• The U.S. lags behind other developed countries relative to unemployment benefits, according to researchers in a new paper published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Covid-19 is highlighting these flaws as millions turn to the unemployment system for help.

• The pandemic, which triggered the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression in the 1930s, has pushed more than 1 million Americans to file for unemployment benefits each week since March. The surge is unprecedented both in volume and duration.

• Even before the pandemic, the U.S. ranked as one the worst performers among developed countries relative to metrics such as benefit pay, duration and number of recipients, according to the paper.

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