The number of people seeking unemployment benefits last week fell by 8,000 to a seasonally adjusted 355,000, a possible sign of a healing job market. But officials cautioned that the figures were distorted by Superstorm Sandy.

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ - NOVEMBER 01: A man takes a picture on the boardwalk near the Casino Pier that was partially destroyed by Superstorm Sandy on November 1, 2012 in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)Applications declined in one state because its unemployment office lost power during the storm and wasn't able to receive applications, a department spokesman said. The spokesman wouldn't identify the state.
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ - NOVEMBER 01: A man takes a picture on the boardwalk near the Casino Pier that was partially destroyed by Superstorm Sandy on November 1, 2012 in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)Applications declined in one state because its unemployment office lost power during the storm and wasn't able to receive applications, a department spokesman said. The spokesman wouldn't identify the state.
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The storm also pushed up applications in other states because those temporarily out of work sought benefits.

The Labor Department says that the four-week average of applications, a less volatile measure, rose 3,250 to 370,500.

If sustained, the decline in applications would be a good sign. Still, the storm could affect the figures for up to three to four weeks, the spokesman said.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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