Skip to main content

Unemployed Worker: Frequently Asked Questions

Jump to FAQ categories by selecting topics below:

Unemployment Eligibility

You may be eligible if you are partially or totally unemployed due to no fault of your own; if you were employed for at least 20 weeks during the first four of the last five calendar quarters; if you earned an average weekly wage of $280 during the time you were employed; and if you are able, available, and actively seeking work. The surest way to find out whether you are eligible is to apply.

Each claim is different, but sometimes traditional unemployment applications are denied because the applicant didn’t earn at least $280 in the “base period” of their claim. Please refer to the Claimant Affidavit portion of your New Claim Instruction Sheet. It should show the information provided by the employer(s) during the base period for the claim. If the weeks and wages that are reported do not meet the minimum monetary requirement, the claim will be disallowed because it is considered to be “monetarily ineligible.” The Affidavit provides an opportunity for you to review the information that is being used to establish your claim. It also provides you with an opportunity to submit corrections. Claims also can be denied for a “non-monetary” reason. Typically, for new claims, this is due to a determination by the agency that you are not unemployed through no fault of your own.

If you believe your application was denied in error, you may file an appeal. Please read your determination letter for instructions on how to do so. You will need to provide the number of weeks that you worked, plus supporting documentation of your wages (such as pay stubs).

Those eligible can receive traditional unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks.

Each week that you file a claim, you will be asked to enter the work-search activities that you conducted.

Once your benefit year expires, you should file a new application. To do this, visit unemployment.ohio.gov, click "I am an Unemployed Worker", "Log In to My Unemployment Insurance Account", "I agree", and "Login". Then log into your account. When you reach the page titled "Ohio Unemployment Benefits - Main Menu," click on the button for "File a New Claim for Unemployment Benefits." After you submit the application, remember to continue filing weekly claims while you wait for your eligibility determination. If you are eligible, your claim will be effective starting on the Sunday of the week you applied.

This depends how the employer reported the employee's wages. If the employer reported tips as part of the employee's wages, it would be reflected on his or her tax reporting and, therefore, the unemployment benefit would be based on wages with tips. If the employer did not include tips in reported wages, employees will need to file an affidavit with their tipped wages for ODJFS to review.

You may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you are partially or totally unemployed due to no fault of your own; if you were employed for at least 20 weeks during the first four of the last five calendar quarters; if you earned an average weekly wage of at least $280 during the time you were employed; and if you are able, available, and actively seeking work.

Individuals who are partially unemployed due to lack of work may be eligible for benefits. Any earnings from employment during the week claimed may reduce the amount of benefits paid. Earnings equal to or less than 20% of a claimant's weekly benefit amount will not reduce the amount of benefits paid. Earnings over 20% of the weekly benefit amount will reduce the benefit payment dollar for dollar. Earnings equal to or over the benefit amount will result in no benefits for that week.

At this time, no. We encourage you to visit OhioMeansJobs.com to find and apply for job openings, take skill and career interest assessments, create or improve your resume, and explore new careers.

It depends on your individual circumstances. You may be eligible for unemployment benefits only if you are partially or totally unemployed due to no fault of your own; if you were employed for at least 20 weeks during the first four of the last five calendar quarters; if you earned an average weekly wage of at least $280 during the time you were employed; and if you are able, available, and actively seeking work.

No. Unemployment benefits are available only if you are unemployed. Employees on FMLA through their employer are not unemployed.

If you are still receiving pay from your employer through paid sick leave or paid vacation, you are not eligible for unemployment benefits.
Yes. Ohio law does not require a weekly work search in certain, limited instances. For example, individuals may be exempted from the work-search requirement if they are in agency-approved training, if their employers notified ODJFS that they are being laid off temporarily, up to 45 days, or for an extended work search waiver if the closure is for the purpose of productivity and economic stability. Some individuals also may have their work-search requirement considered met if they are making satisfactory progress in school or if they are members of a union and in good standing with a labor organization that refers individuals to jobs.
Unemployment insurance is available for individuals who are unemployed due to no fault of their own. Generally, those who voluntarily leave a job are not eligible for unemployment. Someone who was terminated for cause – for example, for violating company policy – would not be eligible for unemployment compensation. There are exceptions – for example, people can request exemptions as part of reasonable accommodations authorized by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, or for religious reasons. Each unemployment application is reviewed individually, and eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Unemployment Application Process

Applying online is the quickest way to start receiving unemployment benefits. To apply online, go to unemployment.ohio.gov. Click here for a step-by-step guide to applying online. If you don't have access to a computer, you can apply by phone by calling 877-644-6562. Call center hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note that it is not possible to apply for unemployment benefits in person.

