Initial claims for unemployment benefits rose more than 1,000% in Marion County during March compared to February.
There were 191 initial claims in March versus 17 in February, according to data the Mississippi Department of Employment Security released Tuesday.
That’s a 1,023% jump, and it can almost totally be contributed to businesses shutting down or cutting back because of coronavirus-related restrictions.
Still, 191 initial claims for unemployment represents only about 2% of the county’s 9,350 employed residents losing their jobs.
The full picture of the job losses is not expected to be seen until the April unemployment numbers are released, which is scheduled to be done on May 26.
Essentially all of Mississippi’s other 82 counties saw similar jumps. For example, Rankin County, which has had one of the state’s strongest economies, saw the number of initial unemployment claims rise from 81 in February to 2,364 in March.
A misleading statistic is that the state’s official unemployment rate decreased one-tenth of a percentage point from 5.4% in February to 5.3% in March, and Marion County’s rate fell from 5.4% to 5.0%.
But that’s because the surveys used to determine that figure were taken early in March before the COVID-19 crisis hit in Mississippi.
Mary Willoughby, chief of labor market information for the state, said in an email based on a C-P question that the March unemployment rate is based on the week including Thursday, March 12 and that the effects of the pandemic occurred in Mississippi the week after that.
A more accurate picture of the unemployment rate will be seen in the April data.
In related news, the state announced Tuesday that Mississippians unable to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a federal program that extends up to 39 weeks of financial help even for those who don’t normally qualify for unemployment.
Those eligible include self-employed workers, independent contractors, persons employed by a church or religious entity, employees of non-profit organizations, gig economy workers, those who do not have sufficient wages in covered employment during the last 18 months to establish a claim under regular unemployment compensation, and those who became unemployed or partially unemployed as a result of the pandemic.
Workers will receive $600 per week through the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program plus whatever state benefits they would normally get.
Individuals in Mississippi can apply online 24 hours a day at www.mdes.ms.gov or by calling toll-free (833) 919-0334 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
If you have filed and been denied for regular unemployment since off work due to COVID-19, you do not have to file a new claim, the state said. You will be notified of your potential PUA eligibility and any action needed on your part. You should continue to file your weekly certifications.
If you have not filed a claim since off work due to COVID-19, you should file a claim online at www.mdes.ms.gov or call (833) 919-0334.
