COLUMBUS – The impact of the coronavirus outbreak on businesses and industries in Ohio and around the nation continue to swamp the state’s unemployment compensation system under a “tsunami” of applications for benefits.
For the week ending March 21, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported 187,780 initial jobless claims to U.S. Department of Labor, compared with a little over 7,000 the week before.
The number would rank the week’s total among the top five monthly claims in Ohio history.
U.S. unemployment claims soared to 3.3 million, quadrupling the previous record from 1982.
Ohio unemployment Compensation FAQ’s
The sudden influx of inquiries has bogged down the state’s online application system, causing it to crash occasionally, to the frustration of newly unemployed workers. There were over 400,000 contacts through the website Tuesday from people seeking information, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted explained during Gov. Mike DeWine’s daily Statehouse new briefing Wednesday but he said the website was functioning properly.
Officials at the ODJFS say the system is experiencing a much higher volume of inquiries during a shorter period of time than during the 2007-09 recession.
“It’s important to keep in mind that during previous downturns in the economy, claims came in waves as the recession worsened and industries began to shut down whereas these claims came in all at once and created a tsunami. This amount of claims in this short expanse of time would tax any online system, especially one that is 16 years old. It’s also important to note that unemployment insurance automated systems around the country are also struggling with the increased claims load.” -statement from Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services
The state is encouraging applicants to use the website to make their claims but says those without internet access can call 1-877-644-6562 (OHIO-JOB)
The call center hours have been extended to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Ohio lawmakers approved legislation this week eliminating the one-week waiting period for collecting initial unemployment benefits, changing eligibility to include COVID-19 related unemployment situations and waiving the work search requirement.
A package awaiting a vote in the U.S. House expands unemployment benefits. Furloughed workers would get whatever amount a state usually provides for unemployment, plus a $600-per-week add-on, with gig workers like Uber drivers covered for the first time.