Oregon Public Broadcasting

The state will pay Oregonians filing for unemployment benefits slightly more money starting this month.

The change only affects new people who file for unemployment. The maximum weekly check jumps from $496 dollars to $507.

That's about $50 more each month.

Tom Fuller of the Oregon Department of Employment says for those receiving the minimum weekly check, the increase totals $9 more a month.

"The amount is based on how much people make in wages in Oregon. The minimum amount is set at about 15% of average weekly wage in Oregon. And the maximum amount is 64%. And then we do some rounding and that sort of thing," Fuller said.

Those with existing claims will only get the increase if they have to file again after being unemployed for a year.