THE NO JOB LIFESTYLENew Jobless Claims, Last 52 Weeks
| Week of | New claims | Continued claims |
|---|---|---|
| October 31, 2026 | 189,000 | n/a |
| October 24, 2026 | 195,000 | 1,718,000 |
| October 17, 2026 | 195,000 | 1,695,000 |
| October 10, 2026 | 200,000 | 1,722,000 |
| October 3, 2026 | 198,000 | 1,703,000 |
| September 26, 2026 | 199,000 | 1,714,000 |
| September 19, 2026 | 198,000 | 1,699,000 |
| September 12, 2026 | 198,000 | 1,712,000 |
| September 5, 2026 | 207,000 | 1,717,000 |
| August 29, 2026 | 207,000 | 1,765,000 |
| August 22, 2026 | 204,000 | 1,775,000 |
| August 15, 2026 | 207,000 | 1,771,000 |
Why We Track Jobless Claims
There is no single free national feed of layoff announcements. WARN notices are filed state by state, in different formats, and only for larger layoffs. Weekly initial jobless claims from the Labor Department are the most reliable free national signal, so this tracker uses them and says so. New claims count people filing for unemployment for the first time. Continued claims count people still receiving benefits.
Limits
Claims are not the same as layoffs: some laid off workers do not file, and some claims are denied. Holidays and storms move the numbers, which is why we show the 4 week average. Figures are revised the week after release.
Plan For A Layoff
A side income cushions a layoff. See our guides on leaving your job and passive income, or check state WARN lists at the Department of Labor.
Questions People Ask
How many layoffs were there this week?
There is no official weekly layoff count. The closest weekly number is new jobless claims: 189,000 for the week of October 31, 2026, seasonally adjusted.
Are layoffs going up in 2026?
Over the last 52 weeks new claims ranged from 189,000 (July 18, 2026) to 235,000 (December 6, 2025). The latest week is -17.1% vs the same week a year ago.
Where can I see WARN notices?
Employers file WARN notices with each state. The Department of Labor WARN page links to every state's list.
What should I do if I get laid off?
File for unemployment in your state right away, then plan your next income. Our quit your job calculator shows how long your savings last.