Ohio has two ways to file an application for Unemployment Insurance Benefits:
- Online
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.
- Telephone
Call toll-free 1-877-644-6562 or TTY 1-614-387-8408, (excluding holidays).
Agents are available to assist with PIN resets and take initial applications Monday through Friday 8 AM - 5 PM.
For any other calls, regular business hours are the same.
A full list of Unemployment Points of Contact is also available.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance 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 of employment
- 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
Also:
- 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)
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.