UAUnemployment Guide Application
UAUnemployment Guide Application
UAUnemployment Guide Application
‘Break in Claim’
What to do if you have one, and how to prevent it
from happening again
If you are unemployed, you return to work, and then you become unemployed again, you may
experience what is known as a “break in claim.” A break in claim may be caused by any of the
following:
• A week not filed.
• A week when you earned more than your weekly benefit amount (for example, if
you filed a weekly claim during a week that you worked).
• A week claimed late.
• If you filed an application and a weekly claim in the same week.
If your payment status shows as "break in claim," you need staff intervention. Please call
(877) OHIO-JOB (1-877-644-6562) or TTY at (888) 642-8203.
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HOW TO APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Applying online is the quickest way to start receiving unemployment benefits. To apply online,
go to unemployment.ohio.gov and follow the steps listed below. If you don’t have access to a
computer, you can apply by calling 1-877-644-6562. Call center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday.
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Claim” option. Click “Restart Your Claim.”
NOTE: The system will present you with the correct option.
If it has been less than 3 weeks since you last filed a weekly claim, you will see the “File
Additional/Reopen Application” option. Click "File Additional/Reopen Application."
NOTE: The system will present you with the correct option.
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9. You will be asked to confirm your choice of reapplying for benefits. Confirm by selecting the
corresponding button and then click “Next.”
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10. Answer all the questions that you are shown. If you need help, click on the “Help Text”
links. You also can view how-to videos at jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/HowToVideos.stm.
If you choose to claim one or more dependents, you will be taken to a page where you
can provide that information. Click “Next.”
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11. If you were provided a mass-layoff number, select “Yes” and enter the ID number.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to use the number provided by your employer corresponding with
your LAST DAY of work, not an old number that you may have been provided in the past.
You can answer “Yes” or “No” to the question asking whether you worked for other
employers over the last six weeks.
Below is an example of what this screen looks like:
12. If you do not enter a mass-layoff number, you will be asked to enter your employer’s
information. Answer and click “Next.”
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13. You will be asked additional questions, including whether you are a veteran, your previous
wage information, and occupational details. Answer them and click “Next.”
NOTE: The system requires you to choose two occupations, even though you may not be
required to conduct work-search activities.
14. The last page will ask you to certify that all the information you entered is accurate. If it is,
click “Agree” to submit.
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WHAT NEXT?
• After applying, you will receive further instructions by mail or in the Correspondence
section of your online account. If you selected email as your preferred correspondence
method, you will receive an email from OJI@odjfs.state.oh.us whenever you have new
items to view in the Correspondence section of your online account.
• Your claim will be assigned to a processing center, based on the last four digits of your
Social Security number. Click here for a list of processing centers by Social Security
number.
• While you’re waiting for your eligibility determination, during your second full week of
unemployment, be sure to file your first weekly claim. In order to be paid, you must file
weekly claims for each week that you are unemployed or make less than your weekly
benefit amount.
• The easiest way to file weekly claims is by logging into your account at
unemployment.ohio.gov. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can file weekly claims
by calling 1-877-644-6562. Call center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• If you receive a message that you are unable to file a weekly claim until Sunday, that
is because you cannot claim a week of benefits until the week has ended on Saturday
at midnight.
HOW-TO VIDEOS
For additional help navigating Ohio’s unemployment system, please visit
jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/HowToVideos.stm.