After the first three weeks, you can continue to file claims weekly only if you authorize ODJFS (1) to deposit your unemployment compensation directly into your bank account AND (2) to issue all correspondence electronically, rather than through the postal system.

If you do NOT authorize ODJFS to directly deposit your benefits into your bank account AND issue only electronic correspondence, you will be converted to a biweekly (every other week) claim schedule. Instructions for requesting direct deposit and electronic correspondence are detailed in "Requesting Direct Deposit and/or Electronic Correspondence" below.

For example, in the illustration below, the individual has filed for the first three weeks of benefits and has not authorized either direct deposit or electronic correspondence. He/she is switched to biweekly filing and would not file for week ending Day 28 and week ending Day 35 until the day after the second week of the biweekly period ends, Day 36.

   
Requesting Direct Deposit and/or Electronic Correspondence

You may request that your benefits be paid by either direct deposit or debit card at any time by accessing your claim on-line at http://unemployment.ohio.gov or by calling your processing center. To make this choice on-line, go to the Main Menu and choose "Update Personal Information."

Unless you choose to have your benefits directly deposited into your bank account, benefits will be issued through a U.S. Bank ReliaCard Visa. You already qualify for this prepaid Visa card - no credit check or bank account is required. When you are issued unemployment compensation benefit payments, the payments are automatically deposited to the card.

You can use the money on the card to make purchases and get cash. You can use the ReliaCard Visa for purchases everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. You can also get the cash you need at any financial institution (bank) displaying the Visa logo or from any U.S. Bank or Visa/PLUS(r) ATM. 

When you file your initial claim, you can choose to have your benefits paid by direct deposit to your checking or savings account. You can receive benefits via direct deposit whether you file on a weekly or biweekly basis. You can also request that benefits be paid by direct deposit any time by accessing your claim online or by calling your processing center.

If making this choice online, go to the Main Menu and choose "Update Personal Information."  You must provide your bank's name, complete address, your account number and the bank's routing number. See example (below) to find your account number and the bank's routing number.
 

When calling your processing center to choose direct deposit, you must provide the same bank and account number information that is required for on-line election. Provide the banking information as it appears on your checks. Information that appears on your deposit slip may be different and may delay receipt of benefit payments.

Correspondence will automatically be provided to you via the postal system unless you choose to receive correspondence electronically. If you wish to file and receive benefits weekly, you must choose to receive all notices electronically.

You can ask to receive all notices electronically at any time by accessing your claim on-line or by calling your processing center. If making this election on-line, go to the Main Menu and choose "Update Personal Information."

If you choose to receive your correspondence electronically, an e-mail will notify you when new correspondence is posted to your on-line account. The e-mail will direct you to log on to your account to view your correspondence. Whether you select U.S. mail or e-mail, you may still access and respond to all correspondence sent to you on-line.