There were almost 100,000 more requests than economists had predicted, as well as an increase over the previous week – which was also revised above.
The anniversary of the increase in benefit claims is just a month away. Last year, initial applications rose to 3.3 million in the week ending March 21, before reaching 6.9 million the following week.
In addition to the usual state applications, 516,299 Americans have applied for benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program, which provides assistance to people such as the self-employed or workers.
In addition, applications for the first time amounted to 1.4 million last week, unadjusted for seasonal fluctuations.
Continuing unemployment claims, which include deposits for at least two consecutive weeks, amounted to 4.5 million.
This is a developing story. It will be updated