Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Employers, please distribute this form to employees laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic to expedite their claim process: http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/num/JFS00671/pdf/.

Claimants, if you have already filed an application, no need to worry about adding the mass-layoff number.  Your application will be processed. 

How do I apply for unemployment insurance?

Answer: File online at unemployment.ohio.gov

Questions and Answers – that have recently been updated

 Question 2: Will workers qualify for unemployment benefits if the coronavirus (COVID-19) causes an employer to shut down operations?

Answer: Updated: 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.

 Question 5: If an employee receives unemployment benefits as a result of a coronavirus-related business shutdown, can the benefits be charged to the mutual account?

Answer: Updated: Yes, an executive order issued by Governor DeWine allows unemployment benefit charges to be mutualized for contributory employers. In addition, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will waive penalties for late reporting and payments during Ohio’s emergency declaration period.

For a complete FAQ list, please go to: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm

Apply for Benefits

Ohio has two ways to file an application for Unemployment Insurance Benefits:

  • Online
    File online at http://unemployment.ohio.gov, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Service may be limited during nightly system updating. Check the website for available services. Please be sure to follow the instructions.  If you do not have access to a computer, visit your local library or OhioMeansJobs Center where computers are available for public use.  Please note that your local library may be closed or have reduced hours due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).  A list of OhioMeansJobs Centers can be found at: http://jfs.ohio.gov/owd/wioa/map.stm.
  • Telephone
    Call toll-free 1-877-644-6562 or TTY 1-614-387-8408, (excluding holidays) Monday through Friday 7 AM – 7 PM, and Saturday 9 AM – 1 PM.

To apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, you will need:

  • 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 skillsAlso:
  • If you had out-of-state employment, have worked for the federal government, or are separated from military service, more information is required, including:
    • Form DD-214, member 4 copy (for military service)
    • SF-8 or SF-50 form (for federal government employment)       

   Once your application has been filed:

  • You will receive further information by mail or e-mail.  E-mail will be sent from OJI@odjfs.state.oh.us.
  • Your claim will be assigned to a Processing Center, based on the last four digits of the your Social Security number. Click here for a list of Processing Centers by Social Security number.
  • If filing online and you need your Personal Identification Number (PIN) reset, please call toll-free 1-866-962-4064.