How to File for Unemployment in Ohio
Losing your job is rough, but fortunately for many Ohioans, unemployment benefits may be available to help you pay your bills and meet your other needs until you secure new employment. Not everyone qualifies for unemployment benefits, though. If you were fired for cause, for example, you may not qualify. However, it’s usually best to talk to an attorney to determine your unemployment benefits eligibility in Ohio.
Information Needed to Apply for Unemployment
Unemployed workers can file for unemployment online at the Ohio Job and Family Services website. What do I need to file for unemployment? You’ll need the following:
- Your driver’s license or state ID number
- Your Alien Registration Number (if you aren’t a U.S. citizen) and your work authorization expiration date
- Your Social Security number (SSN) and the SSNs of any dependents, including your spouse and children
- Your most recent employer’s name, address, phone number, and the dates you were employed
- If you are separated from the military, you need Form DD-214, member 4 copy
- If you worked for the federal government, you need an SF-8 or SF-50 form
- The same information as above of any other employer you worked for in the last six weeks
- Your bank routing number and account number for benefits payment or a debit card number
You may need additional documentation to verify your identity and authorization to work in the U.S.
Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits
To qualify for Ohio unemployment benefits, you must be partially or completely unemployed through no fault of your own. For example, being laid off or downsized would likely qualify you for benefits, but if you were fired for performance issues, you would likely not qualify. If you quit without cause, you may not be eligible for benefits. However, if you quit for cause, such as being sexually harassed or discriminated against, then you may qualify for unemployment.
You must also have worked at least 20 weeks and earned a specific minimum amount each week in covered employment for four of the prior five calendar quarters. That amount was $328 in a recent year, and it changes annually.
If you previously had an unemployment claim, and it’s now expired, you must reestablish yourself as a worker to claim benefits. That means you must have worked in covered employment from the beginning of your prior claim year until now.
You also must file weekly claims to keep getting paid.
How Long Do Unemployment Benefits in Ohio Last?
Ohio unemployment benefits generally last 20 weeks in one calendar year, although in some cases, the benefits may last up to 26 weeks.
Contact Our Ohio Debt Relief Attorneys to Learn More
If you still aren’t sure how to file for unemployment in Ohio, or if you think you don’t qualify for benefits, we may be able to help you. Contact an Ohio debt defense lawyer from Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, to learn how to regain financial control if you’ve lost your job and are struggling with money. We can help you explore options like debt settlement, bankruptcy, and other forms of debt relief.
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At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we only represent consumers. We fight for regular people who have been seriously hurt in accidents. We fight for people who are being crushed by overwhelming debt and need a fresh start. We fight for individuals and families. Never businesses. Never insurance companies. We are loyal to the consumer.
