Unemployment claims rise again in NH
A week after sharp drop, new filings rise top 1,500
No one expects a New Hampshire spring to come without a nasty reminder of winter, and that seems to be happening with the state’s economic recovery. One week after recording a 50% drop in initial unemployment claims, a new spike in claims has been reported.
For the week ending March 27, 1,515 initial claims for unemployment benefits were filed in New Hampshire. That is 61% more than the previous week’s reported 939. The number of actual claims rose after weeks of steady declines in claims.
For the week ending March 20, 22,129 continuing claims – filed by individuals still collecting jobless benefits – were reported, a 3.4% increase from the previous week.
As for federal claims – which go to gig workers, business owners and those staying at home for dependent care or exposure to Covid-19 – there were 9,277 continuing Covid-related claims for the week ending March 13, down by 2.7%.
In addition, 11,220 Granite Staters were receiving extended benefits, also paid for by the federal government, another slight decline. Those benefits are paid to people finishing up 26 weeks of state benefits and moving to collect an additional 24 weeks of federal benefits.
