What you can do to avoid getting caught in the backlog.
For many of those who have now gone months without a paycheck or unemployment, things are dire.
Jobless claims have held steady at just over 800,000 in recent weeks.
Antiquated software and a glitchy ID-verification system are among the issues that prompted the state to stop accepting new applications for two weeks.
States that rely heavily on the in-person service sector are still facing high unemployment, while farm states are seeing lower jobless rates.
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to 860,000.
Some people may not feel their workplace is safe. Others may need to provide child care for their families.
High unemployment and reduced income for many during the pandemic may make more people eligible for federal aid programs.
As Congress battles over how to help those who are out of work in the pandemic, FEMA funds to replace federal pandemic checks are already running out.
The pandemic has led to churn in the job market — layoffs, rehires and new hires that reflect shifting demand in the economy.
