Ohio Unemployment Benefit Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for unemployment benefits in Ohio, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be unemployed, partially unemployed, or have reduced hours under an approved shared work plan.
- You must have worked in Ohio during the past 12 months (this period may be longer in some cases).
- You must have earned a minimum amount of wages determined by Ohio guidelines.
- You must be actively seeking work each week you are collecting benefits.
The minimum amount of wages you must have earned depends on the calendar quarter in which you file your claim. For example, if you file your claim during the fourth quarter of 2023, you must have earned at least $3,150 during the base period. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the quarter in which you file your claim.
To be actively seeking work, you must do at least two of the following each week you are collecting benefits:
- Contact at least two potential employers in person, by phone, or online.
- Attend a job fair or workshop.
- Register with your local OhioMeansJobs office.
- Update your resume and post it on job boards.
- Network with people in your field.
If you are eligible for unemployment benefits, you can receive them for up to 20 to 26 weeks in one benefit year. The amount of benefits you receive is equal to one-half of your average weekly wage up to a statutory maximum determined by the number of your dependents.
To file for unemployment benefits in Ohio, you can visit the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website or call 1-877-644-6276.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about Ohio unemployment benefit eligibility:
- If you were fired for misconduct, you may not be eligible for benefits.
- If you are self-employed, you are generally not eligible for benefits.
- If you are receiving other types of income, such as severance pay or disability benefits, your unemployment benefits may be reduced.
If you have any questions about your unemployment benefit eligibility, you can contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.