People requesting unemployment payments from the government jumped last week by 70,000 nationally, and that's just the beginning as millions more are expected to file claims after being put out of work since Monday amid widespread shutdowns over the coronavirus.

"The increase in initial claims are clearly attributable to impacts from the COVID-19 virus," the U.S. Department of Labor said in its weekly update, which only shows claims through March 14.

"A number of states specifically cited COVID-19 related layoffs, while many states reported increased layoffs in service-related industries broadly and in the accommodation and food services industries specifically ... whether COVID-19 was identified directly or not."

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey strongly advised residents this week to avoid gathering in groups larger than 10, avoiding crowded spaces like bars and restaurants, at least those that are not taking special pains to distance people.

And some cities have declared emergencies and ordered restaurants to move to take-out orders only. Bars, gyms, movie theaters, hotels and other businesses are closing, with many laying off workers.

Those moves are expected to send jobless claims soaring.

Arizona only reported a modest jump in claims last week, but that's expected to change. About 3,700 people filed initial claims in Arizona last week to get benefits, an increase of about 300 from the prior week.

"Initial claims has been shown by recent research to be one of the very best indicators of recession," Lee McPheters, an economics professor at ASU and director of the JPMorgan Chase Economic Outlook Center said.

"Arizona weekly initial claims topped 10,000 several times in the last recession," he said.

Last week, Washington state's claims soared to almost 15,000 from about 6,600 the week prior. Nevada's almost tripled to 6,500 the week before. McPheters said Arizona is likely to follow those states this week as people are laid off at restaurants and other businesses.

"It tells you in areas that are either hard hit or have a lot of tourism, visitor-related leisure and hospitality, they are feeling the hit," he said. "This kind of tells us what is on the horizon (for Arizona)."

State lawmakers are considering an emergency bill to allow the state Department of Economic Security, which administers jobless benefits, to waive certain rules to conform with broader changes in benefits and eligibility the federal government announced March 11.

How to get jobless benefits

To qualify for benefits, workers have to be separated from their jobs "through no fault of their own," but the determinations vary by state.

People who have been let go from jobs because of the slowdown in business from the coronavirus should qualify.

The weekly benefits in Arizona are calculated based on wages earned from employers who paid unemployment tax to the state. The current maximum is $240 a week, according to the Department of Economic Security.

Benefits are not retroactive, so people should apply as soon as possible after their last day of work.

The application can be filled out online at www.azui.com.

People who can't fill out the form online may call 1-877-600-2722 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What you need to apply

Information needed to fill out the application includes:

Social Security Number.

Arizona Driver's License or Arizona State Issued ID (you may still complete your application without these two items).

Mailing address, city, state and ZIP code.

County where you reside.

The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all your employers for the last 18 months

The last day you worked immediately prior to filing your claim.

Any severance, vacation, holiday or payment for unused sick pay and the date it was paid to you

Name and local number of your union hall, if applicable.

Alien Registration Number, if applicable.

Military or civilian service documents if applicable.

Pension information other than Social Security.

Other things that can affect benefits are illness or injury, attending school and not attempting to look for work.

Reach reporter Ryan Randazzo at ryan.randazzo@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4331. Follow him on Twitter @UtilityReporter.

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