OHIO HAS ONLY TWO WAYS TO FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS:

• File online at http://unemployment.ohio.gov, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Service may be limited during nightly system updating. Check the website for available services. Please be sure to follow the instructions.
• Call toll-free 1-877-644-6562 or TTY 1-888-642-8203, (excluding holidays) Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
   
  To file a new unemployment claim or to reopen a previously filed claim, you must call on the day associated with the first letter of your last name:
   
  For last names beginning with A through I, please call on Monday.
  For last names beginning with J through L, please call on Tuesday.
  For last names beginning with M through S, please call on Wednesday.
  For last names beginning with T through Z, please call on Thursday.
  If you have missed your filing day, please call on Friday.

TO REGISTER FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, YOU WILL NEED:

• Your Social Security number
• Your driver's license or state ID number
• Your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address
• Name, address, telephone number, and dates of employment with each employer you worked for during the past 6 weeks
• The reason you became unemployed from each employer
• Dependents' names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth
• If claiming dependents, your spouse's name, Social Security number, and birth date
• If you are not a U.S. citizen or national, alien registration number and expiration date
• Your regular occupation and job skills
   
  You may also have to provide:
        
• If you had out-of-state employment, have worked for the federal government, or are separated from military service, more information is required, including:
   
  Form DD-214, member 4 copy (for military service)
  SF-8 or SF-50 form (for federal government employment)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CALL THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER:

When you call the 1-877-644-6562 number, you will be asked to choose one of the following number options:

1. Press #1 for assistance with unemployment applications.
2. Press #2 if you are calling to file for weeks of benefits, for payment information, or to ask about the status of a previously filed claim.
3. Press #3 if you are responding to a statement of overpayment you received in the mail or a notice of change in work-search requirements and are required to register for employment services.
4. If you do not have a touch-tone phone, stay on the line and your call will be put through to a customer service representative.

ONCE YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN FILED:

• You will receive further information by mail or e-mail.  E-mail will be sent from OJI@odjfs.state.oh.us.
• Your claim will be assigned to a Processing Center, based on the last four digits of the your Social Security number. Click here for a list of Processing Centers by Social Security number.
• If filing online and you need your Personal Identification Number (PIN) reset, please call toll-free 1-866-962-4064.