You will need:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your driver's license or state ID number
  • Your name, address, telephone number, and email address
  • Name, address, telephone number, and dates of employment for your most recent employer
  • If you have dependents, their names, Social Security numbers, and birth dates
  • 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
  • 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 4 copy (for military service)
    • SF-8 or SF-50 form (for federal government employment)

Here are examples of documents that will help you verify your identity in order to be eligible for benefits:

  • Photo Identification – Acceptable forms of photo ID include a copy of your passport, driver’s license, state identification card, military identification, permanent resident card, or student identification card.
  • Full Legal Name – Acceptable documents to prove your full legal name include a copy of your valid driver’s license, military identification, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa, or other official document. If your full legal name is different from the one that appears on your documents, you must provide additional documents – for example, a marriage certificate, court order name change, or decree of divorce, disillusionment, or annulment.
  • Date of Birth – Acceptable documents to prove your date of birth include a copy of your valid driver’s license, military identification, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa, or other official document.
  • Legal Presence in the U.S. – Acceptable documents to prove your legal presence in the U.S. include a copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, or other official document.
  • Social Security Number – Acceptable documents to prove your Social Security number include a copy of your Social Security card, W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) from the last complete tax year, 1099 form, or pay stub.  
  • Street Address – Acceptable documents to prove your street address include a bank statement, pay stub, W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) from the last complete tax year, or 1099 form. If you listed a post office box as your mailing address, you must submit proof of ownership, such as a copy of PS Form 1093.
  • Bank Account – Acceptable documents to prove that your bank account is legitimate include a bank statement issued within the last 12 months or a copy of a voided check.

An OH|ID is an online user account that provides a secure, personalized experience for Ohioans to interact with multiple state agencies, programs, and services-all with a single username and password. OH|ID was developed by the Ohio Department of Administrative Services' InnovateOhio Platform. It meets all federal and state security standards. For more information, click here.

Yes.

If you have not yet created an OH|ID, follow these steps:

  1. Go to unemployment.ohio.gov
  2. Click "I am an Unemployed Worker", "Log In to My Unemployment Insurance Account", "I agree", and "Login".
  3. Under "Claimant Login", enter your Social Security number (SSN) and click "Login".
  4. You will be prompted to call the Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations at 1-877-644-6562 (or TTY at 1-888-642-8203) for a temporary, six-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). A temporary, six-digit PIN will be sent to you. Once you have this PIN, enter it on the login page.
    NOTE: After you have linked your OH|ID and unemployment accounts, you will no longer be prompted to enter this PIN.
  5. You will be directed to the OH|ID login page.
  6. Click "Create Account."
  7. Verify your email address.

    For existing claimants:
    Enter the email address that you currently use for your unemployment account. Then click "Verify". (If you currently share an email address with someone else, you should create one only for you.)
    NOTE: If you previously shared an email address with another person in the unemployment system, you MUST create your own email so you will have your own access.

    For new unemployment applicants:
    Enter the email address that you plan to use for your unemployment account. Then click "Verify."

    You will receive an email containing a six-digit verification code from: DONOTREPLY-EnterpriseIdentity@ohio.gov
    NOTE: It may take several minutes for you to receive the registration email. If it seems to be taking a long time, please check your spam folder.

  8. Enter this six-digit verification code in the pop-up message on the registration page. Then click "Verify".
  9. Complete the next five steps to create your OH|ID account profile.
  10. Click "Create Account" You will receive a registration email when your new account is ready. Do not attempt to log in to your OH|ID until you receive this email.
  11. Log in to your OH|ID account. Respond to the prompts to secure your account and verify your identity.
  12. You will be returned to unemployment.ohio.gov.

If you already have an OH|ID, follow these steps:

  1. Go to unemployment.ohio.gov
  2. Click "I am an Unemployed Worker", "Log In to My Unemployment Insurance Account", "I agree", and "Login".
  3. Under “Claimant Login,” enter your Social Security number (SSN) and click “Login.”
  4. You will be directed to the OH|ID login page.
  5. Use your OH|ID credentials to log in to your OH|ID account.
  6. Respond to the prompts to secure your account and verify your identity.
  7. You will be returned to unemployment.ohio.gov.

For more information, click here.

You now need an OH|ID to file unemployment claims online. For more information, click here.

