Ohio Unemployment Extension

Ohio Unemployment Extension

Unemployed Ohioans making their weekly claims can find some temporary assistance to replace their lost wages. However, traditional unemployment benefits only last for 26 weeks. But what about unemployed workers who need an Ohio unemployment extension?

Today, there are no unemployment benefit extensions available in Ohio. However, in times of a high unemployment rate, natural disasters, or pandemics like COVID, there may be extended unemployment benefits.

Ohio Unemployment Extended Benefit Programs

Ohio Extended Benefits (EB)

Extended Benefits are available during periods of a high unemployment rate. The program provides up to 13 additional weeks of benefits when Ohio is experiencing high unemployment. Most recently, unemployment benefits were extended during the COVID pandemic.

In July 2020, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced that it would be issuing eligible claimants an additional 20 weeks of extended unemployment benefits, if they had already exhausted their 26 weeks of regular unemployment insurance and the 13 weeks of Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).

Claimants who then exhausted extended benefits would potentially be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) as well, resulting in a total of 59 weeks of UI benefits. If a claimant had initially collected PUA and not regular unemployment insurance, they would then be able to collect 46 weeks total.

CARES ACT

On March 27th, 2020, the federal government signed the CARES Act into law, which stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security. This act was essentially the umbrella that created funding in every state for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).

The CARES Act also provided funding to local governments with populations over 500,000 to fund pandemic-related costs. In addition to providing a financial boost for Ohio unemployment claimants, the CARES Act also provided billions of dollars for schools and colleges, mass transit, and community development.

The Coronavirus-induced economic shutdown caused millions of Ohioans to lose their jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, the unemployment rate in Ohio peaked at 16.8% in April 2020 and fell to 13.7% in May 2020. To help the unemployed Ohioans meet their basic needs, the state provided a range of financial measures. One such is the extended unemployment benefits. 

PUA

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) was a COVID-era relief program that was meant for those Ohio residents who did not meet traditional Ohio unemployment eligibility guidelines.

The American Rescue Act Plan of 2021 extended PUA, making it possible for claimants to collect a total of 79 weeks of benefits through September 4th, 2021. Examples of those eligible for PUA included individuals who are self-employed, gig workers, and independent contractors. Claimants who had also made less than $280 each week in the course of their previous employment were also eligible for PUA.

PEUC

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) was available for Ohio unemployment insurance benefits claimants who had already exhausted their standard 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. PEUC provided these claimants with an additional 13 weeks of benefits if they concluded their 26-week allotment after July 1st, 2019.

The American Rescue Act Plan of 2021 also extended PEUC through September 4th, 2021, so that recipients could get a total of 53 weeks of PEUC benefits.

To qualify for the PEUC program, you had to meet several requirements:

  • Have exhausted benefits received under the regular unemployment program under federal or state law that ended on or after July 2019
    Are not receiving unemployment benefits under any other state law
    Are not collecting benefits under the Unemployment Compensation (UC) laws of Canada
    Are able, available to work, or actively seeking employment
    Have work search records

FPUC

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) provided an additional $600 for each claimant collecting regular unemployment benefits, PUA, EB, or PEUC. This additional supplemental unemployment income was available only through June 26, 2021, but claims under review, appeal, or pending approval that were filed before then may have received FPUC back pay.

MEUC

Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) was a special program created for individuals who were traditionally employed (that is, on payroll and receiving a paycheck) but who also engaged in self employment, gig work, or contract work. If they earned $5,000 in the tax year before they decided to apply for Ohio Unemployment, they could receive an additional $100 per week on top of their unemployment insurance benefits for all claimed weeks between December 26th, 2020, and June 26th, 2021.

Ohio Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is a program run by FEMA. These extended unemployment benefits are only available when the president declares a disaster.

