If you've been laid off in Ohio, you're likely eligible for unemployment compensation through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Ohio offers solid benefits with maximum payments of $553 per week (plus dependent allowances), though the 26-week duration is standard. This guide covers everything you need to know about filing for and receiving Ohio unemployment benefits.
Ohio Unemployment Benefits Overview
Benefit Amounts
Category
Amount
Weekly minimum
$143
Weekly maximum (individual)
$553
Dependent allowance range
$1-$178/week
Maximum with dependents
$731/week
Benefit duration
Up to 26 weeks
How Benefits Are Calculated:
Your weekly benefit amount is 50% of your average weekly wage in the base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters), capped at $553.
Dependent Allowances:
Ohio provides additional benefits based on your wages and number of dependents:
Amounts range from $1 to $178 per week
Based on a complex table considering wages and dependent count
Can significantly increase your total weekly benefit
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Ohio unemployment:
Earned sufficient wages in your base period (at least $2,900 with wages in at least 2 quarters)
Lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, lack of work)
Be able and available to work full-time
Actively seek suitable work each week
Register with OhioMeansJobs
Be legally authorized to work in the United States
How to File for Ohio Unemployment
Before You File
Gather the following information:
Social Security number
Ohio driver's license or ID number
Mailing address, email, and phone number
Last employer information:
Company name, address, phone number
Dates of employment
Reason for separation
Supervisor's name
Work history for past 6 weeks (dates and hours worked)
Direct deposit information (routing and account numbers)
Live assistance: Monday-Friday 7 AM - 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM
Filing Timeline
Event
Timeframe
File initial claim
First week of unemployment
Waiting week
First week (no payment)
Register on OhioMeansJobs
Within 7 days
First weekly claim
Week after waiting week
First payment
~3 weeks after filing (if approved)
After You File
The Waiting Week
Ohio has a one-week unpaid waiting period. Your first week of unemployment serves as the waiting week—you must meet all requirements but won't receive payment for that week.
Filing Weekly Claims
Unlike many states that use biweekly claims, Ohio requires weekly claims:
When to File:
Available Sunday through Friday each week
File for the previous week (Sunday-Saturday)
Each week must be filed separately
What You'll Answer:
Were you able and available to work?
Did you work or earn money?
Did you look for work?
Did you refuse any work?
Did you attend school or training?
Important: Missing a weekly claim forfeits benefits for that week.
Work Search Requirements
Ohio requires you to actively seek work:
Minimum 2 Work Search Activities Per Week:
Acceptable Activities:
Applying for jobs (online or in-person)
Submitting resumes to employers
Interviewing for positions
Attending job fairs
Registering with employment agencies
Attending approved training programs
Using OhioMeansJobs services
Networking for job leads
You Must Also:
Register on OhioMeansJobs within 7 days
Keep detailed records of work search activities
Be prepared to provide proof if requested
Accept suitable work offers
Receiving Your Benefits
Payment Methods
Direct Deposit:
Fastest payment method
Set up during initial application or update later
Funds available within 24-48 hours of processing
Ohio Debit Card (US Bank ReliaCard):
Default if no direct deposit
Card mailed after claim approval
Takes 7-10 days to arrive
Can use at ATMs or for purchases
Payment Schedule
File weekly claims (required every week)
Payments processed within 48 hours of filing
Direct deposit typically arrives 1-2 business days after processing
Weekends and holidays may delay payments
Taxes on Unemployment
Unemployment benefits are taxable income at both federal and state levels.
Federal Tax:
Optional 10% withholding
Can elect during filing or change later
Ohio State Tax:
Subject to Ohio income tax
Optional state withholding available
City/municipal taxes may also apply
Recommendation: Have taxes withheld to avoid a large bill at tax time.
Working While Receiving Benefits
Partial Benefits
Ohio allows part-time work while receiving reduced benefits:
Earnings Formula:
You can earn up to 20% of your weekly benefit without reduction
Earnings above 20% reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar
If earnings exceed your weekly benefit, no payment that week
Example:
Weekly benefit: $500
20% earnings allowance: $100
Your earnings: $250
Excess: $150 ($250 - $100)
Benefit paid: $350 ($500 - $150)
Total income: $600
Reporting Requirements
When filing weekly claims:
Report all work, including part-time and temporary
Report gross earnings (before deductions)
Report for the week worked, not when paid
Report job offers and refusals
Accurate reporting is critical—overpayments must be repaid.
Dependent Allowances
Ohio provides additional benefits for dependents.
Who Qualifies
Spouse:
Must be unemployed or underemployed
Cannot be receiving their own UC benefits
Children:
Must be under 18 (or under 22 if full-time student)
Must depend on you for support
How Much
Dependent allowances in Ohio are calculated based on a table that considers:
Your average weekly wage
Number of dependents
Allowances range from $1 to $178 per week, potentially bringing your total weekly benefit to $731.
How to Claim
Include dependent information on your initial claim
Provide names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers
ODJFS may request documentation
Common Issues and Solutions
Claim Under Review (Adjudication)
Your claim may be held for adjudication if:
Your employer disputes the separation
You quit or were fired
There are eligibility questions
Wages need verification
What to Do:
Wait for ODJFS to contact you
Respond promptly to all requests
Attend scheduled phone interviews (fact-finding)
Provide documentation (termination letter, etc.)
Continue filing weekly claims during review
Benefit Denial
If your claim is denied:
You'll receive a Determination letter
You have 21 calendar days to appeal
File appeal online or by mail
A hearing will be scheduled with a Hearing Officer
You can have a representative at the hearing
Many denials are reversed on appeal
Overpayments
If ODJFS determines you were overpaid:
You'll receive an Overpayment Notice
You must repay the amount
Overpayments can be deducted from future benefits
You can request a payment plan
You can appeal if you disagree
System Issues
If you encounter problems online:
Try different browsers (Chrome often works best)
Clear cache and cookies
File during off-peak hours
Use the phone system as backup
Special Situations
Cleveland/Columbus/Cincinnati Workers
If you were laid off in one of Ohio's major metros:
Benefits are the same statewide
Each city has OhioMeansJobs offices
Consider the entire Ohio job market
Many employers now offer remote positions
Manufacturing Workers
Ohio has significant manufacturing employment:
Industry downturns don't affect eligibility
Trade Adjustment Assistance may be available if your job moved overseas
Consider training programs for new skills
ODJFS can connect you with apprenticeship programs
Multi-State Employment
If you worked in multiple states:
Generally file in the state where you worked
Combined wage claims are available
Ohio will coordinate with other states
Severance Pay
In Ohio:
Severance is generally not deducted from UC benefits
You can file immediately upon separation
Report severance when filing
Vacation pay paid as lump sum typically doesn't affect benefits
Seasonal Workers
If you work seasonal jobs:
You may still qualify during off-seasons
Must continue to seek work
Benefits based on your base period wages
OhioMeansJobs Services
OhioMeansJobs offers free resources to help your job search:
Ohio pays up to $553/week (up to $731 with dependents)
File immediately during your first week of unemployment
One waiting week before benefits begin
File weekly claims (not biweekly like many states)
Complete 2 work search activities per week
Register on OhioMeansJobs within 7 days
Part-time work allowed—20% earnings disregard
Claim dependent allowances for spouse and children
Both state and federal taxes apply
Appeal if denied—you have 21 days
Ohio's weekly claim requirement means you need to stay on top of your filing. Set a reminder to file every week and use OhioMeansJobs to accelerate your job search.