To recover an account or reset your password, click on "Forgot OH|ID?" or "Forgot Password?" If you are still unable to access your account, call 1-877-644-6562 (1-877-OHIO-JOB).

To file claims online, you must log in to your unemployment account through OH|ID. For more information, click here. As an alternative, you may call 1-877-644-6562 (1-877-OHIO-JOB).

It would be best to use the same email, but you can use a different one if you wish.

Individuals now need an OH|ID to file unemployment claims online. For more information, click here.

Yes; you will use your OH|ID to log in to your unemployment account.

If you claimed traditional unemployment within the last 12 months, simply go to unemployment.ohio.gov, click "I am an Unemployed Worker", "Log In to My Unemployment Insurance Account", "I agree", and "Login". Then log into your account. When you reach the page titled "Ohio Unemployment Benefits - Main Menu," click on the button for "Restart your claim for Benefits effective with the week beginning SUNDAY of the current week." After you submit the application, remember to continue filing weekly claims while you wait for your determination.

Note that you should not restart your claim if you had other sources of income during the week you intended to claim, and you earned more than your previous unemployment benefit amount. If that is the case, you will not be eligible for a benefit.

If more than 12 months have passed since you last received benefits, you will need to submit a new application for benefits.

Please know that the high claims volume has slowed processing times. However, you will receive all payments that you are eligible for, dating from the time that you became eligible.

Tips should be included in reported earnings. Employers report quarterly earnings, which include the tips that employees report for each pay period. Those reports are used to determine the claimant's average weekly wage. If the employer did not include tips in reported wages, employees will need to file an affidavit with their tipped wages for ODJFS to review.

Use numbers only when entering the account and routing number. Do not enter special characters or letters. Also, do not copy and paste the account or routing number.
Yes, you can use the web browser on your mobile devise to apply online. Please use caution when entering information to make sure that what you type is accurate, including your Social Security number and bank account number.
No, the only dependents that may be claimed for the purposes of unemployment are natural children, stepchildren, and adopted children.
You can email documents to JFS.UI_Respond@jfs.ohio.gov. Be sure to include your name and address. While our system is secure, we cannot guarantee the security of the email system you use to send your email. We recommend that you send through a secure email system.
You can adjust most things on your application by logging in to your unemployment account at unemployment.ohio.gov.
You should apply for benefits in the state where you worked. The only possible exception is if you worked for more than one employer in more than one state. If that's the case, please call 877-644-6562 for assistance.
You should apply for benefits in Ohio. The only possible exception is if you worked for more than one employer in more than one state. If that's the case, please call 877-644-6562 for assistance.

What to Expect After Applying

If you requested to receive payments via debit card and have not yet received them, we apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your patience. The receive payment sooner, you can change your payment method to direct deposit. You can do this online by logging into your account or by faxing a voided check or letter from your financial institution to 1-614-387-7949.

To backdate a traditional unemployment claim, you will need staff assistance. Please call 877-644-6562. The call center is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please be prepared to explain why you believe your claim should be backdated. (For example, "I was unable to file my claim because of X, Y or Z.")

Once your application has been filed:

  • You will receive further information by mail or email. Email 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.
  • While you're waiting for your eligibility determination, be sure to file your first weekly claim to expedite payment. For a step-by-step guide to filing your weekly claims online, click here.

Every week, for the first 3 weeks, you must file a weekly unemployment claim in order to receive payment for that week. You should do this even if your claim has not yet been approved. If it is approved, you will then receive payment for those weeks.

If you selected email as your preferred correspondence method and direct deposit as your preferred payment method, you can continue to file weekly after the first 3 weeks. If you selected U.S. mail as your preferred correspondence method, you will be required to file biweekly.

Once your application has been processed, you will receive a determination by mail or email (depending on which option you chose). If you chose email, you will receive a notice to log in to unemployment.ohio.gov to view the determination. The determination will state whether you qualify for benefits.

We are working as quickly as possible to process a record number of claims. The normal processing time is 21 days from the date that you filed your application. However, we are at least one week behind schedule. Please be assured that your benefits will be retroactive to the time that you became eligible.

Your first payment will begin processing after:

  • You receive your eligibility determination, and
  • You file your first weekly claim.

We are working as quickly as possible to process a record number of claims. The normal processing time for new claims is 21 days from the date that you filed your application. However, we are at least one week behind schedule in payment distribution.

