US Long-Term Unemployment Hits 1.8 Million as More Than 25% of Jobless Pass 27 Weeks
Updated
Updated · Marketplace · Aug 21
US Long-Term Unemployment Hits 1.8 Million as More Than 25% of Jobless Pass 27 Weeks
3 articles · Updated · Marketplace · Aug 21
Summary
1.8 million Americans are now officially long-term unemployed, with more than a quarter of all unemployed workers out of work for at least 27 weeks in a low-hire economy.
That stretch often outlasts support: unemployment benefits typically end after about 26 weeks, and in some states run out after 12, leaving many to rely on part-time work, savings or retirement accounts.
Washington-area job seekers interviewed in the report said searches expected to last six to eight months have stretched to nearly a year or longer, even after reaching finalist rounds or accepting freelance work.
Labor advocates say the official total understates the strain because it excludes discouraged workers and many stuck in part-time jobs for economic reasons, raising risks of lasting financial and mental harm.