First-time unemployment claims rose significantly in Georgia last week, mirroring a national increase in joblessness.

Initial claims in Georgia were up 13,850 to 33,003, the state Department of Labor reported Thursday.

Since mid-March, the state has paid out $16.3 billion in state and federal unemployment benefits to more than 4.1 million Georgians, exceeding the last nine years combined.

 All federal unemployment benefits authorized last March through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act are due to expire the day after Christmas.

“There is no use speculating over what could potentially be passed by Congress,” Georgia Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler said Thursday. “While Congress continues to deliberate over the future of these programs, we will focus on issuing payments to all eligible Georgians as the original CARES Act comes to a close.”

More than 166,000 jobs are currently listed on EmployGeorgia. The labor department offers online resources for finding career opportunities, building a resume and assisting with other reemployment needs.

Northwest Georgia News