*This date will automatically populate on to your application and determination of benefits.
STEP #1: File an APPLICATION
File your application within the first week of your layoff. Applications are effective Sunday of the calendar week in which
they are filed. Filing your application after the first week of layoff may cause a delay or denial of benefits.
Your application may be filed as early as: But no later than:
Apply online at https://unemployment.ohio.gov (accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), OR apply by phone at 1-877-
644-6562 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays).
Be prepared to provide the following information on your application:
• Your Social Security number and your driver’s license (or state ID) number
• Your name, address, telephone number, and email address
• Mass Layoff Number:
• Using this number will populate your employer’s information and last day of work on to your application.
• The name, address, telephone number, and dates of work for any additional employers with whom you worked
during your last 6 weeks of work
• Names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth of any dependents, to include children and your spouse
• Alien Registration Number and expiration date of your work authorization (if not a U.S. Citizen)
• Payment Preference (if direct deposit is preferred, you will need your bank routing number and account number)
NOTE: It is your responsibility to read all correspondence and reply to any requests for additional information sent to you
by the established deadlines. You may view and respond to notices by logging in to your online account and viewing your
Correspondence Inbox.
STEP #2: File WEEKLY CLAIMS
Weekly Claims cannot be filed until the week is over, and only if your application was properly filed within the first week of
your layoff.
Weekly Claims must be filed by logging in to your online account at https://unemployment.ohio.gov. You will not receive
payment if you do not file your Weekly Claims. If your application is filed within the timeframe specified in Step #1, your
first Weekly Claim can be filed as early as:
You have 21 days to file your week in a timely manner. Failure to file timely Weekly Claims may result in a delay or denial
of payment. Be prepared to provide the following information on your Weekly Claims:
• Gross HOLIDAY PAY for holidays that occur during the calendar week (do not report holiday pay during the week
paid, it must be reported in the week the holiday falls);
• Gross EARNINGS for any work performed during the calendar week (do not report earnings during the week you
are paid, earnings must be reported during the calendar week in which your work is performed);
• NOTE: DO NOT report Vacation Pay, Bonuses or Severance Pay on your Weekly Claims. If applicable, you will
be questioned about additional income on a Notice of Eligibility Issue. If you received vacation, bonus or
severance pay and do not receive a questionnaire regarding the income, call your Processing Center for
assistance.
WORK SEARCH: If your employer provided a recall date within 45 days of your last day worked, your work search may
be waived. Otherwise, you must complete all work search and reemployment activity requirements.
If you do not receive a confirmation number for either of the steps above, the action was not complete and could cause a
delay or denial of benefits.
Processing Center Contact Information:
http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouc/Processing_Offices_by_SSN.pdf
