Ohio Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

Looking for tips to access the Ohio Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Ohio Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the Ohio Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of Ohio Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (DJF) is in charge of the state’s unemployment insurance program. 

Here is what the Official Ohio Unemployment Site Looks Like

How To Qualify for Ohio Unemployment Benefits

Unemployed workers in Ohio may be eligible for unemployment compensation if they meet the following requirements:

• You’re unemployed entirely or partially.
• Within the base period, which is defined as four out of the last five completed calendar quarters, you worked for at least 20 weeks for a covered employer and earned at least $243 in income.
• You are unemployed due to no fault of your own, such as a layoff or a reduction in force.
• You must have worked for a covered employer since the beginning of the prior claim year if you are related to a previous unemployment claim that has since expired. This reestablishes you as an Ohio worker.

You may be eligible for unemployment benefits even if your unemployment claim is pending review; however, you should apply for UI benefits if you believe you meet the criteria.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Ohio? 

• Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
• Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
• Duration of Benefits: 20-26 weeks
• Weekly Payment: Min $135 to Max $480-$647
• Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $11,518 – $15,548

How Do I Apply for Ohio Unemployment Benefits?

There are two ways to apply for unemployment benefits in Ohio. You can submit your paperwork online at any time.

You can also lodge a claim by phone by calling toll-free 877-644-6562 or TTY 614-387-8408. 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., ODJFS agents are ready to assist you.

You will receive confirmation and information about the following steps by mail or e-mail once your claim has been submitted. Based on the last four digits of your Social Security number, your claim will be assigned to a specific processing center.

How do I Manage My Ohio Unemployment Benefits

The process of obtaining UI benefits does not end once your initial claim is submitted; it is a continuous process. You must continue to complete weekly or biweekly UI benefits claims for as long as you desire to receive unemployment compensation after filing your initial claim.

Ohio’s online portal is the simplest and most efficient way to submit your weekly benefit claim. You can also file by phone at 877-OHIO-JOB (877-644-6562) or 888-642-8203 if you are hearing impaired. When you file a weekly benefit claim, the questions you answer determine whether you meet the qualifying standards for the preceding week. Failure to file claims on time may result in payment denial.

How Do I Appeal an Ohio Unemployment Decision?

You have 21 calendar days from the day your determination letter was issued to file a written appeal to the ODJFS if you disagree with the decision about your original unemployment claim. 

You’ll be asked for your Social Security number, the date and ID number of the judgment you’d like to appeal, and the reason(s) for your dissatisfaction. Unemployment compensation rulings in Ohio can also be appealed by businesses.

You may file your appeal online with the ODJFS processing center specified on your determination notification, or with any ODJFS claims processing center, online, by mail, or fax.

You, as well as all other interested parties, such as your employer, will receive formal confirmation after your appeal has been received. These parties are then given the opportunity to provide further data. 

After receiving your appeal, the ODJFS has 21 calendar days to issue a fresh decision or refer your case to the Unemployment Compensation Review Commission.

How Do I Report an Ohio Unemployment Fraud?

UI benefits fraud wastes public resources and denies eligible Ohio residents access to the benefits they deserve. Please use the Ohio Report Identify Theft Form if you feel someone is making a fraudulent claim using your name and information so state officials can investigate.

Call Ohio’s toll-free hotline at 800-686-1555, fax the information to 614-752-4808, or file a fraud report online to report various sorts of probable fraud.

What if I quit?

Generally, if you voluntarily left your job, you are not eligible.

It is possible to collect, however, if you left due to “good cause.”  Good cause is determined by the state unemployment office and you can make your case for receiving benefits.  

Upon denial, you should be entitled to a hearing at which you can explain your claim. As the policies and terms vary from state to state, you should contact your local office.

Similar Content

• Montana Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
• Nebraska Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
• Nevada Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
• New Hampshire Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
• New Jersey Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

Ohio Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

• Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
• Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
• Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself. 
  • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
  • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
  • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
  • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
• Review your financial positions, obligations. 
• Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
• Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
• Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

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