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The Georgia Department of Labor processed 133,820 claims during the week of March 22-28, the highest number of claims it has ever processed in a week, the department reported Thursday, April 2.

“This represents an increase of 1,102% over the prior week ending March 21 with 12,140 claims,” according to a labor department news release.

The 12,140 claims were more than what was filed during the peak of the 2008-2009 recession.

“We are seeing the number of claims filed in Georgia skyrocket to levels we have never experienced before,” Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said. “Our team is working overtime, nights and weekends to process the tremendous volume — taking time away from their own families to help Georgia’s families.”

Some 64,000 Georgians received $14.6 million in unemployment benefits for the week ending Saturday, March 28.

“People are anxious and worried about their health, their families, and how they are going to continue to make it financially during these uncertain times,” Butler said. “We are here to help Georgians get through this economic struggle.”

Georgians can visit the GDOL website at www.dol.georgia.gov to access applications, step-by-step instructions, and video tutorials on applying for unemployment.

“With the huge volume of claims the agency is receiving, people need to use the online tools where possible,” the release states.

The federal stimulus package approved by Congress last week expanded unemployment insurance benefits, among other things.