DUA funds are made available by FEMA for individuals who lost their job due to the disaster and are not eligible for standard unemployment benefits. These claimants typically include self-employed workers, farmers, and individuals who work for an organization like a religious institution. DUA benefits can be triggered by any kind of natural disaster as declared by the President of the United States, and generally lasts for 26 weeks.

More About Extended Unemployment Benefits In Ohio

Generally, Ohioans receive Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits for up to 26 weeks. However, under the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program announced under the CARES Act, Ohioans could receive benefits for an additional 13 weeks, that is, a total of 39 weeks. 

To add more to this, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) offered extended benefits to its citizens. The Department could offer extended unemployment benefits because Ohio’s insured unemployment rate (a measure of the number of people currently collecting UI as a percentage of the labor force) had crossed the minimum threshold. 

Under the newly extended benefits program, eligible Ohioans received payment for an additional 20 weeks. Those who qualified for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program received benefits for an additional 7 weeks. 

Who Qualifies For Extended Unemployment Benefits In Ohio?  

To be eligible for extended unemployment benefits in Ohio, one must meet several requirements. Some of them include:

  • The individual must be out of work
  • The individual must exhaust benefits received under the regular unemployment program
  • The individual must exhaust payment received under the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program
  • The individual must be able, available for work, and actively look for work

Note – Despite meeting the requirements, not all may receive the benefits under the extended benefits program. Kimberly Hall, Director of the ODJFS, has said that the Department will soon start notifying people who can receive payment under the extended program. 

Additional Benefits Available for Ohio residents

Traditional unemployment benefits could help with lost wages assistance. However, many households need additional types of assistance, such as help with food, medicine, or utility payments. There are several other programs that can provide a family service benefit such as SNAP benefits (commonly called food stamps), HEAP Summer Crisis and HEAP Winter Crisis (helping with utility payments), Medicaid, and Child Care Assistance.

Ohioans in need of financial assistance should explore all their options in terms of getting help with lost wages, cash assistance, food, heating, child care, and medical insurance. If you qualify for one of these programs, there is a good chance you qualify for all of them.

  1. is there any extension for Unemployment in Ohio at this time, and if not How do you appeal for further benefits or is this a mute point

    • Joyce,

      The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  2. Hey, I’ve had the same job since I got out of high school.
    For over 40 years I’ve never been laid off or missed a day
    of work. Now the company has shut down, I’ve paid my
    due diligence, can not find a job and am coming to a close
    on my measly unemployment which I’ve paid into for over
    40 years. Just would like to say thanks for the screwing.
    I was there when you needed me, Ware are you?
    I worked for the Government.

    • Sherlock,

      I can understand your situation. It looks like you lost the job due to involuntary reasons. Please consider applying for UI benefits until you find a replacement job.

    • Donald,

      As much as I am aware, there is no extension. You may call the Unemployment Office to find out if there is any.

  3. My benefits have been denied 3 weeks in a row.due to going back to work and a question not being answered..on my behalf…I simply forgot about it I was happy to get back to work…which lasted about 2weeks..and I’ve been unemployed since then.. I filled and appeal the following day after first denial….now my benefit ends this week I just reopened my claim what will happen next…will I be receiving the back pay …will they hold the issue…from then to my reopened case …any answers…thanks

    • Jae,

      If they adjudication during the appeals process was in your favor, please call the Claims Center to take further instructions.

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  4. I have been told that there are no unemployment extensions available in Ohio as of 08/04/2017. I have tried researching the subject, looking for an answer and can’t seem to find one. If anyone could help me out with the correct answer to my question of concern, I would deeply appreciate it. Thank-you!

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

      • Even if the county I live in was declared a natural disaster and my car, home, were destroyed which caused me not to start work. My unemployment ran out a week after tornado

        • Cory,

          Your state may be running an exclusive disaster UI benefits program. Please call the Unemployment Office for assistance. Hope the situation gets better for you soon.

  5. My husband just submitted his last UE Claim. I was told that there are no Extensions. However, it’s my understanding that Florida still allows for Extensions. Is there an appeal process?

