CALIFORNIA — Weekly unemployment insurance claims in California climbed, according to the latest figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The state reported 47,645 initial claims filed in the week ending Dec. 20, an increase from the previous week’s 46,981 filings, indicating a modest uptick in jobless workers seeking benefits.
The weekly data, part of the federal government’s regular unemployment insurance (UI) claims report, also show that continued claims — the number of people already receiving benefits, reached 388,879 in California, up by nearly 29,000 from the prior week.
Economists and labor market analysts watch initial UI claims as an early indicator of economic conditions, since rising filings can signal layoffs or slowdowns in hiring.
The rise in California claims comes as the broader national UI report showed declines in initial claims in several other states, including Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania.
California has second-highest jobless rate
California’s unemployment rate has often been higher than the national average, reflecting the state’s large and diverse labor force and ongoing challenges in sectors like technology, professional services, and hospitality.
According to federal data, California’s jobless rate was 5.6% in September 2025 — the second‑highest in the nation.
State officials encourage residents who have recently lost work or had hours reduced to file for unemployment benefits through the California Employment Development Department.
The EDD administers UI claims and provides support services including job search help and training resources.
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