Ohio Unemployment Phone Number

Ohio Unemployment Phone Number

The state of Ohio offers many different resources for unemployed Ohio workers as they apply for benefits. Help is right at your fingertips, whether you need assistance with submitting or checking the status of a claim, navigating the appeals process, or help finding a new job.

Many of these resources are available online or over the phone, while others provide their greatest benefit through an in-person visit to a local Ohio job center. We’ve gathered all the contact information you need to make the most of your Ohio unemployment insurance benefits.

Ohio Phone Numbers

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Toll-Free
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services TTY
Ohio Legal service
File for UI benefits in Ohio
File for UI benefits in Ohio TTY
To change your Email address
To get a new PIN
To get answers on questions relating to Appeal
Claims in Ohio are assigned to the processing center based on the last four digits of the applicants’ Social Security number. Choose a phone number based on the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Social Security Number Processing Center Phone Number
0000-0822
0823-2055
2056-2786
2787-4384
4385-5252
5253-6622
6623-7672
7673-8586
8587-9999
Combined Wage Claims, Disaster Unemployment, Assistance Claims, Ex-Military Claims, and Federal Civilian Employee Claims

Ohio Unemployment Phone Numbers

The Ohio UI office is divided into several different departments that focus on a particular facet of the unemployment benefits process. Before you call, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re familiar with the choices of departments and feel confident that you’re directing your call to the right place.

Here is a list of some of the most common and helpful phone numbers within the Ohio UI benefits office:

  • Phone number for general information about Ohio unemployment benefits: 877-644-6562. You can call this number for general information – or if you’re looking for info regarding a pre-existing unemployment claim. Agents also may take your initial Ohio unemployment application via this number.
  • For tax information: 614-466-2319. Call this number if you are an employer and you have questions about payment of your unemployment taxes.
  • Bureau of Policy, Training and Technical Support: 866-733-0025. This is the number to call for information about mass layoffs and the Shared Work Ohio program.
  • Unemployment Insurance Trade: 866-288-0989. Call this office with questions regarding Adjustment Assistance (TAA), Trade Reemployment Assistance (TRA), Trade Training Assistance (TAA), Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA), or Health Coverage TaxCredit (HCTC).
  • Unemployment Insurance Finance: 614-995-5691. This division of the Ohio UI office can help you with questions about your direct deposit information, 1099-G tax forms, your US Bank ReliaCard, child support intercepts, or making a repayment toward an unemployment benefits overpayment.
  • To file a weekly claim via text: Text the word START to 36230 from the mobile number that is on file with the state of Ohio. You’ll then be able to answer questions and submit your claim each week.

Information to have when calling the Ohio UI office

The more information you can provide to an Ohio unemployment customer service representative, the better able they will be to help with your particular problem. That’s why it’s so important to gather all the pertinent information about your UI benefits claim before you call the Ohio UI office.

Here are some of the most important items to have handy before you make your call:

  • Your Social Security number – having this number handy makes it easier for workforce professionals to find your information in the system, and to ensure that the information is connected to you. This is also a good opportunity to verify that your Social Security number is captured correctly within the Ohio UI benefits system.
  • Your dates of employment for the last 18 months – Your customer service representative may have questions about your employment history. Have information ready about each employer listed in your benefits claim. This can make a huge difference in empowering your representative to give you the best possible level of service.
  • Pen and paper – Your UI benefits representative will likely share information with you that you’ll need to refer to later. Have a pen and paper or computer ready when you call so that you can take notes during your conversation.

  1. Cannot log into site, says that my OH ID is being used for another claim currently. Currently on hold and we’ve hit the 95minute mark already. But atleast this time I actually get to wait on hold rather than being told about the extremly high call volume and to just call back. Says my claim is alowed but now I cant seem to continue to claim weeks nor even check my account. Ohiomeansjobs has my veteran status incorrect with the wrong service dates. put a ticket in 2 weeks ago and still no response.
    If you’re that short staffed maybe hire and train more personnel?

  2. I have been unemployed since March of 2023. My claims has been denied since March even though my status is “Allowed”. I haven’t received any benefits and when I try to call the main line, it keeps telling me its busy and to call back. The chat is also ALWAYS busy. This has been happening for weeks and I haven’t been able to speak with someone to help me with my benefits. What can I do? I have a 1 year old son I need to feed.