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  6. So,if we haven’t been able to find a job after the 26 weeks we’re screwed. When I lost my job,my paperwork from my employer stated 50 weeks. I am 58 with a whole laundry list of medical issues…who’s going to hire me?

  7. my 26 weeks are up for my unemployment, I see we can file for a extension in Ohio, but can we refile?

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  8. here’s a joke, Ohio’s unemployment. We had great paying jobs, leaved with out the government’s help, we get layed off, no one wants to hire you because the job is so good everyone known once you get a call you will go back. so know here I am in line at the welfare. so looks like I’m on the other side of the fence. upside is looks like the Ohio Unemployment employees will be paying me after all! SO #$%^ you all!!

  9. He says rev up job searches. Good joke. About as good as Kasich’s 417,000 good jobs he’s created. Will they ever base unemployment on people who are actually not working, or will it always be based on the amount of people getting and applying for UE? My benefits are up and I’m screwed. I have 2 young kids so it makes no sense for me to get a minimum wage job because I’ll have to pay for day care and that will be more than would make. Since my benefits have run out, stats will show UE HAS GONE DOWN but I’m still unemployed.

    • Well, do we have a choice other than looking for a job? Please note UI benefits are extended only on a temp basis until you find a job.

      Relying on it for a long time will do no good.

  10. This country spends billions of dollars on the exploration of Mars and feeding foreign children but after 26 weeks when I lose my house and can’t feed my kids and have to live under the Market St. bridge, who do I turn to? Alysa Milano or Sally Struthers?

  11. I’ve been laid off twice in my entire life once when I was 19 and now. I’m 37. I’m being told that I can only get help for 26 weeks. It’s BS! What happened the 20%-25% for the last 18 years that I’ve paid in taxes and into unemployment?

  12. What does the unemployment rate of the entire state of Ohio have to do with the unemployed individual? So people like myself get boned because we cant afford to work at Taco Bell or DG? Doesn’t make sense that the higher the rate the better the chance of an extension. Wouldn’t a lower rate mean less people to help? More funds available!? Yay America!

    • Jason,

      We can understand your frustration. The only way out of this situation is by revving up job searches so that there is a permanent end to the ordeal.

  13. Extensions for Unemployment available in Ohio, if expired when benefits end can we still apply for extension at later date upon opening of extension in Ohio if still unemployed ?

  14. If I file for unemployment benefits before this legislation H.B. 394 passes both house and Senate in Ohio and is signed by the governor will I still get my full 26 weeks of benefits being that it was filed before its passing ?

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

    • Please revisit the claim.

      One can only receive up to 26 weeks of Unemployment Compensation on the basis of what they have been approved for. Never heard of a 48 week claim.

  15. My Unemployment benefit year end date says it’s 5/14/2016 yet I receive my last check this week. My benefit time was supposed to be 50 weeks but I only received a dollar amount for 27 weeks. Can I not get an extension for my remaining benefit year? If not, why?

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  16. I am aware there are no current unemployment benefit extensions available in Ohio, but what other benefits are available?

    • Please research online for specific benefits in your state.

      They may be provided by other departments/agencies.

  17. I just ran out of unemployment benefits. Worked in the state of Ohio and live in Kentucky. How do I go about getting an extension of these benefits?1

    • Kathleen,

      Unfortunately, there is no extension available. Please lookout for other forms of benefits in your state for jobless workers.

    • Diana,

      There is no extension available. Regular state provided UI is all that is available.

      Please explore other form of benefits in your state.

  18. My 26 weeks of unemployment benefits will run out in October 2014. Will there be any extensions available for me?

    • There are no extensions available at this time.

      They may become available soon.Please track updates with the labor dept in your state.

  19. I started my extension in 8/13 and it is to expire on 12/13 will I be able to apply and receive additional benefits if still unemployed?

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