Unemployment Benefits

Many conservatives have accused unemployment insurance of creating a population of slacker, couch-bound stoners (several states have made drug tests a requirement of benefits). But an analysis by Bloomberg has found that the ultimate pinnacle of hard work and success -- millionaires -- raked in almost $80...

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting a pickup in the labor market recovery. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 7,000 to a seasonally adjusted 340,000, declining for a second straight week, the Labor Department said on...

By Christopher Rugaber WASHINGTON -- The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply for a fourth straight week, a sign that the job market may be improving. The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications for unemployment benefits fell 29,000 last week to a seasonally...

WASHINGTON -- Extending the current level of long-term unemployment benefits for another year would add 300,000 jobs to the economy, according to a report from the Congressional Budget Office. The analysis released Wednesday from the nonpartisan office estimates that keeping jobless benefits would cost the...

By Paul Wiseman WASHINGTON -- The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits surged last week, although the figures may have been distorted by seasonal factors. The Labor Department says applications rose by 34,000 to a seasonally adjusted 386,000. The increase reversed a big drop the previous week.

New claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week, government data on Thursday showed, suggesting that the labor market continues to expand at a moderate pace. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits slipped by 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 370,000, the Labor Department said. The prior...

Florida has become the first state in the nation to adopt a law mandating random drug screenings for state workers. The unprecedented move may result in similar efforts among lawmakers in other states, setting the stage for battles with labor unions and others opposed to drug testing by the government. The...

Dozens of city workers in the nation's capital have been suspended, and face possible dismissal and prosecution for allegedly drawing unemployment benefits while still working. Nearly 90 Washington, D.C., employees were suspended Monday while the investigation proceeds, The Washington Post reports, citing...

By Christopher S. Rugaber WASHINGTON -- The number of people seeking unemployment aid fell last week, a sign that companies are cutting fewer jobs and likely stepping up hiring. Weekly unemployment applications fell 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted 367,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week...

By Christopher S. Rugaber WASHINGTON -- The economy is off to a fast start in 2012. The outlook for hiring is improving now that unemployment benefit applications are near a four-year low. Inflation is tame, business travel is rising and the depressed housing market is showing signs of improvement after...

By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of people applying for unemployment benefits fell last week, though the decline isn't enough to signal improvement in the job market.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of people applying for unemployment benefits jumped last week to the highest level in three months. Applications have been rising over the past month, a signal that the job market remains depressed.

(Reuters) - President Barack Obama, facing waning confidence among Americans in his economic stewardship, plans some $300 billion in tax cuts and government spending as part of a job-creating package, U.S. media reported on Tuesday. The price tag of the proposed package, to be announced by Obama in a...

By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of people applying for unemployment benefits rose back above 400,000 last week. Still, the four-week average, a more reliable gauge of the job market, fell to the lowest level since mid-April. The report suggests that the economy is creating jobs but...

By DANIEL WAGNER WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week below 400,000 for the first time in four months, a sign that the job market is improving slowly after a recent slump. Applications for unemployment aid dropped by 7,000 to a seasonally adjusted 395,000,...

Find the most recent state and city unemployment rates, salary information and industry updates all in one place. Every month we will compile the employment statistics and numbers that matter to you.

By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER WASHINGTON (AP) -- Employers posted more job openings in June and layoffs fell, a sign that hiring could improve a bit in the coming months. The number of available jobs rose to 3.1 million, up from 3 million in May, the Labor Department said Wednesday. It was the highest total...

By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER WASHINGTON (AP) -- Hiring picked up slightly in July, and the unemployment rate dipped to 9.1 percent. The modest improvement could ease fears of another recession, but it wasn't enough to prevent another wild day of trading on Wall Street. Employers added 117,000 jobs last month,...

By Christopher S. Rugaber WASHINGTON -- Hiring picked up slightly in July and the unemployment rate dipped to 9.1 percent, an optimistic sign after the worst day on Wall Street in nearly three years. Employers added 117,000 jobs last month, the Labor Department said Friday. That's better than the past two...

Unemployment rates rose in nearly all U.S. cities in June, reflecting a recent uptick in layoffs and a nation-wide slowdown in hiring. The Labor Department said Wednesday that unemployment rates rose in 345 large metro areas, dropped in 20 cities and were unchanged in seven.