What to Know About Ohio Unemployment Benefits

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services oversees the state’s unemployment insurance benefits program, which is designed to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible and unemployed Ohioans in the United States who have lost employment through no fault of their own.

This reduces income hardship for families during times of temporary unemployment while lessening the impact of layoffs on the overall economy in Ohio. The UI benefits program is financed solely by the unemployment taxes paid by contributory employers.

Ohio Unemployment Services

Benefit Payments and Duration

Am I Eligible for Unemployment Benefits in Ohio?

An unemployed worker may be eligible for Ohio UI benefits if they meet the following criteria:

• You are completely or partially unemployed.

• You worked at least 20 weeks for a covered employer and earned an income of at least $243 within the base period – defined as four out of the last five completed calendar quarters

• You are unemployed through no fault of your own – for example, because of a layoff or reduction in force

• If you are connected to a previous unemployment claim that has since expired, you must have worked for a covered employer since the beginning of the previous claim year – this reestablishes you as an Ohio worker.

While a final determination regarding your eligibility can’t be made until your unemployment claim is reviewed, you should apply for UI benefits if you believe you meet these criteria.

How Do I Apply for Ohio Unemployment Benefits?

Ohio offers two different methods for applying for UI benefits. You can file online at any time. You can also call toll-free at 877-644-6562 or TTY 614-387-8408 to make your claim by phone. ODJFS agents are available to assist you Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Once your claim is submitted, you will receive confirmation and information about the next steps by mail or e-mail. Your claim will be assigned to a specific processing center, based on the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Managing Your Unemployment Benefits

The process of qualifying for UI benefits isn’t complete after your initial claim is submitted – it’s an ongoing process. After filing your initial UI benefits claim, you must continue to file weekly or biweekly claims for as long as you want to receive unemployment compensation.

The easiest and most streamlined way to submit your weekly benefit claim is through Ohio’s online portal. You can also file by phone at 877-OHIO-JOB (877-644-6562) or TTY at  888-642-8203. Your responses to the questions presented when you file a weekly benefit claim determine whether you meet eligibility requirements for the previous week. Failing to file timely claims could result in a denial of payment.

Filing an Appeal

If you disagree with the decision regarding your initial unemployment claim, you may file a written appeal to the ODJFS within 21 calendar days of the date your determination letter was issued. You will be asked for your Social Security number, the date and identification number for the decision you’d like to challenge, and the reason(s) for your disagreement. Ohio employers also may appeal unemployment compensation decisions.

You are welcome to file your appeal online, by mail, or fax with the ODJFS processing center that will be identified on your determination notice, or with any ODJFS claims processing center.

Once your appeal is received, you will receive a written confirmation, as will all other interested parties, such as your employer. These parties then have the opportunity to submit additional information. The ODJFS then has 21 calendar days from the date your appeal is received to issue a new decision or refer your appeal to the Unemployment Compensation Review Commission.

How Do I Report Fraud?

UI benefits fraud squanders taxpayer dollars and robs deserving Ohio citizens of the UI benefits they need and merit. If you suspect someone of submitting a fraudulent claim using your name and information, please use the Ohio Report Identify Theft form so state officials can investigate.

To report other types of potential fraud, call Ohio’s toll-free hotline at 800-686-1555, fax the information to 614-752-4808, or make a fraud report online.