Unemployment claims in Arizona have nearly tripled in one week. The state Department of Economic Security has seen exponential growth since the coronavirus hit hard in March.

At the end of February, unemployment claims were fewer than 3,000. Now, they are over 88,000. The benefits will cost the state over $3 million. While under the law, eligible workers are entitled to one-half of their salary in benefits, but it is capped at $240 a week. 

Gov. Doug Ducey said that the federal rescue package that was approved last week will add $600 more a week, to that cap.  Those benefits are expected to last up to four months. 

The state approved the federal money for the newly unemployed as well as those who cannot work because of the coronavirus.

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