20 weeks of assistance once PEUC ends.

*This represents the final number for the week ended Aug. 8. The number listed for NJ by US Department of Labor – 12,992 – is based on advanced reporting.   

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