SALEM, Ore. — Another 19,600 Oregonians filed for unemployment benefits last week, according to data released by the Oregon Employment Department.
There have been 381,800 Oregonians who have filed unemployment claims in the past six weeks, since the coronavirus outbreak began, forcing employers to close their doors and slash their workforces.
The counties with the largest number of claims last week were Multnomah County (6,500), Washington County (3,900) and Clackamas County (2,900).
There have been nearly 64,700 claims in the accommodation and food services industries in the past six weeks. Other sectors with the largest initial claims since March 15 include health care and social assistance, with 39,700, and retail trade with 33,100.
To draw down a massive backlog due to computer issues, the state Employment Department now has 635 workers processing unemployment claims, with more being hired.
Resources
To file an online claim for unemployment benefits, go to Oregon.gov/employ or call 1-877-FILE-4-UI.
Self-employed gig workers can apply for unemployment benefits through the CARES Act Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Access the application here.
For help finding jobs and training resources, contact your local WorkSource Oregon center or go to WorkSourceOregon.org.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.