Ohio Unemployment Benefits: Complete Filing Guide

Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) administers unemployment insurance for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This guide covers eligibility, filing, benefit amounts, and ongoing requirements for Ohio unemployment benefits.

Ohio Unemployment at a Glance

Detail	Information
Maximum weekly benefit	$614 (with dependents: up to $713)
Maximum benefit duration	26 weeks
Waiting period	1 week (unpaid)
Filing method	Online at unemployment.ohio.gov
Administering agency	Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Ohio unemployment benefits, you must:

Earnings Requirements

Base period: Ohio uses your wages from the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed.

Minimum earnings:

• At least $323 in wages during each of at least 20 qualifying weeks in your base period, AND
• Total base period wages of at least 27.5% of the statewide average annual wage

Work Requirements

• Lost job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, lack of work)
• Physically able to work and available for full-time work
• Actively seeking employment each week you claim benefits
• Ready to accept suitable work if offered

Who Is NOT Eligible

• Workers who quit without just cause
• Workers discharged for just cause (misconduct)
• Self-employed individuals (generally)
• Independent contractors (generally)
• Workers who refuse suitable work

How to File in Ohio

Online Filing (Recommended)

Website: unemployment.ohio.gov

Steps:

1. Create an account on the Ohio unemployment website
2. Complete the unemployment application
3. Provide information about your employment history
4. Submit your application and await determination

Filing available: Sunday through Friday, 24 hours (closed Saturday)

Information You'll Need

Gather this before you start:

• Social Security Number
• Driver's license or state ID number
• All employers from the past 6 weeks (name, address, phone, dates worked)
• Reason for separation from your last employer
• Gross earnings from most recent employer
• Bank account information for direct deposit
• Alien registration number (if not a U.S. citizen)

Benefit Amounts in Ohio

Calculating Your Weekly Benefit

Ohio calculates your weekly benefit based on the average of your two highest quarters.

Formula: (Sum of two highest quarters ÷ 2) × 50% ÷ 13 = Weekly benefit amount

Minimum weekly benefit: $145 Maximum weekly benefit: $614 (or up to $713 with dependents)

Dependent Allowances

Ohio provides additional benefits for dependents:

• $1-99 additional per week based on number of dependents
• Maximum total with dependents: $713/week

Example Calculations

Two Highest Quarters (Total)	Approximate Weekly Benefit
$10,000	$192
$15,000	$288
$20,000	$385
$30,000+	$614 (maximum)

Total Benefit Amount

You can receive up to 26 weeks of benefits, depending on your earnings and Ohio's unemployment rate.

The Waiting Period

Ohio has a one-week unpaid waiting period. This is the first week of your claim when you are unemployed but not yet receiving benefits.

• File your claim as soon as you're unemployed
• Your waiting week is served during your first eligible week
• Benefits begin the second week (if eligible)

Weekly Certification

You must file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits.

How to Certify

Online (recommended): Log into unemployment.ohio.gov and file your weekly claim

By phone: 877-644-6562 (automated system available 24/7)

When to File

File your weekly claim between Sunday and Friday for the previous week. Claims not filed by Friday may result in delayed or denied payment for that week.

Certification Questions

Each week you'll answer:

• Were you physically able to work?
• Were you available for full-time work?
• Did you search for work (at least 2 activities)?
• Did you refuse any work offered?
• Did you work or earn any money?
• Did you receive other income (severance, pension, etc.)?

Answer honestly and completely.

Receiving Your Payments

Direct Deposit (Recommended)

Set up direct deposit when you file or through your online account. Payments typically arrive 2-3 business days after filing your weekly claim.

Debit Card

If you don't set up direct deposit, benefits are loaded onto an Ohio unemployment debit card (US Bank ReliaCard).

Work Search Requirements

Ohio requires active work search while receiving benefits.

