Economics
U.S. Jobless Claims Understate Reality With Gaps in Federal Data
- Federal figures show zero claims in new program in 15 states
- State data show about half a million claims through PUA
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The U.S. Labor Department’s weekly jobless claims report has yet to reflect at least about half a million filings for a federal pandemic program, with data reporting lagging behind payouts.
Florida, Alabama, Arizona, Hawaii and West Virginia were among 15 states that showed zero initial claims under Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA, in the Labor Department’s latest weekly report on Thursday. But the same states have actually reported about half a million in combined claims through the program -- established by the CARES Act -- which is aimed at helping those typically not eligible for regular state benefits, including the self-employed and gig workers.