Unemployment applications drop to lowest in Washington
Updated : February 8th, 2021
New claims for unemployment benefits dropped to the lowest level after two record setting years in 2011. Applicants for unemployment fell in a row, suggesting that the job market recovery was gaining speed. Overall, average length of time in which the Washington workers collected the benefits has reduced from 42.2 weeks in 2010 to about 36.2 weeks near the end of 2011. Still, unemployment in Washington remains high.
Unemployment applications measure the rate of layoffs. Though the job cuts have fallen sharply, the employers have been slow to start hiring again. The Labor Department says new applications for unemployment benefits dropped last week by 4000 to a seasonally adjusted 364,000. That is the lowest number since April 2008- a pace that usually indicate hiring is strong enough to decrease the unemployment rate.
Applications for unemployment fell for the third week in a row. The Conference Board also reported to the clients that its measure of future economic activity had a big increase last month. It was the second straight gain, signaling that the U.S. economy was picking up speed and the risk of another recession was fading.
Encouraging economic reports sent stocks stating the drop in the number of applicants and the latest sign that the job market is healing. Even the Conference Board notified, the two months of solid gains in the index signal that shows US economy was gaining speed and the danger of another recession was fading. The index of leading economic indicators rose 0.5% in November following a 0.9% gain in November, which is the strongest in eight months.
And in yet another GDP report, the Commerce Department says the economy grew at an annual rate of 1.8% in the July-September quarter which was the fasted growth, up from 1.3% in the April-June quarter. But it was slightly down as compared to last month’s estimate where the economy expanded at a 2% rate over the summer. In other economic news, a survey showed that a gauge of future economic activity increased more than expected in November.
In 2011, an estimated 440,000 people received benefits, which is nearly 12% less than the all-time record of 503,000 in 2010. In 2009, 470,231 individuals collected unemployment benefits. As per the Washington State Employment Security Department this year the benefit payouts will total about $3.2 billion, compared to $4.6 billion in 2010 and $4 billion in 2009.
The declination in the length of time in which the Washington workers collected benefits is due to an improved economy and also because the unemployed workers simply ran out of benefits. As per the Employment Security Commissioner, about 70,000 workers will have exhausted all of their unemployed benefits by the end of December which will be the most ever during a period when extended benefits were in effect.
The steady decline in unemployment claims may also indicate a further decline in the unemployment rate which dropped to 8.6% in November from 9% the month before. The December rate is scheduled to be announced on January, 6. If the claims keep dropping, the unemployment rate might fall as low as 8 percent before the November elections. Economists will be looking forward for January 6 to check out how many jobs were included this month.
Now, the employers are exhausting their benefits and the majority of people are trying to get back into the workforce. With economy getting a little better and business adding more jobs, the job market is becoming fairly healthy.
Related Tags : unemployment applications, Unemployment Benefits, unemployment claims, unemployment rateDid you find this article helpful? YES | NO
I lived in ga in 2019 and move to florida in 2020 and work for the xmas months in nov-dec. I was told to do a combine wage claim. my question is which state do i file the claim in?
Alisa,
Please consider filing from the state where your last employment was based.
I filed for pua in Ohio back in October 2020.My claim has been in ajudacatuon since 11/1/20.So 2 to 6 weeks is a total understatement! When I call.i am told to basically hurry up and wait some more.I have recently been redetermined and my claim is allowed.but I have one pending issue.How long is too long?
Nicole,
Unfortunately, nobody has an answer. There are perhaps thousands of pending applications. Please consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity if safe and feasible.
If you claim your weeks for unemployment and for the next 2 months you still have not received your money. Where can you go in volusia county to talk with a live person
Melinda,
Please consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity if safe and feasible.
On NYS DOL website, my claim is saying current yet the information is for my old claim with 0 days remaining despite receiving 2 weeks of payments on the new claim and I was able to certify last night. I haven’t received anything; no letters or emails.
Ellina,
Have you tried calling the Unemployment Office in this regard?
I was disqualified for UI benefits for not providing an ID and other forms of identification. How do I fix this?
Manuel,
You can consider filing an “Appeal”. Details will be available on the official website.
What is the procedure if it appears a pension amount has not been applied to Unemploymemt claim?
Jerry
Jerry,
Please speak to a member of the Claims Center for assistance.
My name micheal powell79 i. Been trying to file for a weekly but it wont let me !!can someone please help
Michel,
Please let us know how we can help you.
Hi Mike, I’m in NYS and was at the end of my BYE on 3/14, I was still certifying but wasn’t getting paid. I found out I had to file a new claim because my other was exhausted. I’m still waiting on approval. Maybe you have to file a new claim. I hope this helps.
I help I have no job
Arsenal,
Please let us know how we can help you.
They say 2-6 weeks it’s more accurate to say 2-6 months; and when you call many of them are rude and unwilling to assist!
Ronald,
They might be swarmed with calls and inquiries.
someone needs to look into Sharon L. Anton gillette, wyo. or dickinson, nd she is a fraud and has done so many fraudulent things and please look into her
Annette,
Please report it to the Fraud Division of the Unemployment Office in your state. You can report on the website.
I worked part time for thee years here in florida. I’m currently not working. I’m also retired and collects social security.
My question is
Am I qualified to file for unemployment ?
Ruby,
To be eligible, you’re required to have sufficient hours and earnings. Please use the “Benefits Calculator” available on this website.
So adjudication takes 8 to 12 weeks. Oh okay, that explains why I havent received payment since July. That surely helps just like the rest of the information that you give. And by the way. What’s the NEW reason you can’t get through to the Call Center.
I am having problems applying for benefits online. any suggestions? possibly a direct link?
Robert,
I hope you were able to get to the bottom of it.
No. I was hoping to see a contact number or site for reporting fraud.
Steve,
You will find it on your state’s Unemployment Office website.
I Would like to apply for my unemplyment.
Deidre,
You can easily apply for UI benefits on the official website of the Unemployment Office in your state.