    • Hi, David – have you received a formal determination letter denying your claim? And if so, have you begun the appeal process? If you haven’t, now might be a good time to connect with a qualified unemployment insurance attorney who can help you navigate the appeals process. In addition, all Ohio determination letters contain instructions for how to submit an appeal. There are four options:

      Online – Log into your account at unemployment.ohio.gov. All correspondences that can be appealed will say “File Appeal” in the far-right column. Click on “File Appeal” for the determination you would like to appeal.
      Email – Email the required information to UI_Respond@jfs.ohio.gov
      Fax – Fax the required information to 1-614-466-8392.
      By Mail – Send appeals by mail to the following address:
      Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
      Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations
      Benefit Appeals
      P.O. Box 182863
      Columbus, Ohio 43216-2863

      In the meantime, are you able to access your online account? That may help identify your claim’s current status. If you haven’t received an official determination, keep filing weekly claims – that way they’ll be paid in a timely manner if and when your claim is approved.

  3. where do i go to request a 1099? i cannot find anywhere on the site to ask for it and it is impossible to get someone live on the phone.

  4. Waited on hold a total of 4 hours. Redirected several times to finally get the right department. Then put on hold again and then hung up on. Beyond pissed this is bullshit.

  5. It is impossible to speak with a REAL LIVE PERSON at Ohio DJFS at the Number Provided (1-877-644-6562) unless you have a CLAIM NUMBER. I have a simple question ABOUT filing. But CANNOT GET AN ANSWER because of having to jump through the automated system. Anyone have a good working phone number that does NOT force you through their automated system?

    • I suggest you consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity. The phone lines will always be busy due to the pandemic.

      • I need to speak to someone who can actually fix YOUR error on my unemployment. Expecting people to wait over two months to resolve YOUR mistake is heinous. We have house payments, car payments, utilities and need to eat.

        • Treva,

          Please note this is a private forum and we do not have access to the form. Please visit the website to download a copy.

  6. I filed an appeal over a month ago, because I was incorrectly denied. I was first told the appeal would take 14-21 days. After 21 days I called, and after an hour on hold I was told they meant 21 business days. That’s fine, I’ve been patient this long. So once the 21 business days were up I called again. After being on hold for another hour, I was told that nobody had looked at my application. The very nice woman on the phone tried to transfer me to the processing center, but the queue was full. So she kindly sent a message to them asking that they call me and follow up on my long overdue appeal. That was three days ago, and again, my appeal was already overdue. I have received no calls. My initial filing date was nearly 12 weeks ago now.

    • I’m going through the same thing have you had any luck it’s been almost 3 months since I filed my appeal

    • Dan,

      There will be a genuine delay due to the sheer number of pending applications. Please follow up with your adjudicator.

  7. I have been calling since last Monday the 16th. I was given a special code to use when submitting my unemployment because of the COVID-19,,, they send me an email on the portal stating what was the reason for the discharge and COVID-19 is none of the reason at all. and they said if approved my weekly will be $478. My gross was $4000 with employment. I have called every day and used the chat with an agent and that doesn’t work either. I need assistance ASAP how do I get hold of someone?? Also was told because of the COVID-19 i will get benefits immediately and now its stating it can take possibly take 4 weeks to get it if approved depending on the discharge reason and one again COVID-19 is not a reason for me to select.

  8. I cannot reset my PIN because the email address on my account is old. I applied for unemployment 10 years ago…so that PIN I no longer remember and that email address is old. I cannot reset the PIN on my own because I do not have access to the old email address. Your website then prompts me to call, which I have tried 100 times only to be told there is a huge call volume and to try again later – then I get hung up on. HOW am I to apply when I cannot even reset the PIN on my own?? I think its a bit ridiculous that the system would expect the same PIN and email address from a claim filed a decade ago!!! This needs fixed ASAP. I see from the thread that I am not the only one having this issue. Please advise with what I should do. And please do not say I need to call ANY of the numbers because they ALL go to the same automated response which just hangs up on you. Thank you for your time.

    • Like many I am in the same situation as you.
      You cant even hold on the phone because it tells you to call at a different time and hangs up. It doesnt matter what time of day I call I get the same thing over and over again. We need help out here!!!

    • Did you figure this out? I’m having the same issue! My address they are sending the pin to is an old address from over 10 years ago and it won’t allow me to change it online and no one will speak to me

      • I haven’t got paid in 6weeks. They sent me to the processing center they scheduled a call and didn’t even call me. Now I have another call for this coming Monday the 16th. I’m s Vet. Need my prescriptions, rent backed up. Don’t have money to look for a job or gas. This is a disgrace. I really losing it. Don’t know where to turn to.

