Filing for unemployment compensation in Ohio is relatively easy. You can apply by phone or online. You should file as soon as you become unemployed. Your claim will begin the Sunday of the calendar week that you file.
In order to be eligible to collect unemployment in the state of Ohio, you must:
- Have become unemployed through no fault of your own
- Have worked 20 weeks and and earned sufficient wages during an established base period
- Have received a minimum weekly wage of at least $210 during the base period
- Be able and available to work in your chosen occupation
- Be actively seeking new employment
- You will be required to keep a weekly record of your job search and contacts
- You may be required to register with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Service’s Sharing Career Opportunities and Training Information (SCOTI).
To file an unemployment claim in the state of Ohio, you will need:
- Social Security number
- Your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address
- Information about each employer you worked for in the past six weeks, including: name,address, telephone number, and dates of employment.
- Information about any employer you worked for out of state over the past 18 months, including: name, address, telephone number, and dates of employment
- Reason you became unemployed
- Your spouse’s name and Social Security number
- Names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth for all dependants
- Alien Registration number (if applicable)
- List your regular occupation and job skills
As in many other states, Ohio residents may apply for unemployment insurance benefits in one of two ways:
- Online: go to http://unemployment.ohio.gov
Claims may be filed 24/7. You must have Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher or Firefox 2.0 and higher to access the system. You must also have Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.02 or higher. - Via telephone. Call 1-877-644-6562. Call center is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
