MADISON (NBC 26) -- New applications for unemployment benefits has skyrocketed in Wisconsin, according to the state's Department of Workforce Development.
Between March 15 and April 6, the DWD said the total number of new applications submitted for unemployment benefits was 313,068, with weekly claims reaching 589,616. The total amount in unemployment benefits distributed equaled $68,759,104, according to a news release from DWD.
As a comparison, during that same time last year, the DWD said the total number of new applications was 17,748, with weekly claims of 155,148. The total amount of unemployment benefits during this period last year was $39,597,111.
"The fact that initial claims ballooned by more than 1,600% illustrates the unprecedented nature of this pandemic and its effect on our economy," Secretary Caleb Frostman said in the news release.
Frostman also said DWD's staff has to work overtime, nights and weekends to process unemployment claims. DWD is working to train and hire more people to handle the work load.
