Prevent Fraud (2/23/2017)
Employers are key to preventing unemployment fraud. Always provide timely and accurate responses to ODJFS requests for unemployment-related information, and carefully review all benefit-charge statements for accuracy. Your information may prevent an improper payment. If you suspect that someone is ineligible for unemployment, or working while collecting benefits, please call 1-800-686-1555, option 1. If you have questions about your unemployment claim, please call your processing center.
Electronic Data Sharing Can Save Time and Money (2/23/2017)
ODJFS offers new ways to report separation information electronically, for faster, more efficient and more secure processing. The State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) and SIDES E-Response provide a standard format also used by other states. The best option depends on the needs of each individual employer or third-party administrator (TPA). To learn more, click here.
New OSHA Reporting Requirements Begin January 1, 2015 (2/23/2017)
Effective January 1, 2015, employers are required to report the following information to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): -All work-related fatalities must be reported within eight hours. -All in-patient hospitalizations, amputations and losses of an eye must be reported within 24 hours. Employers may report these incidents to OSHA by: -Calling their area office during normal business hours. -Calling the 24-hour OSHA hotline at 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742). -Reporting online at www.osha.gov/report_online. More information and resources, including a new YouTube video, can be found at https://www.osha.gov.
System Access Update (2/23/2017)
In order to best protect confidential and other important data, the ODJFS website will no longer support several outdated web browsers. Effective December 5, Internet Explorer 6 or older, Opera 4 or older and Netscape Navigator will no longer work on ODJFS sites that are https-enabled.
Possible Scam (11/23/2016)
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is actively investigating a possible scam in which the perpetrators steal the identities of currently employed workers and then file unemployment applications in order to fraudulently collect benefits. Employers: If you receive a letter from ODJFS requesting employment-separation information, please be sure the request is not regarding someone you currently employ. If it is, please call the Office of Unemployment Compensation's Benefit Payment Control office at (800) 686-1555, option 1, to report the potential fraud and to receive further instructions. As a reminder, employers should always carefully review their benefit-charge statements and requests for information to ensure that they are accurate!
New Employer Charging (02/27/2014)
ODJFS is working hard to reduce improper payments to individuals that are ultimately found to be ineligible for unemployment compensation. But we can't do it alone. ODJFS relies on information from employers to help us determine whether someone is eligible for compensation.
Starting on October 21, 2013, it will be more important than ever for employers to respond promptly and completely to requests for information regarding unemployment claims.
Beginning on October 21, in accordance with Ohio House Bill 37, employers that repeatedly fail to respond promptly and adequately to requests for information may be charged for any benefits paid to individuals later determined to be ineligible.
These charges can lead to an increase in an employer's tax rate.
ODJFS is asking all employers to help reduce improper payments by responding timely and accurately to all agency requests for information.
Don't put your tax rate at risk. If you're not sure how to respond or what type of information to provide, please call us at 1-877-644-6562. We're eager to assist you.
Fraud Warning (08/20/2013)
The Office of Unemployment Compensation has become aware of a scam targeting employers and others in an effort to obtain personal information on current or prior employees.
The scam occurs through electronic correspondence from a person or persons identifying themselves as "Unemployment Assistance," and warns recipients that they may lose their right to an appeal if they fail to respond.
Do not respond to these types of requests or provide employee information. If the Office of Unemployment Compensation requests information from an employer regarding employees, the request will always identify our agency, and it will always identify the past or current employee by name and Social Security number.
If employers or others receive this or a similar request, please contact ODJFS at 1-800-686-1555.