That's down from a peak of 30,120 in May 2020.
Just over 20,000 people have received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in the midlands today.
334 people have closed their account to return to work in the last week.
Westmeath is still the worst affected by covid-related unemployment, with over 7,500 people claiming the income support.
There are 6,500 in Laois, while the number has now fallen just below 6,000 in Offaly.
Nationally, 437,000 people are receiving the payment this week - down 6,000 on last Tuesday.
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