New Low For First-Time Unemployment Claims Reported In Maryland

MARYLAND — The number of first-time unemployment claims in Maryland fell again last week, dropping to its lowest level since mid-March. Officials hope those numbers continue to drop as all businesses are allowed to reopen on Friday, although some still face restrictions on the number of customers.

Data released Thursday by the Maryland Department of Labor shows 11,115 workers applied for jobless relief in the week ending Aug. 29. That represents a 6.4 percent decrease from the 11,875 jobless claims that were filed the prior week. It also follows a pattern of declining trends: with the exception of the week ending Aug. 15, first-time unemployment filings have been falling since the week ending July 11.

While the state has seen a consistent decline, weekly filings are still high by historical standards.

Prior to the pandemic, first-time unemployment filings in Maryland hovered between 2,000 and 6,500 per week. During the public health crisis, however, these numbers have fluctuated between 2,090 and 109,263. The all-time pandemic high was for the week ending May 2.

Here's how many people sought jobless aid during the pandemic:

Since early March, more than 1.13 million people in Maryland have applied for unemployment benefits.

Of the 11,115 workers who applied last week, 3,141 filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) — a federal program for gig workers, contractors, and other self-employed people who otherwise are ineligible for regular jobless benefits.

The jurisdiction with the most PUA claims last week was Prince George's County, with 581, according to state data.

Claims filed for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) — a federal program that provides an additional 13 weeks of pay to workers who've exhausted their other benefits — was 1,110.

The most PEUC claims were filed in Baltimore County. The total stands at 226.

The state recently began offering an additional 13 weeks of jobless aid to those who have exhausted both their regular unemployment and PEUC benefits.

Last week's filings for extended unemployment benefits (EB) was 396. Most applications came from Baltimore County, with a total of 80.

On top of those benefits, FEMA has approved Maryland for a federal program that gives people an additional $300 per week. The payments are expected to be distributed in late September.

To receive the extra $300 a week, Marylanders must qualify for a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 and must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to disruptions caused by the pandemic. Claimants do not have to file a new application to receive Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) benefits.

According to officials, eligible claimants will receive $300 per week in benefits retroactive to the week ending Aug. 1 and ending no later than Dec. 26.

Maryland to enter phase three of reopening plan

Gov. Larry Hogan announced Tuesday that Maryland will be entering the third and final stage of its coronavirus recovery plan. Starting Friday at 5 p.m., all Maryland businesses can reopen — unless the counties in which they operate decide to opt out of phase three.

Hogan has given all 24 jurisdictions in the state discretion in deciding when and how to reopen their respective economies.

For parts of the state that will move into phase three on Friday, that means:

• Indoor movie theaters and live entertainment venues can reopen at 50 percent capacity (or 100 people max., whichever is less)
• Outdoor movie theaters and live entertainment venues can reopen at 50 percent capacity (or 250 people max., whichever is less)
• Retails and religious facilities can open at 75 percent capacity
• All manufacturing businesses can reopen
• Personal service businesses (i.e., barber shops, tanning salons, massage parlors) can reopen on an appointment-only basis and at 50 percent capacity

"I want to remind the people of Maryland that moving into Stage 3 does not mean that this crisis is behind us," Hogan said. "We must remain vigilant so we can keep Maryland open for business."