COLUMBUS – Deluged by applications for benefits by Ohioans newly unemployed because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the state Department of Job and Family Services is implementing a new weekly claim filing process.
It is hoped that the new method will ease the burden on an online filing system that has been prone to delays and shutdowns.
We are currently experiencing sporadic performance issues on our website that may result in periods of non-responsiveness. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working to resolve the issue.
— OhioJFS (@OhioJFS) April 20, 2020
Starting April 26, Ohioans who have been approved to receive unemployment benefits should file weekly claims on certain days of the week, corresponding to the first letter of their last name.
This applies to workers who have already applications for first-time claims. Initial applications for benefits can be filed at any time.
Individuals are encouraged to apply online. Those without internet access or who need assistance can file by phone at (877) OHIO-JOB (1-877-644-6562) from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturdays, and 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sundays. First-time applicants should be prepared to provide their name and Social Security number and, if they are unemployed as a result of COVID-19, the mass-layoff number 2000180.
More than 855,000 Ohioans were thrown out of work during the four weeks since the restrictions on businesses and mobility went into effect.
The agency releases the latest data on first-time jobless claims Thursday.
at any time.