Tax Policy Center

Fiscal Facts

January 23, 2023
Unemployment benefits follow the economy. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment benefits as a share of total reported salaries and wages rose to 4.8%, significantly higher than in the prior 20 years.
Fact: 
Unemployment benefits follow the economy. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment benefits as a share of total reported salaries and wages rose to 4.8%, significantly higher than in the prior 20 years.