PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota unemployment system has seen a rush as people filed for benefits following layoffs and furloughs connected to the coronavirus pandemic.

State Labor & Regulation Department Secretary Marcia Hultman says they are making adjustments as they go including letting businesses making mass filings.

About $14 million in benefits was paid out last week which included about $9 millions in federal funds.

The state trust fund has about $115 million now, but Hultman says they are watching the balance carefully.

Hultman says they are keeping up with online filings and phone calls.

Hultman says the expect another surge in claims this week as independent contractors and the self-employed can now file.