Highlights

Our phone lines are currently very busy. This means you may experience longer wait times or be asked to schedule a callback.

Here's what to expect:

When you call about unemployment benefits, you can either wait to speak with someone or schedule a callback.

• If you choose to wait, you'll hear an estimated wait time.
• If you schedule a callback, you'll get a confirmation number and an estimated time we will call back so you don't have to wait on hold. Please keep your phone nearby and make sure our number isn't blocked so we can reach you.
• If the lines are too full and we can't take more calls or schedule callbacks, you'll hear a message asking you to try again later. That message also gives options to check your claim or payment status using our automated phone system or to visit our website for help.

We know your time is valuable, and we're working hard to answer every call as quickly as we can. In the meantime, here are a few tips that might help:

• Visit our website for answers to common questions and services you can use online.
• Use our online contact form for non-urgent issues. We'll respond as soon as we can.
• Try our live chat for quick help with general questions. It's available on our website during business hours.
• You can also use the chat to ask general questions 24/7.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to serve you better.

Some claimants can now file their weekly claims by text! To opt in for this service, log into your unemployment account at unemployment.ohio.gov. Once you've logged in, select "Update Personal Information." Click the "YES" button next to "Weekly claim filing via text msg." Make sure you chose to receive correspondence by email. Click SAVE.

Unemployment benefits are taxable by the federal and state government. If you decide to have taxes withheld, we will deduct 10% from your weekly benefit payment for federal taxes and 1.5% for state taxes.

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.

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.

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.

Please be aware that it takes at least two days for submitted documents to be processed.

Most unemployment claimants are required to conduct at least two work-search activities each week. Acceptable work-search activities include emailing a resume to an employer, applying for a job, or attending a job fair. Calling to see if a business is hiring is not an acceptable work-search activity.

If your work-search requirements have 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.

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, your work-search requirement will be considered "met."

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.