If you lose your job because of coronavirus restrictions, the state of Ohio is offering help.

An executive order issued by Governor DeWine expands flexibility for Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits during Ohio's emergency declaration period.

Unemployment benefits will be available for eligible individuals who are requested by a medical professional, local health authority, or employer to be isolated or quarantined as a consequence of COVID-19, even if they are not actually diagnosed with COVID-19. In addition, the waiting period for eligible Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits will be waived.

If an employer lays off employees due to the loss of production caused by the coronavirus, employees be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits if the employees are otherwise eligible. Governor DeWine's order expands flexibility for Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits during Ohio's emergency declaration period.

If an employee without coronavirus symptoms imposes a self-quarantine because of the coronavirus, they be will not be eligible for unemployment benefits in most cases.

Unemployment benefits are available to individuals who are totally or partially unemployed due to no fault of their own. In this example, the individual-not the employer-is choosing not to work and, therefore, would be ineligible.

However, the facts of each circumstance are important. If the employer allowed this individual to telework, they would not qualify for benefits because they would not be unemployed. If the employer required the individual to stay home but did not offer telework, the individual might be eligible for benefits if they met the monetary and weekly eligibility criteria.

If an employee is in mandatory quarantine because of suspicion of having the coronavirus, they will be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Apply for Benefits

Ohio has two ways to file an application for Unemployment Insurance Benefits: 

Online

File online at http://unemployment.ohio.gov, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Service may be limited during nightly system updating. Check the website for available services. Please be sure to follow the instructions.  If you do not have access to a computer, visit your local library or OhioMeansJobs Center, where computers are available for public use.  A list of OhioMeansJobs Centers can be found at http://jfs.ohio.gov/owd/wioa/map.stm.

Telephone

Call toll-free 1-877-644-6562 or TTY 1-614-387-8408, (excluding holidays) Monday through Friday 8 AM - 5 PM.

 To apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, you will need: 

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your driver's license or state ID number
  • Your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address
  • Name, address, telephone number, and dates of employment with each employer you worked for during the past six weeks of employment
  • The reason you became unemployed from each employer
  • Dependents' names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth
  • If claiming dependents, your spouse's name, Social Security number, and birth date
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen or national, alien registration number and expiration date
  • Your regular occupation and job skills

Also:  

If you had out-of-state employment, have worked for the federal government, or are separated from military service, more information is required, including:

  • Form DD-214, member four copy (for military service)
  • SF-8 or SF-50 form (for federal government employment)      
  • Once your application has been filed:  
  • You will receive further information by mail or e-mail.  E-mail will be sent from OJI@odjfs.state.oh.us.
  • Your claim will be assigned to a Processing Center, based on the last four digits of your Social Security number. Click here for a list of Processing Centers by Social Security number.
  • If filing online and you need your Personal Identification Number (PIN) reset, call toll-free 1-866-962-4064