The number of Nevadans receiving unemployment benefits increased by 57,886 claims from a week ago to 189,007 for the week ending April 11, according to Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.
The unemployment rate of 13.8%, up from 9.6% a week ago, is the highest rate in state history, the department said.
The number of new claims was down 26%, or by 20,644, from last week’s 79,285 claims and the lowest weekly total of new claims since the statewide shutdown out of COVID-19 concerns. Days after the shutdown, there were more than 92,000 new claims for the week ending March 21.
Benefits also include a $600 monthly payment from the federal stimulus package, as the national unemployment rate is at 8.2%.
State officials expect the number of continued claims to rise as Nevada is in the process of registering a high number of first-time claims. Many potential claimants have found it difficult in recent weeks to get questions answered — or even to reach anyone — while attempting to file for benefits.
To file for Nevada unemployment benefits, potential claimants can click here. Those in Southern Nevada unable to file online are encouraged to call 702-486-0350.