COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Resources

As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Governor issued an Executive Order waiving certain unemployment insurance (UI) requirements. The measure was taken in order to expedite the processing of benefits for individuals who lose their jobs as a result of this and allow them to receive their first benefit payments as quickly as possible.

For Individuals:

The following points summarize the impact that the Executive Order has on individuals affected by COVID-19 related separations from employment:

Individuals who are partially or totally unemployed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak may qualify for unemployment benefits.

Individuals who are under mandated quarantine or isolation as requested by the employer, medical professional, or by a local health authority, he/she may qualify for unemployment benefits.

Eligible individuals will be paid for their first week of benefits and will not be required to serve the traditional one-week waiting period. Claimants will, however, be required to file a claim for each week that they are unemployed.

Eligible individuals must meet the weekly requirements that they be “able and available for work,” however, the requirement that they actively search for work while receiving benefits has been waived.

Eligible individuals are also exempt from completing traditional reemployment requirements.

Individuals who decide to self-quarantine and quit their job, will not be eligible for unemployment benefits.

In order to speed the processing of unemployment benefits for eligible individuals, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is instructing individuals who file unemployment claims to use the mass lay-off number 2000180 during their application process. This number will assist the agency in tracking COVID-19 related claims. Claimants, if you have already filed an application, no need to worry about adding the mass-layoff number. Your application will be processed.

For more up-to-date information, please reference: