On July 22, 2010, President Obama signed legislation that extends the deadlines for the federally funded Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program and federal funding for State Extended Benefits. As a result, claimants who recently exhausted their benefits may be able to restart their claims.

Claimants should continue to file for benefits, which will be retroactive to the former program deadlines of May/June, 2010 by calling 1-866-962-4064 toll-free between 7:00 AM. and 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on Saturday. Because of the late passage of this extension, claimants may notice a delay in the posting of funds to their accounts.

The new legislation extends the deadlines as follows:

EUC, or federal extended benefits. The legislation extends deadlines for this program from May 29, 2010 to November 27, 2010. Eligible individuals may continue to collect benefits until April 30, 2011. This program continues to offer a maximum of 53 weeks of extended unemployment benefits. The new legislation did not add any more weeks of benefits.

For further information, please see UC Federal Extended Benefits FAQs.

The 100 percent federal funding for State Extended Benefits. The legislation extends deadlines for federal funding of State Extended Benefits – known as “Ohio EB” or “Ohio Extended Benefits” – from June 5, 2010 to December 4, 2010. This program continues to offer a maximum of 20 weeks of extended unemployment benefits. The new legislation did not add any more weeks of benefits.

For further information, please see UC State Extended Benefits FAQs.

NOTE: The new legislation did not extend the deadline for the Federal Additional Compensation (FAC) program. The FAC program allows states to pay an additional $25 for each week that an individual receives unemployment benefits. Only individuals who established regular unemployment claims prior to May 29, 2010, may receive the additional $25 payment through the week ending December 4, 2010. For further information, please see UC Changes Due to Stimulus Package.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is pleased to announce a new Web site for the state’s unemployed workers: www.ohioheretohelp.com. Ohio Here to Help is unique in that it can quickly connect visitors to a wide range of information and resources – from both public and private entities – that can help them search for a job, find education and training opportunities, and learn about other supports that can help them get through this difficult time.

Ohio Here to Help provides direct links to job openings via Ohio Means Jobs, as well as to training and education resources via the State of Ohio Library. It also provides information on such topics as money, food assistance, health care, housing, transportation, child care, veterans’ services, legal services, clothing assistance, youth employment and much more.

Visit Ohio Here to Help at www.ohioheretohelp.com to find out about the many services and resources available to unemployed workers and their families in Ohio.

The online feature allowing changes to bank account information has been temporarily disabled for security upgrades. Claimants seeking to change their bank account information will need to fax a voided check or a letter from their financial institution with the bank account information to 614-387-7949. The information can be mailed to Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, ATTN: Program Services, Finance Section, P.O. Box 182059, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2059.
For faster processing, please include the last four digits of your social security number on all correspondence.

Anyone with questions should call 1-877-OHIO-JOB (1-877-644-6562).

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced it is taking several new steps this year to help people having difficulties meeting their tax obligations because of unemployment or other financial problems. If you believe you may have trouble paying your tax bill, the IRS advises you to file a tax return on time and pay what you can, so that you can avoid or limit penalties and interest. If you can’t pay in full, you should contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to discuss your payment options, such as a short-term extension to pay, an installment agreement or an offer in compromise. If your income decreased, you also may be eligible for certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The IRS is planning a series of Saturday “open houses” to offer taxpayers extra opportunities to work out tax problems face-to-face with the IRS representatives. It also created a fact sheet and Web page just for unemployed taxpayers. For more information, go to “Can’t Pay the Tax You Owe?” or the Tax Center to Assist Unemployed Taxpayers.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has been notified of a national scheme targeting recipients of unemployment compensation benefits. Multiple states have reported customers receiving bogus text messages on their cell phones, claiming to be from state unemployment agencies. The bogus message informs recipients that their unemployment benefits have been suspended and to call the provided phone number to reactivate. When recipients call, they are asked for personal information, including debit card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). At that point, unemployment benefits deposited on the debit card are accessed and withdrawn by the scammer.

ODJFS warns its customers that representatives will never ask for their debit card information or their PIN. Additionally, ODJFS is working with our debit card provider, US Bank, to further protect, inform and educate our customers.

If you receive one of these bogus messages, do not respond. If you suspect funds have been inappropriately accessed, call the customer service number provided on the back of your debit card: (866) 276-5114.

When to file an application for unemployment benefits
You should file your application as soon as you become unemployed. Your claim will begin the Sunday of the calendar week in which it is filed. Waiting more than a full week to file your application will postpone the beginning of your claim, and no benefits will be paid for weeks of unemployment that occur prior to the week of filing. Even if you need to serve the required waiting week or you are receiving separation pay from your employer, do not hesitate in filing your application for unemployment benefits.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
for Parents With Child Support Orders

If you have a child support order in Ohio and you have encountered a lay-off or plant closing, you may already qualify to have your child support case reviewed and adjusted.

For more information, please visit the Ohio Office of Child Support website at: http://jfs.ohio.gov/Ocs/index.stm

Filing for unemployment compensation benefits is a free service. The State of Ohio is aware some companies are charging a fee to file your unemployment claim for you. Please be advised these companies are NOT affiliated with the State of Ohio and are therefore not subject to the same laws regarding your privacy and the confidentiality of your Unemployment claim.