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Job & Family Services Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations
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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.