The number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits hit an all-time high this month. The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that about 6.5 million people are cashing in on the government program for laid-off workers. That number could very well increase through the year, but so will the length of time workers can redeem unemployment benefits.

Eight Forty-Eight business contributor, and chief business correspondent for the Chicago Tribune, David Greising breaks it down.

Music Button: Steve Reich, “Eight Lines”, from the CD Box Set Phases, (Nonesuch records)