Please note:

  • All benefits will be retroactive to the date you became eligible. If your claim is identified as needing to be backdated, you will receive an email with more information.
  • Any delays in processing will not affect your total benefit amount.
  • For fastest payment processing, choose direct deposit.

If you chose to receive benefits on a U.S. Bank ReliaCard, you may receive the card in the mail before funds are loaded onto it. Your card will be funded two to three business days after your claim has been approved. If you have questions about your ReliaCard, please visit usbankreliacard.com.

The fastest way to file your weekly claims is through your online account. For a step-by-step guide to filing your weekly claims online, click here. You may also call toll-free 1-877-644-6562 or TTY 1-614-387-8408 during regular business hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can calculate your estimated weekly payment by referencing page 19 of the Worker's Guide to Unemployment Insurance.

Yes.

Each claim is different, but sometimes weekly or “continued” claims are denied because the individual was not mentally or physically able or available to work, or earned more money than their weekly benefit amount. It’s also possible your weekly claim was denied because you have exhausted your traditional unemployment benefits.

If received a determination letter stating that your weeks were denied and you disagree with this decision, you may file an appeal. Please see your determination letter for instructions on how to appeal. If you did not receive a determination letter and your weeks were denied, your claim needs staff assistance. Please call (877) OHIO-JOB (1-877-644-6562) or TTY at (888) 642-8203.

If you receive a "Claimant Affidavit of Wages," the information that you submitted in your application does not demonstrate that you are monetarily eligible for regular unemployment benefits. If you have additional earnings that were not reflected in your initial application, you must complete and return the "Claimant Affidavit of Wages" as instructed on the form by the deadline listed. Failure to do so could result in the denial of your claim.

If you chose to receive benefits on a U.S. Bank ReliaCard, you may receive the card in the mail before funds are loaded onto it. Your card will be funded two to three business days after your claim has been approved. If you have questions about your ReliaCard, please visit usbankreliacard.com.

Simply stop filing weekly claims.

Appeals

If you disagree with a decision made about your claim, you may file an appeal. To be timely, your appeal must be received or postmarked no later than 21 calendar days after the date on your determination notice. If the 21st day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, your deadline will be the next business day. You will then be notified of the date and time of your appeal hearing.

All determination letters contain instructions for how to submit an appeal. There are four options:

  • Online – Log into your account at unemployment.ohio.gov. All correspondences that can be appealed will say "File Appeal" in the far-right column. Click on "File Appeal" for the determination you would like to appeal.
  • Email – Email the required information to UI_Respond@jfs.ohio.gov
  • Fax – Fax the required information to 1-614-466-8392.
  • By Mail – Send appeals by mail to the following address:
    Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
    Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations
    Benefit Appeals
    P.O. Box 182863
    Columbus, Ohio 43216-2863
In most cases, you will receive a decision within 21 days after your appeal is received. The second decision will be called a "redetermination."

To stay eligible for unemployment benefits while your appeal is being considered, you must:

  • Continue to search for work.
  • Report any money you earn.
  • File weekly claims to request payment for weeks you remain unemployed.

If the appeal is decided in your favor, you will be paid only for the weeks you met those requirements.

Technical Errors, Notifications and Troubleshooting

Please complete the Submit a Question form or call your processing center or 1-877-644-6562 (1-877-OHIO-JOB) to request a 1099 form. You will need this form to file your taxes.

No.  If you would like to file unemployment claims online, please use a different browser, such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari.

If you claimed traditional unemployment, PEUC or EB benefits within the last 12 months but then stopped claiming benefits, and you remain unemployed, go to unemployment.ohio.gov. Click "I am an Unemployed Worker", "Log In to My Unemployment Insurance Account", "I agree", and "Login".  When you reach the page titled "Ohio Unemployment Benefits - Main Menu," click on the button for "Restart your claim for Benefits effective with the week beginning SUNDAY of the current week." After you submit the application, remember to continue filing weekly claims while you wait for your determination.

Note that you should not restart your claim if you had other sources of income during the week you intended to claim, and you earned more than your previous unemployment benefit amount. If that is the case, you will not be eligible for a benefit.

If more than 12 months have passed since you last received benefits, you will need to submit a new application for benefits.

