Ohio Unemployment Application Information

The Office of Unemployment Compensation Ohio provides unemployed workers with temporary financial assistance during the time of unemployment. The Department provides an easy-to-use online system to file claims and manage benefits online. The benefits offered by the program are based on the wages earned previously before getting unemployed. The funds for the program are paid by employers and not by workers.

The Unemployment Compensation (UC) program aims to provide temporary and partial wage replacement for unemployed workers who have lost their job due to no fault of their own. On a larger scale, this program helps to stabilize economy during the economic recessions.

The program requires applicants to meet an eligibility criteria before they can receive the benefits. Those meeting the criteria can easily apply online or through telephone to claim their benefits. For continued benefits, claimants will need to file weekly claims thus establishing their eligibility for every week they want to receive benefits.

Eligibility Requirements

Getting help with UC claim in Ohio

For assistance with UC claim in Ohio, simply visit or call your nearest One-Stop Center. You can access contact information for your nearest One-Stop Center by simply visiting this map and clicking your location.

Managing UC benefits

The amount of benefits you receive from Ohio Department of Unemployment Compensation will depend on your wages in the base period. You will need to file weekly claim (click here for online claim submission) for each week that you think you are qualified for the benefits.

Your benefits are transferred to you through direct deposit to your checking/savings account or by debit card. You can choose the method you prefer at the time of completing your initial claim. However, you can change preferred method of payment at any time by calling 614-387-7949.

Learn more about Ohio Unemployment Compensation (UC) program

Visit Ohio Department of Unemployment Compensation website to learn more about the program. If you have any further questions about the program, go through this FAQ section to find an answer to most commonly asked questions.

Unemployment Application Instructions


In order to receive benefits for week you are unemployed, you should file your claim at the earliest. You will start receiving benefits starting from Sunday of the week in which you filed your claim. If you delay your claim, you will lose benefits for the weeks before the claim even if you were qualified during such weeks.

To file your claim online, follow these simple steps.

1- Visit Unemployment Compensation Department Ohio website here. You can file your claim online through this website 24/7. However, there may be some limitations of usage at night when the system updates itself.

2- In case you don't have access to a computer connected to the internet, you can visit your nearest public library to access a computer that you can use to complete online claim. You can also visit One-Stop Center to access a public computer. You can find a One-Stop Center by visiting this map and clicking a location near you. 

Remember that the information that you enter while applying for UC benefits online is retained for 24 hours by the online system. If you didn't complete the application and need to go back to it, be sure to do it within 24 hours from the time you started your claim otherwise you will need to start filling the application from beginning. Be sure to receive confirmation number after submitting the application online to be sure your claim application was accepted by the system.