The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unparalleled economic slowdown and record numbers of layoffs. What do the millions of unemployment claims mean for different states and people? How many gig workers have been affected by job loss? Answers to these questions can help workforce development programs and policymakers develop strategies to support workers.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Center for Workforce and Economic Opportunity created the External LinkUnemployment Claims Monitor to make detailed data available.
The Unemployment Claims Monitor displays data from the weekly and monthly unemployment claims reports from the U.S. Department of Labor. The tool is updated every Thursday.
Users will find data on claims and on who has filed for unemployment insurance, including special unemployment programs like Short-Time Compensation (or Workshare), Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees, Ex-Service Members and Extended Benefits programs.
Unemployment insurance claims typically have been available only to traditional W-2 employees who work for a wage, also known as "covered" employees. The Unemployment Claims Monitor also presents data on Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a new program created by the CARES Act that expanded coverage to include other workers not previously eligible, including contract, 1099 or gig workers.
The tool is particularly useful for workforce development programs, social service organizations, policymakers and organizations that provide supports to displaced workers.
Please contact External LinkStuart Andreason and External LinkMels de Zeeuw for inquiries related to the External LinkUnemployment Claims Monitor.