As of early August 2025, nearly 2 million Americans are collecting unemployment benefits, marking the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic period.
True
It’s reported today that almost 2 million Americans are on unemployment, the highest number since Covid.
Continuing claims for unemployment benefits hit highest level since November 2021
Source: finance.yahoo.com
At a glance
Verified August 8, 2025Key Evidence
The Washington Post reported continuing unemployment claims jumped to 1.97 million in late July 2025, marking the highest level since November 2021.
washingtonpost.comwashingtonpost.comNearly 2 million Americans on unemployment, highest since pandemic era
The Independent also confirms nearly two million Americans are collecting unemployment benefits at levels not seen since the pandemic.
independent.co.ukindependent.co.ukAlmost 2 million Americans are collecting unemployment in highest figures since...
Labor Department data released in early August 2025 consistently show this upward trend in continuing claims.
spokesman.comspokesman.comNearly 2 million Americans on unemployment, highest since pandemic era
finance.yahoo.comfinance.yahoo.comContinuing claims for unemployment benefits hit highest level since November...
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
Multiple reputable news sources from early August 2025 report that continuing unemployment claims in the United States have risen to nearly 2 million individuals. This figure represents the highest number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits since the peak periods during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically since November 2021. The Labor Department data cited by these sources confirm a notable increase in continued claims, signaling a weakening labor market. This rise is significant because it reflects a labor market trend not seen in recent years outside of the pandemic's economic disruptions.
Key points include:
The number of continuing unemployment claims has reached approximately 1.97 million as of late July 2025.
This is the highest level recorded since November 2021, during the height of pandemic-related job losses.
The data comes from official Labor Department reports and is corroborated by multiple independent and mainstream news outlets.
Therefore, the claim that almost 2 million Americans are on unemployment, the highest number since COVID, is accurate and supported by current government data and multiple news reports.
Primary trail
Verified Sources7
Open source