The initial and continuing claims data only cover the regular state unemployment programs.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast continued claims at 15 million.

That was the highest level for continued claims since November 2003.

Continuing claims have not increased at the same pace as initial jobless applications.

Once approved, they become continuing claims and are reported with a one-week lag.

The drop in continuing claims was concentrated in Florida, California, Washington State and Ohio.

There are continued claims that people are enrolled who fail to meet the legal requirements.

Jobless claims are predicted to decline, but continued claims are likely to remain above 10 million.

Part of the decrease in continuing claims was likely because of people exhausting eligibility for benefits.

Continuing claims are seen rising slightly to 3.72 million from 3.71 million.

Continuing claims were 3.95 million in the week ended January 15th, 1983.

For the week ended March 19, continuing claims fell to 3.7 million.

The four-week moving average of continuing claims rose 4,250 to 1.74 million.

Economists had forecast so-called continuing claims holding about steady at 3.58 million.

The number of continued claims rose in all three, including a 31% week-over-week increase in Hawaii.

Markets had expected so-called continuing claims only fall to 4.64 million.