Long-term unemployed make up nearly 40 percent of all unemployed

For the first time since 1957, Congress has let long-term unemployment benefits expire, leaving 1.3 million people without supplemental income. After reaching highs of 45 percent in 2010 and 2011, those who have been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer now make up almost two in five unemployed people.

Recession

The percentage of those who have been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer rose to about 45 percent multiple times in 2010 and 2011.

The percentage of long-term unemployed is now at 37.3 percent of the total unemployed population.

SOURCE: National Bureau of Economic Research, Bureau of Labor Statistics.