Press Release
April 9, 2020

Utah’s Unemployment Insurance Claims Report (March 29-April 4)
Federal stimulus program availability updates for Utahns

SALT LAKE CITY (April 9, 2020) — The number of new claims filed for unemployment benefits in Utah was 33,076 for the week of March 29 to April 4, 2020. Part of the Unemployment Insurance system is filing a weekly claim, there were 33,290 weekly claims filed during that same week. A total of $6,881,153 was paid in benefits reflecting payments going out and claims being processed in the midst of a record volume.

As announced by the Governor, Utah is one of the first states in the country to make the $600 stimulus program available. Claimants will see it included in their weekly benefit payments moving forward and retroactively for those that received a payment this week. Additionally, the application for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance making benefits available for self-employed individuals and others who aren't eligible for traditional unemployment benefits will be available at jobs.utah.gov beginning early next week. Claimants should expect 21-30 days for the processing of these applications.

“We continue to receive new claims at an unprecedented level,” said Kevin Burt, Unemployment Insurance Division director for the Utah Department of Workforce Services. “The Unemployment Insurance Division staff’s priority is getting payments out. Amidst this workload, the team stands out as one of the first states in the nation to make federal stimulus programs available. I am proud of their outstanding work and the critical resources they’re providing to Utahns.”

The number of individuals who ended their unemployment insurance claim on March 28, 2020 was 1,112. A total of 1,113 ended their claim during the previous week. As the state continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, this number will help demonstrate the number of individuals no longer accessing unemployment benefits.

The three industries that saw the highest percentage of claims this week, as self-identified by the claimant at the time of their filing, were Office and Administrative Support (12.9%), Sales and Related Occupations (11.4%) and Personal Care and Service (10.2%).

The five counties in Utah that had the highest number of individuals file new unemployment insurance claims were Salt Lake (43.3%), Utah (14.8%), Davis (9.1%), Weber (7.6%) and Washington (5.3%).

If an individual's employment has been impacted by COVID-19 they should visit jobs.utah.gov/covid19. There they will find helpful resources and regularly updated FAQs as the department recognizes this is the first time for many filing for unemployment benefits. Workshops are also available twice daily to help with this process. 

Individuals should apply online and take the time to complete their application fully. The division will contact the claimant if there is a need for additional information to process their claim; there is not a need for the claimant to contact the division.

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