OLYMPIA, Wash. — New unemployment claims remain fairly steady in Washington as the amount of benefits paid out skyrockets.
The Employment Security Department has passed the $12 billion mark in unemployment benefits since the pandemic began in March.
During the week ended October 31st, the latest date for which data is available, ESD paid over $143 million for individual claims.
Initial claims applications remain at elevated levels and are about 113 percent above last year’s figures.
Slight increases in initial claims were primarily in industries where seasonal layoffs are expected this time of year, including agriculture and construction.