        • I agree my husband is the same way this is so frustrating not been able to speak with a live person! is insane, everything now is the pandemic, excuses and excuses, this people think we don’t have things to pay

        • I can understand your situation. There will be a delay considering the number of applications that are being processed. Please continue chasing the office/check your status online at regular intervals until payments normalize.

  9. I received a phone call from 216 -787- 8646 requesting that I call back with information that they need to continue to process my claim. This is not one of the phone numbers that is listed for the offices. Is this potentially a scam??

      • I have been calling for days to reset my address and pin. It keeps saying no one is available to try again later. I’m freaking out I can not keep waiting yet so many others get through. I can not get my pin as it is sending it to a very old address

        • Someone please help. I have called every number possible. I can’t get my PIN reset. How in the hell am I suppose to remember a PIN number from 10 years ago. Never thought I would be in this situation ever again but because of this coronavirus I am. It keeps saying high volume of phone calls and they they hang you up. this is out of control. I need someone to call me back please. And not in a month. I understand everyone is busy but this is ridiculous. Not a very good system at all. Unreal.

        • I have been on unemployment since nov.i cant log in the site keeps disappearing and I have not gotten a payment since the 11th although I filed.I was able to see my correspondence and says i was paid on the 18th.But nothing was deposited.who can i talk to

        • I am also calling to get my PIN and cannot get through. I’ve already tried resetting the password on the Unemployment Office’s official website, and it won’t allow me to and now I am locked out for trying more than 3 times. It says I must call (866) 962-4064, but I can’t get through. Can someone please advise?

        • Traci,

          We understand this might be a difficult time for you. We’re anticipating a shortage of staff across unemployment offices due to the massive surge in UI applications considering the pandemic. We advise against calling or visiting the office, as you may not get a response instantly.

          Your state may have activated “Extended Benefits (EB)” authorized by the federal government. We recommend you apply for UI benefits online. For more information, please visit your state’s official Unemployment website.

        • Katelyn,

          I can understand your situation. Suggest you try resetting the password on the Unemployment Office’s official website.

  10. How do i speak with a live person with the ohio unemployment office in regards to corresponding meesages i keep recieving to look for work when I’m in a union and the paperwork was faxed over a week ago and every time i call they say experiencing a hugh call volume and it hangs up evrytime even when i call when they first open and even through out the same day.

    • I have tried to apply on line, but I am very confused, and your prompts on your call in number do not seem to be working, there is never a human contact or a prompt to get one. Can someone please help me? .

      • Stephen;

        You have to get lucky to stumble on one then you forget how you got there. they don’t give you an option for LIVE PERSON on purpose. When I did get someone I was told on the first list of messages press 9 then press 3. but they will tell you they are still experiencing high call volume ll day long. Until about 4:30 to 5 in the afternoon you cant get through until then

        • Just a runaround everywhere you go. I’m homeless due to an admitted mistake by the unemployment office and have not been paid for 2 weeks now. My wife is in the hospital with pneumonia because we were evicted since they want to yake their time fixing their own mistakes

    • Darrin,

      If you’re unable to find an option on the IVR (to speak to a person), please visit the official website to find out additional phone numbers.

      • I’ve called every number there is for days!!! No one picks up. Says they are experiencing high call volumes to call back later. Then they hang up. I have an issue that needs handled. This is ridiculous. Do you have anyone actually working? This is not acceptable and needs to be reevaluated.

        • This keeps happening to me over and over. the waiting for an hour and being hung up on this many times is not excusable by any means. after a dozen times of being hung up on, makes one curious whats really happening here? not just an oops once or twice.

        • Kristine,

          Please try finding answers online since there might be limited phone support due to the shortage of staffing. You can use the “Resources” or “FAQs” section of the website.

        • I am currently trying to get in touch with someone to open a file I got from the unemployment office… when I tried to access the file online, I was told I needed to call the unemployment number to receive the information… I have tried, but because of heavy volume , I cannot get through… what are the best times to call ???

        • Josephine,

          We understand this might be a difficult time for you. We’re anticipating a shortage of staff across unemployment offices due to the massive surge in UI applications considering the pandemic. We advise against calling or visiting the office, as you may not get a response instantly. Please read more about the situation here https://fileunemployment.org/coronavirus/

          Your state may have activated “Extended Benefits (EB)” authorized by the federal government. We recommend you apply for UI benefits online. For more information, please visit your state’s official Unemployment website.

  11. Trying to find a phone number to get my password reset. I get a message telling me to call an office. offices are closed, but i need to speak to a human.

  12. I’m trying to contact your office to get a question answered. None of the reasons for discharge apply in my situation. I keep getting a recording to call back later, but I need an answer NOW. Your live chat has no one working on it either. Help in Ohio!!