  • If your claim shows as "allowed" but your weeks are showing as "denied," you will need staff assistance. Please call (877) OHIO-JOB (1-877-644-6562) or TTY at (888) 642-8203.
  • If your claim shows as "pending," this means we are still processing it, and there is nothing more you need to do. If you received a confirmation number, rest assured your claim is in process, and you will receive the full amount to which you are entitled.
  • If your claim shows a determination of "0-0" while it is pending, this means we are still processing your claim, and there is nothing more you need to do. If you received a confirmation number, rest assured your claim is in process, and you will receive the full amount to which you are entitled.
  • If your claim shows as "denied," each claim is different, but it could have been because you earned more money than your weekly benefit amount or because you did not select "yes" that you were physically able and available to work or.

    When you file your weekly claims, be sure to confirm that you were available to work and physically able to work. Answering that you were unable to work because your place of business was closed due to COVID-19 is not what the question is asking. Selecting "No" to these questions may result in your weekly claims being denied. If you believe your claim was denied in error, you may file an appeal. Please see your determination letter for instructions on how to file an appeal.
  • If when you submit a weekly claim you are asked to answer additional questions, please respond immediately as this will help expedite processing.
  • If your payment shows as "paid" and a date is listed, this means you should receive payment in your account or on your debit card within 24 to 48 hours after that date.
  • If your payment shows as "paid" and the amount is listed as $0, this means you should receive payment in your account or on your debit card within 24 to 48 hours. Once the payment is finalized, the amount will be updated.
  • If your payment shows as "pending," this means we are still processing it, and there is nothing more you need to do. If you received a confirmation number, rest assured your claim is in process, and you will receive the full amount to which you are entitled.
  • If your payment shows as "break in claim," you need staff intervention. Please call (877) OHIO-JOB (1-877-644-6562) or TTY at (888) 642-8203. Breaks in claim can occur if you tried to reopen a claim, but you earned more than your previous weekly benefit amount.
  • If your payment shows as "pay held," this could be for any of several reasons. If you are working part-time and received holiday pay or if you previously worked for a school or educational employer and are between terms, information will be needed from your employer before you can receive benefits. In addition, it's possible your pay was held because you didn’t complete reemployment activities in OhioMeansJobs.com by the required deadlines. You can find the deadlines on your New Claim Instruction Sheet. If you miss the deadlines, the Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations may stop your benefit payments.
Often, communications from scammers look very official. They instruct people to click on a link to obtain prize money or some kind of benefit. In reality, they're trying to trick people into providing their personal information. ODJFS does not send these types of emails. If you receive a notification that seems suspicious, and it asks you to give some personal information, don't click on any links. You can call your processing center or 1-877-644-6562 (1-877-OHIO-JOB) to see if it's legitimate.
Continue filing your application or weekly claim. However, before your claim can be processed, you will need to provide the requested documentation necessary to verify your identity.
You will receive a confirmation email, but there may be a brief delay. Please do not submit another report. Thank you for your patience.

Typically, you will be able to view correspondence once you receive an email notification that the correspondence is available. If you have correspondence requesting information, you will not be able to open it if the deadline for responding has passed. If you have recently received an error message relating to Adobe, please make sure your default PDF viewer is Adobe Acrobat Reader. For instructions in how to do that in Windows 10, click here.   

We have seen errors related simply to web browsers. Please try clearing the cache/history in your web browser and try filing one more time. If you do not know how to clear the browser cache, an internet search mentioning your browser by name (e.g., Firefox, Safari, Chrome, etc.) should provide helpful results. Also please do not use the "back" button on your browser.

Once you file your application for unemployment, you cannot claim a week of benefits until the week has ended on Saturday at midnight. Instructions for claiming your first week are included on the New Claim Instruction Sheet, which all claimants receive after their applications are processed. Please note that unemployment benefits will be retroactive to the time that you became eligible. Any delays in submitting an application will not affect the benefit amount you will receive.

For the time being, you should continue with the application process using your former name. At the same time, you will need to submit proof of your name change, such as a copy of your Social Security card or your marriage license. You can send it either via email to UI_Respond@jfs.ohio.gov or by fax to 614-466-7449. It is recommended that you also include your former information in addition to the new information when sending in your request for a name change.

You will need staff assistance to update your email address. Please call (877) OHIO-JOB (1-877-644-6562) or TTY at (888) 642-8203. Agents are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

If you stop submitting claims for your weekly benefits, or if you earned more than your weekly benefit amount, you may need to restart your claim.

To restart your claim, log into your account at unemployment.ohio.gov during the first week you are unemployed or the first week that you have gross earnings less than your weekly benefit amount. If you wait more than seven days to restart your claim, you may lose benefits for any weeks of unemployment that occur before the restart date.

