Highlights

Text to File is now available for some claimants! To opt in for text to file, log into your unemployment account at unemployment.ohio.gov. Once you've logged in, select "Update Personal Information". Click the "YES" radio button next to "Weekly claim filing via text msg" and ensure that you opted to receive correspondence by email. Click SAVE.

Starting January 1, 2025, all new applicants for unemployment benefits will have the option to have state income tax withheld at a rate of 1.5%

We are aware of the recent court case involving Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation. We do not have any additional information at this time, and our agents are not currently able to provide information on the decision or your specific situation.

You can now use the chat feature on our website to:

• Check the status of your application.
• File a weekly claim.
• Check the status of your three most recent weekly claims.
• Check the status of your last payment.

Just click on the chat icon in the lower right corner.

The chat is now available in 16 languages!

If you are asked to submit copies of documents to prove your identity, you can now do so at any participating Post Office. Providing the documents at your nearest Post Office will speed processing time. There is no cost to use this method, and no appointment is needed. This option is available to claimants who apply for benefits on or after Jan. 26, 2024, and are prompted to provide copies of documents during the initial application process.

If you choose the Post Office option, you will get a confirmation email with a barcode, detailed instructions, and a deadline. You will have up to seven days to provide the documents.

If you prefer not to visit a Post Office, you still can submit the documents directly to the unemployment office. However, in certain situations, a Post Office may be a good option − for example, if you don't have an OHID, if you don't have an address, or if you have an out-of-state ID. In certain cases, if the identity verification at a Post Office is unsuccessful or incomplete, you may be asked to submit documents directly to the unemployment office.

Unemployment claimants are required to conduct at least two work-search activities each week. If your work-search requirements have recently changed, you will be notified.

If you are in agency-approved training, or if your employer notified us that your layoff is temporary, your work-search requirement will be waived. It will be considered “met” if you are attending school or if you are a member in good standing with a union hiring hall that refers its members to jobs.

Whether your work-search requirements have changed or not, you still are encouraged to make good faith efforts to secure employment.

To learn more about allowable work-search activities, click here.

It’s OK to not be OK. 988 provides 24/7, free and confidential support for anyone in a behavioral health crisis. Ohioans can call, text, or chat online to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support. If you need help, call or text 988 today.