If you live in Ohio and have recently lost your job, you may be eligible for cash assistance through the state’s unemployment program. Your work history will determine how long you can receive unemployment benefits. It will also be determined by how long you are unemployed.
Through the Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages the state’s unemployment insurance benefits program. When you leave your work, you should apply for benefits as quickly as possible, either online or by phone – in-person applications are not an option.
In this article, I’ll show you how to file for unemployment in Ohio.
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You can apply for Ohio unemployment benefits in one of two ways.
- Online at unemployment.ohio.gov, you can file at any time. Follow the on-screen instructions after clicking the red “apply for unemployment now” button.
- To contact an agent by phone, dial 1-877-644-6562 or 1-614-387-8408. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time
If your claim is accepted, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks each year. However, in times of economic crisis, states may choose to adjust their benefits, and the federal government may assist in funding prolonged state benefits.
READ ALSO: How To Apply For Unemployment In Michigan
Benefits of receiving Unemployment benefits in Ohio
Here are a few benefits of unemployment benefits in Ohio:
- Wage Supplement: Unemployed people who qualify for unemployment benefits receive monthly payments to help them get by while they look for work. Despite the fact that the overall pay is a fraction of what the person earned while working, he is compensated until he finds work or his benefits expire.
- More free time: You might have more opportunities to find new hobbies, develop new passions, and work out new career plans if you don’t have a job. Taking the time to reflect on both the positive and negative parts of prior employment may also assist you in finding a better-fitting one.
- Improving credentials: Unemployment also presents a new opportunity to further your education. While going to school while working full-time may be too much to bear, the time away from work provides an opportunity to finish a degree or develop a new skill set that will aid in the search for new employment.
Eligibility for Ohio unemployment compensation
To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must meet the following requirements:
- You are out of work “by no fault of your own.” This means that if you quit or were fired for “just cause,” you are unlikely to be eligible for unemployment benefits. If you were laid off or your employer went out of business, you will most likely be considered unemployed “through no fault of your own.”
- Have worked at least 20 weeks for a “covered” employer and earned enough money during the “base period” of your claim.
- You were a “covered employer” if you worked for a company that paid unemployment taxes to the state. Most employers are “protected,” but some, such as tiny family companies or religious organizations, are not.
- More information is necessary if you had out-of-state employment, worked for the federal government, or were separated from military service, including: Form DD-214, member 4 copy (for military service), and SF-8 or SF-50 form (for federal government employment).
If you are out of work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, make sure you utilize Mass Layoff Number #2000180 when applying for benefits.
NOTE: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) extends unemployment benefits for a limited time, but only through a different application process.
The phrase “base period” refers to the time range used to determine whether or not you would be eligible for unemployment benefits.
SOURCE: Briansmithlaw
How To File For Unemployment Benefits In Ohio
The following is a list of items to acquire in order to complete your application:
- Name, address, phone number, e-mail address, social security number, driver’s license or state identification number
- Your day-to-day job and abilities.
- Name, address, phone number, and dates of employment for each employer during the previous 6 weeks.
- Each employer’s cause for terminating your employment.
- Names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth of dependents.
- Your spouse’s name, SSN, and birth date if you’re claiming dependents.
- Aliens registration number and expiration date if you are not a U.S. citizen or national.
Due to COVID-19, ODJFS is receiving a large volume of calls to apply for unemployment benefits. Please apply online if you are able to do so in order to simplify your application process.
This also implies that the ODJFS system may be facing technical difficulties as a result of the higher-than-usual volume of applicants. Please be patient if you are unable to use the ODFJS online system. As technological issues arise, the ODJFS team works to remedy them. If you are unable to file online due to technical difficulties, the ODJFS has announced that your benefits will be retroactive to the time you met the eligibility requirements.
SEE ALSO: How To File For Unemployment In Alabama
For How Long Am I Eligible For Unemployment Benefits In Ohio?
Unemployment benefits are available for a maximum of 20 to 26 weeks, depending on the number of eligible weeks in your base period. During times of economic distress, this can and has been expanded. To preserve your benefits during this time, you must register and file weekly claims to demonstrate that you are (a) able to work, (b) available for work, and (c) actively seeking work.
READ ALSO: How To File For Illinois Unemployment
How Much Can I Possibly Earn Weekly As Unemployment Benefits In Ohio?
If you understand how unemployment benefits are calculated, you will have a good notion of how much you could receive each week or per benefit period if you lose your work. This is significant when considering taking unemployment or looking for another work.
Unemployment benefit is calculated as one-half of your monthly payment at the moment of discharge, up to the maximum amount allowed by your state. You’ll need to check with your state’s unemployment office to find out what the maximum payout is in your state.
Are Unemployment Benefits In Ohio Taxable?
Unemployment benefits are taxable and must be reported to the IRS. When you apply for Ohio unemployment benefits, you have the option of having taxes deducted from your benefit amount, which could save you a lot of money when it comes time to submit your taxes.
What Happens If My Unemployment Claim Is Denied?
If your claim for unemployment benefits is denied and you disagree with the decision, you have 21 days to file an appeal. Here’s what you should include in your petition.
- What is your Social Security number?
- The date and number of the determination with which you dispute.
- Reasons for your disagreement (evidence, documentation or witness statements can be added)
Why You Should Make An Unemployment Appeal Claim in Ohio
Here are a few reasons why you should make an unemployment appeal claim in Ohio:
- If you have the impression that you did not get the entire amount of your unemployment benefits.
- If you believe you have been unfairly treated or discriminated against or you were wrongfully denied unemployment benefits.
- You have the impression that your employer is attempting to prevent you from getting unemployment benefits even if you are legally entitled and eligible to do so.
- If you believe your unemployment benefits expired prematurely.
- If your unemployment application was reviewed or handled erroneously or unfairly.
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