Tip #1 – Use the online portal (www.unemployment.ohio.gov).  This is available 24/7.  The issues associated with Names not matching SSN have been resolved.

-          Employees must have an average weekly wage of $269.00.

o   These weeks and wages must have been reported to the state through your employer.

-          Employees must have at least 20 qualifying weeks (with any employer) over the last 18 months (base period).

-          Employees must provide the Full Name for all dependents and SSN.

Tip #2 – Be sure to have the following information when you apply:

  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your driver's license or state ID number
  • Your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address
  • Name, address, telephone number, and dates of employment with each employer you worked for during the past 6 weeks of employment
  • The reason you became unemployed from each employer
  • Dependents' names, Social Security numbers, and dates of  birth
  • If claiming dependents, your spouse's name, Social Security number, and birth date
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen or national, alien registration number and expiration date
  • Your regular occupation and job skills

Tip #3 – COVID-19 related claims should use the mass layoff number on the benefits application – 2000180

Tip #4 – If your application is submitted correctly, you will receive confirmation.  If you receive confirmation, please do not call to verify.  This only ties up the phone lines for others that need assistance.

Tip #5 – Unemployment insurance is WEEK TO WEEK and people can collect benefits for 26 weeks.  Claimants must go on the site weekly or bi-weekly – you will be notified of the requirement at the time you sign up.

Updated Information from Gov DeWine:

-          An executive order issued by Governor DeWine states that employees who are quarantined are considered to be unemployed.

-          Currently, self-employed individuals and 1099 contractors are not eligible for unemployment benefits. However, Governor DeWine has asked the federal government to implement a Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program. DUA programs are sometimes implemented after natural disasters and offer benefits to individuals who do not qualify for regular unemployment

-          An executive order issued by Governor DeWine expands flexibility for Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits during Ohio's emergency declaration period. Unemployment benefits will be available for eligible individuals who are requested by a medical professional, local health authority, or employer to be isolated or quarantined as a consequence of COVID-19, even if they are not actually diagnosed with COVID-19. In addition, the waiting period for eligible Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits will be waived.

If you have questions or need specific guidance, please contact Hunter Consulting.

Hunter Consulting maintains a staff of experienced unemployment compensation claims management professionals. These professionals are trained to manage claims from the client's perspective. The objective is to provide expert service while managing your program effectively and efficiently.

Jeff Price

Jprice@hunterconsulting.com

513-231-4023

www.hunterconsulting.com