Please visit unemployment.ohio.gov, click on the "Report Identity Theft" button, and complete the form so that we can investigate. We also recommend that you visit annualcreditreport.com to see whether you may the victim of other types of identity theft. In addition, OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/IdentityTheft has educational resources for Ohioans who believe they may be the victim of identity theft. For more information, please visit unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/IdentityTheft.

Please visit unemployment.ohio.gov, click on the "Report Identity Theft" button, and complete the form so that we can investigate the claim that was filed and take appropriate actions. This can include correcting the 1099-G form that you were sent. We also recommend that you visit annualcreditreport.com to see whether you may the victim of other types of identity theft. In addition, OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/IdentityTheft has educational resources for Ohioans who believe they may be the victim of identity theft. For more information, please visit unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/IdentityTheft.

If unemployment benefits appear in your bank account as being paid, but you did not receive them, you should take the following actions: 

1. Call the unemployment office at 1-877-644-6562 (1-877-OHIO-JOB) to correct your banking information and begin the process of re-verifying your identity so that you can again receive benefits owed to you. The verification process may take some time, but we are working to minimize delays. 

2. Print, complete, and return the “Application for Unemployment Payment Replacement” that will be provided to you. After you complete this application, you must sign it in the presence of an authorized notary public. Many banks and other businesses offer notary public services, including many businesses that provide financial services, automobile title transfers, and shipping services. Your bank or public library may offer this service for free. After the application is notarized, please return it to the Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations by email, fax, or U.S. mail. The application provides instructions for how to do so. 

If you choose to return the completed notarized form by email, you will have to scan or photograph it first. The notary information and seal must be legible, or you will have to resubmit the document. Also note that the ODJFS email server is secure. However, we cannot guarantee the security of the document transmission from the originating email server to our secure email server. Please be cautious when sending from a public or non-secure location. 

After we receive your notarized response, we will conduct an investigation and make a determination. If your application is approved, you will receive the funds that were paid but which you did not receive. If it is denied, you will have the opportunity to file an appeal. Please be aware that it may take several weeks for us to complete an investigation, due to the volume of requests and the rigorous measures necessary to verify your identity. 

 3. Notify the FBI by making a report at IC3.gov. This will allow bureau investigators to notify the appropriate federal, state, or local law enforcement officials so that they can attempt to track down the individuals responsible for the theft. 

To view your payment history, select "View Claim Summary/Payment History" from the main menu under "Claim Details".

We have found no evidence of hacking of ODJFS systems. Typically, an account takeover involves criminals obtaining individuals' personal information from other sources and then using it to log into their victim's account to change information such as bank routing numbers.
ID_VERIFICATION@jfs.ohio.gov is a legitimate email used by ODJFS to collect information necessary for the agency to verify your identity. Stringent security protocols are in place for all ODJFS email accounts. These help ensure that information you provide will be kept secure. Please be aware that criminals are using sophisticated attacks to attempt to steal your information. If you receive texts or emails that say they're from ODJFS, carefully review all links to make sure they match official ODJFS links. Also check to see whether any email and web addresses match the actual underlying hyperlinks. To do this, hover your cursor over the links or right-click on them.

Overpayments

The first thing that you should do if you believe your overpayment was issued in error is to appeal your decision. All overpayment notices contain instructions for how to do so. Be prepared to submit additional documentation to support your case. Additionally, federal and state law authorize the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to waive the repayment of unemployment benefit overpayments if it is determined that the overpayment was not the claimant’s fault and that repayment would be “contrary to equity and good conscience.” If you received a notice that you have an overpayment, and if you believe the overpayment was not your fault, you can request a waiver by logging into your account online and following these instructions.

If you have an overpayment, you are still claiming benefits, and your overpayment has not been waived, your weekly benefit will be offset until your overpayment is paid in full. If you disagree with the overpayment, you can log into your account to request a waiver or file a formal appeal. All overpayment notices contain instructions for how to do so. Be prepared to submit additional documentation to support your case.

Federal and state law authorize the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to waive the repayment of unemployment benefit overpayments if it is determined that the overpayment was not the claimant’s fault and that repayment would be “contrary to equity and good conscience.” If you believe your claim meets those qualifications, you should request a waiver or file an appeal.

Yes. System programming is underway to automate the overpayment waiver and repayment process. Once it is complete, any payments or offsets made will be returned, if they cannot be applied to other debt not eligible for a waiver.
You can send it to ODJFS - OUIO Finance Section, P.O. Box 182059, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2059.