Long-Term Unemployment Hits 25.9% of Jobless
Job seekers out of work six months or more face a longer gap before income resumes, so review how much cash your household has set aside.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Employment
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Long-term unemployment has climbed sharply in the United States, with 25.9% of unemployed Americans out of work for at least 27 weeks during the first seven months of 2026, according to a MyPerfectResume analysis of 23 federal data sets. That share is up from 18.9% in 2023, affecting job seekers and households relying on paychecks while searching.
Why it matters
The growth in long-term joblessness means more households face extended stretches without income, which can draw down savings, add credit card or loan balances, and delay major purchases. The hiring rate has fallen to 3.3%, the lowest level in the 11 years studied, which suggests fewer opportunities for those looking for work.
Average unemployment duration rose from 20.4 weeks in 2023 to 25.1 weeks in 2026, while the job openings rate fell from 5.8% to 4.4%. The layoffs rate held steady at 1.1% across the period, suggesting the shift reflects slower hiring rather than a surge in firings.
The players
MyPerfectResume
An online resume-building service that commissioned the analysis of federal labor data.
The details
Job openings and hiring both declined, so fewer positions are available for people who lose work. When job searches stretch beyond six months, household budgets often absorb the strain through reduced savings, drawn-down emergency funds, or higher-interest borrowing. The 83.7% labor force participation rate among adults ages 25-54 remained the highest in the study, indicating that most prime-age adults are still working or looking.
Timeline
2023: Long-term unemployment share stood at 18.9% of unemployed workers.
May 2026: Nearly 2 million Americans had been unemployed for at least 27 weeks.
First seven months of 2026: Long-term unemployment share averaged 25.9%.
Money Landscape
Long-term unemployment has risen from 18.9% of the unemployed in 2023 to 25.9% in 2026, a 68% increase in the number of people out of work for 27 weeks or more. This extends a period in which job openings fell from 5.8% to 4.4%, tightening the labor market for job seekers.
Households with a member out of work for six months or longer may need to review emergency savings and monthly spending now, since job searches are running longer. Anyone planning a major purchase or loan should factor in the possibility of a longer income gap before committing.
The takeaway
The rising share of long-term unemployed workers is a signal to track the monthly Bureau of Labor Statistics duration figures alongside headline unemployment. If your household depends on a single income, reviewing your emergency fund against a six-month job search is a practical step, and a conversation with a qualified financial professional can help you plan.
Further reading
For broader context on hiring conditions and job-market trends, explore our Employment coverage.
More information
Read the full MyPerfectResume long-term unemployment report for the complete analysis of the federal data.
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