    • I’m having trouble logging in for my Unempoyment! Can not get through on the phone either! Please give me a number to call that I can talk to someone

    • Becky,

      Please note this is a private forum and not a govt. website. Please visit the official website to find answers to your questions and to find additional phone numbers.

  13. I was approved for benefits from my employer after termination, but I am still working part-time in the tax industry. I wish to stop my current UI claim and restart later because I earn more part-time than the claim. I will be laid off in a few weeks. I can’t reach anyone by phone. How do I notify JFS.

  14. I currently work for Sinclair College and have a staff position. I have been told that I have 1 of three options 1. retire 2. resign. 3 be fired – my question is which option can I take and get unemployment benefits . If none -what if my position were eliminated then would I get benefits ?

    • I did the Benefits calculator and put wrong amounts and can’t get it to let me redo. I put maximum on all quarters and that is incorrect. How can I redo or find out my weekly unemployment benefits?

    • Taylor,

      From the details you’ve provided, it looks like involuntary separation. You can be eligible to claim under these circumstances.

  15. Tried calling all week and the system just gives a message about higher than normal call volume, and to try again later.
    This is crazy. I understand one day or even two but being unavailable all week as a government agency is unacceptable to me. How else can I talk to someone?

  16. My question is I receive a government pension check and currently working a part time job …which will be close from Jan. thru Mar. Would I qualify for unemployment for those three months ?

    • Pat,

      To be eligible to claim UI benefits, the claimant is required to have sufficient hours and earnings during the “Base Period”. Please use the Benefits Calculator to estimate.

  17. My wife’s dental office was bought out, she has been there 20 yrs. She was told to sign a contract stating she would work 90 days and then the dentist would make a decision to keep her and the other staff or not and could still be let go during the 90 days at anytime. Will she be eligible for unemployment and would it come from her past employer or present. She has been in dentistry for a total of 36 yrs. and is paid well, I’m thinking she will be let go for that reason. This is the 7th practice this dentist has bought and I hope this isn’t his pattern.

    • Doug,

      If she is let go due to involuntary reasons such as lay off, your wife should be eligible to claim UI benefits from the current employer.

  18. I filed for unemployment about 4 weeks ago. I worked at Powell Electric in North Canton for 13 years. My position was terminated on August 3. I have never received a case number or anything similar. I received offers regarding loans and job training. I am wondering as to my status.

    • Stephen,

      It should not take so long. Please call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided for an update and chase at regular intervals if needed.

  19. I called the toll free number to find out why my benefits have not yet been paid. Option 2 is indicated for filing or payment issues, however, when you press option 2, the recording gives information about filing online or in person and NO information about missing payments. Option 1, for filing a claim, resulted in being connected to a recording indicating that no one was available to take my call due to high call volume and disconnection – no “unique call back service.”

  20. MY WIFE IS A SCHOOL SECRETARY . HER HRS WERE CUT TO 9 HRS WK IN JUNE AND 25 HRS PER ,WEEK IN JULY . HER WORK FROM AUG TILL JUNE 1 IS OVER 40 HRS WEEK . CAN SHE GET THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FOR THE LOSS OF HOURS AND MONEY. SHE WORKS AT A PAROCHIAL SCHOOL AND WE BELIEVE THIS IS VERY UNFAIR. PLEASE RESPON ASAP TO ALSO IS THEIR A PHONE NUMBER WHERE WE CAN TALK TO A LIVE PERSON INSTEAD OF AUTOMATED GARBAGE AND ALSO ARE THERE STILL UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICES IN GREENE OR MONTGOMERY CO. THANK YOU

    • Alan,

      Your wife can be eligible to apply for partial UI benefits. Please apply online or by phone, depending on the availability.

  21. I have been approved for benefits but haven’t received my debit card through the mail. I went through the one waiting week and my first payment is ready to be accessed. Should I be concerned about not receiving my card yet?

    • Yes, please. You can call the Claims Center to know the status of your debit card.

      Make sure to chase them at regular intervals.

  22. Have been trying to get through since 1130 am today it is now 329. I have 1 hour and 1 min to add my daughter as dependent or I will not get it, because I was told I had to CALL back not go on line. Which I can’t get onto because of pin. I need a call back ASAP 5136922523, JAMI

    • Jami,

      Please note this is a private forum and we do not have any connection with the govt. authorities. You can try calling during the off-peak hours or visit the official website for more phone numbers.

  23. I am locked out of my unemployment sight. I need to speak to someone asap to get a new pin. Please email or call.

    • Please note this is a private forum and we do not have access to your ac information.

