As businesses close, or scale back to minimal staff working from home because of the COVID-19 coronavirus, first time unemployment compensation claims in the state are soaring.

According to state officials, Friday was the biggest day yet, with 90,437 first time claims filed.

That pattern continue on Saturday with over 23,000 first time claims filed in Pennsylvania, bringing the total for the week to 353,644 first time claims. 

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, there are no extended benefits available at this time. For now unemployment benefits are available for 26 weeks.

If you are unemployed, and your benefits are about to expire, state officials say you may be able to open a new claim when your claim is exhausted but there is no guarantee that you will be eligible.

You can check the department’s website by clicking here for any changes.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, passed on March 18, 2020, does include language about federally funded extended benefits. However, PA would have to hit certain thresholds to access these benefits.

The PA Department of Labor and Industry is working with the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) to learn more. They will provide updates on the possibility of any extended benefits or other provisions in the federal law once guidance is issued.