That was almost 100,000 claims more than economists had predicted, as well as an increase from the previous week – which was also revised higher.
The commemoration of the increase in the benefit application is only a month away. Last year, initial claims in the week ended March 21 rose to 3.3 million before peaking at 6.9 million the following week.
In addition to the usual demands of the state, 516,299 Americans submitted their benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which provides assistance to people such as the self-employed or gig workers.
Together, the first-time claims were actually 1.4 million last week, not adjusted for seasonal fluctuations.
Continued claims without work, which are submitted for at least two consecutive weeks, number 4.5 million.
This is an evolving story. It will be updated