      You can call the Claims Center for a reset.

  24. How can we talk to someone if you don’t answer the phone or allow us to do a return call back online maybe easy but when need to talk to someone we can’t reach through

    • Please note this is a private forum. You may try reaching out during non-peak hours or visit the official website to find answers.

  25. Need help to collect benefits for surviving son of someone collecting unemployment that has died. When he filled out his application did he designate beneficiaries or dependents? Is there a way to get a copy of this so the remaining funds in his account can be released to his son?

    • I am not sure how it works in this case.

      You may immediately contact the Unemployment Office by phone to inquire further.

  26. I got laid off on 1-10-2016 due to bad weather, it happens every year around this time and it’s usually no longer than 4-6 weeks, I have worked in 3 different states last year with Ohio being the most recent, my question is: why was I denied benefits from your state, I can’t ever get a response from telephone, I responded to every email they sent, I looked for jobs and just found out that it was “disallowed” . Maybe if j was a refugee it would be easier to get some assistance but figured my employer and myself have contributed to this fund and I should not have any problems…boy was I wrong!!!

    • Please note that we’re not a government organization. This is a private forum.

      You can call the claims center for specific information on your claim.

  27. I filed for h employment got a letter saying it was approved and allowed but the past 3 weeks I filed now says denied. Why?

    • We do not have access to your claim information since this is a private forum.

      Please call the claims center on the phone numbers provided for further information.

  28. I am trying to apply for unemployment online. I was told I had PIN # from a claim many years ago but when I tried to retrieve it I was told since I didn’t have a hint question I would need to call the office. I am having a very difficult time finding what office to call and the numbers provided have been automated or busy. Can you assist me–I live Geauga County

    • Heather,

      We do not have access to your account or claim information since this is a private forum. Please keep trying the phone numbers.

  29. CANNOT GET HOLD OF ANYONE FOR QUESTIONS ON MY UNEMPLOYMENT THIS HAS BEEN 4 WWEEKS NOW I NEED HELP PLEASE CAN SOMEONE HELP

    • Please let us know the nature of your query.

      If you filed and have not received, please call the claims center on the phone numbers provided for an update.

  30. My hours have been cut to 32 per week due to lack of work. Can I apply using 1 day a week to get my waiting week out of the way?

    • You can make a claim to compensate loss of working hours. You have to wait for the initial week if applying for the first time.

  31. Hello, I am confused by the pay quarters. I was paid $11 per hour, May 2015- August 2015. Then starting August 2015 until today, I had a base salary of $40,000. 90 days of salary and 90+ days of hourly. Would I qualify?

    • Temporary time off from work is generally not considered.

      Please check further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  32. My mother is very sick and I am the only one taking care of her. My employer knows this, but now I have to work 2nd shift and I can’t leave my mother alone at night. I don’t know what to do, but if I quit my job because of this can I collect unemployment?

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  33. am government worker and will be furloughed 10-1-15 for who knows how long. been on hold for 22 minutes. am i eligible for unemployment due to agovernment furlough?. i clear 500 a week. i also receive a strs pension and work a part time second job – the pension is 400 a month, the job 300 a month. i need to know if ohio does this- it is the RRB of the federal government and i am under FERS retirement.

    • You should be able to apply for Unemployment benefits in your state. The pension may have a say when you apply.

      Please call the claims center/customer service of the labor dept. in your state for further information.

  34. I started my application, but it went off my screen as I was getting ready to do part 2, what do I do now

    • You should be able to continue from where you left.

      If you have any difficulties, call the phone numbers provided for support.

  35. I cannot reach a live person to speak to. I originally applied for
    unemployment in April 2013 but decided not to actually receive
    benefits until July, 2013 with my first payment being July 23, 2013. They are now telling me my benefits are exhausted and it have only been about six months. Can someone please reply to me so I can give them my phone number and they can call me. Thank you.

  36. I have started working on february 9th 2013 and still working.I need to find out how much money paid by my employer untill now in case if i get fired how much i get?Thanks i like to speak in person on phone i tried many times no success.I am still working in Brookville ohio state.

  37. my employer is cutting my hours to 25 per week, can I file for partial? If I refuse to come in 5 days a week at 5 hours a day anc get fired can I file? With gasoline over $4 per gallon the expense of driving would put me at a loss. What solucions are available?

    • Hi Susane,

      You can collect benefits as your working hours have been significantly reduced. Please check if you have earned sufficiently and meet other eligibility requirements.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

https://fileunemployment.org