Maximum weekly benefit amounts for regular unemployment compensation claims will increase for new claims filed in Ohio on or after Dec. 31, 2001, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Weekly benefit amounts are set by state law at 50 percent of the applicant's average weekly wage, up to certain maximums which are determined by the number of eligible dependents. The law provides that maximum benefit amounts be adjusted each year based on the increase in the statewide average weekly wage for all workers covered by unemployment compensation.

The maximum weekly benefit amounts for 2002 are: $308 for an individual with no dependents (up from $303); $373 for an individual with one or two dependents (was $367); and $417 for an individual with three or more dependents ($407).

Unemployment benefits are paid out of the state's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, supported by Ohio employers' state unemployment insurance taxes.

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For more information, contact ODJFS Communications, (614) 466-6650.