ODJFS Director Barbara Riley today announced that nearly 47,000 Ohio workers have filed initial claims for unemployment benefits online since the service first became available in the state a year ago today.

"While most workers apply for unemployment benefits over the phone, an increasing number are using the Internet to apply for benefits and begin their job searches immediately," Riley said.

Since the Ohio Job Insurance computer system became operational in August 2004, ODJFS has offered unemployed workers the option of filing new claims or reopening existing claims for unemployment benefits online. More than 10 percent of new claims filed since then have been filed online. In July, an average of about 1,500 workers per week filed new claims online.

The online system allows workers and employers to respond to requests for information, view determinations, obtain information about claims and file appeals. The system also provides for services previously not available such as the direct deposit of benefit checks.

Unemployment compensation benefits provide temporary and partial wage replacement to eligible workers who have become unemployed through no fault of their own. Workers may apply for benefits online seven days a week at http://unemployment.ohio.gov or by calling 877-644-6562 (877-OHIO-JOB) from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Ohio employers fund the unemployment compensation benefits system through insurance taxes paid into the Ohio Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. More than $1.1 billion in unemployment benefits were paid to Ohio workers during State Fiscal Year 2005.

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