Requirements

• Conduct at least 2 work search activities each week
• Keep a detailed record of your activities
• Be registered with OhioMeansJobs.com
• Accept suitable work if offered

Qualifying Activities

• Applying for jobs
• Attending job fairs
• Networking contacts
• Posting resume online
• Contacting employers directly
• Attending training or workshops

Documentation

Keep records for at least 2 years:

• Date of activity
• Employer name and contact information
• Position applied for
• Method of contact
• Result

ODJFS may request this documentation at any time.

Working While Receiving Benefits

You can work part-time and still receive partial benefits.

How It Works

• Report all gross earnings when you file your weekly claim
• 20% of your weekly benefit amount is disregarded
• Remaining earnings reduce benefits dollar-for-dollar

Example

Weekly benefit: $400 20% disregard: $80

• Part-time earnings of $60: Full $400 benefit (under disregard)
• Part-time earnings of $200: $400 - ($200 - $80) = $280 benefit
• Part-time earnings of $500+: No benefit paid

Always report earnings for the week worked, not the week paid.

Severance Pay and Unemployment

Ohio's treatment of severance:

• Lump-sum severance: Typically allocated week by week at your average weekly wage rate
• Severance as salary continuation: Affects benefits for weeks covered
• Vacation pay: May affect benefits

Report all separation payments. ODJFS will determine how they affect your benefits.

Special Situations

Quit with Just Cause

You may qualify if you quit for just cause related to work:

• Unsafe working conditions
• Employer's breach of employment contract
• Significant changes to job duties or pay
• Harassment or discrimination (documented)

Discharged for Just Cause

Discharge for just cause (misconduct) disqualifies you:

• Violation of employer rules
• Insubordination
• Attendance issues
• Theft or dishonesty
• Drug/alcohol violations

You can appeal if you believe the discharge wasn't for just cause.

School Employees

Teachers and school employees have special rules. Benefits may be affected by reasonable assurance of returning to work.

Union Members

If you're a union member, report your union status. Work search requirements may be modified for those using union hiring halls.

Appeals Process

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.

How to Appeal

1. You have 21 days from the mailing date of the determination to file an appeal
2. File online through your unemployment account
3. A hearing will be scheduled
4. Attend the telephone hearing
5. Receive a written decision

Appeal Tips

• File on time — the 21-day deadline is strict
• Gather evidence supporting your case
• Be prepared to explain your situation clearly
• You can have an attorney represent you

Further Appeals

If you disagree with the hearing decision, you can appeal to the Unemployment Compensation Review Commission.

Tips for Ohio Filers

1. File immediately — Benefits aren't retroactive before your filing date
2. Use the online system — It's faster and allows you to track your claim
3. File weekly claims — Missing a week means losing that week's benefits
4. Register with OhioMeansJobs — This is required
5. Document work search — Keep detailed records of all activities
6. Report all earnings — Even small amounts must be reported
7. Check your mail and email — ODJFS sends important notices
8. Respond quickly — Delays in responding can delay your benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive benefits?

If there are no issues with your claim, expect your first payment 2-3 weeks after filing and completing your waiting week.

Can I get unemployment if I was fired?

It depends on why. If discharged for just cause (misconduct), you're disqualified. If let go for other reasons (performance not rising to misconduct, downsizing, etc.), you may qualify.

What if I worked in multiple states?

You typically file in the state where you worked most recently. Ohio can combine wages from other states if needed.

Is unemployment taxable?

Yes. Ohio unemployment benefits are subject to federal income tax and Ohio state income tax. You can elect to have taxes withheld.

Can I refuse a job offer?

You can refuse work that isn't suitable (significant pay cut, too far away, outside your skills). However, refusing suitable work will disqualify you from benefits.

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Key Takeaways

1. Maximum benefit is $614/week (up to $713 with dependents) for up to 26 weeks
2. File online at unemployment.ohio.gov
3. File weekly claims every week to receive benefits
4. Register with OhioMeansJobs.com — It's required
5. Conduct 2+ work search activities per week and document them
6. Report all earnings when you file your weekly claim
7. Appeal if denied — You have 21 days to file

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Related Resources:

• Main Unemployment Guide →
• Emergency Budget Planning →
• First 24 Hours After Layoff →
• Unemployment Appeals →