Ohio to Expedite Unemployment Payments as Federal Benefits Extended

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Following guidance issued today by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will expedite payments to “hundreds of thousands of Ohioans.”

Unemployment claimants will soon start receiving $300 weekly supplements provided by the new federal coronavirus relief bill. In addition, those filing for pandemic unemployment assistance will be able to resuming filing weekly claims. The benefits have been extended through March 13.

“We are committed to making the updates as quickly as we can so that we can bring much-needed relief to eligible claimants,” said Job and Family Services director Kimberly Henderson in a statement. “System programming will be needed for this effort, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as that occurs. Ohio stands ready to assist those in need as soon as possible, within the bounds of the new law. Those eligible will receive all benefits to which they are entitled.”

The state agency will automatically calculate PUA and pandemic emergency unemployment compensation claims and notify Ohioans when they are able to certify for their next payment.

Those whose benefits under the Cares Act expired Dec. 26 may file benefits retroactive to the week starting Dec. 27. The new relief bill does not affect traditional unemployment benefits.

“ODJFS expects that the programs and benefits that were extended with little to no changes in the new law – such a full federal funding of SharedWork Ohio, continuation of federal funding for the first week of benefits, and continued claims in pandemic emergency unemployment and pandemic unemployment assistance that still have weeks remaining to file – will be implemented without delay,” Henderson said.

A full list of updates created by the relief bill, as well as details of unemployment compensation programs, can be found on the Job and Family Services website HERE.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.