Update on Unemployment Benefits for Ohioans with the Federal Stimulus
This information was released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services on July 27, 2020. To find the most recent announcements from ODJFS regarding “expanded” unemployment programs authorized by federal legislation please click here
The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes a new type of unemployment insurance for contractors, freelancers, self-employed workers and other people who typically do not qualify for standard unemployment coverage in addition to enhanced unemployment benefits for people who have lost their jobs.
The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes a new type of unemployment insurance for contractors, freelancers, self-employed workers and other people who typically do not qualify for standard unemployment coverage.
Ohio limits unemployment benefit payments to a maximum of 26 weeks. Changes approved by Congress now add another 13 weeks of payments after state payments end, for a maximum of 39 weeks.
You are eligible for up to half of your average weekly wage over 20 weeks. Ohioans are eligible for a maximum of $480 a week through state benefits.
Workers can receive an extra $600 a week through the end of July under the Federal stimulus package. That means Ohioans could receive up to $1,080 a week in unemployment compensation.
You must have made at least $269 a week to be eligible. Here is an estimate of what you might receive from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
You’re also eligible for benefits if you were about to begin a job or contract and now are unable to do so because of an outbreak. You will also be covered if you were immediately laid off from a new job and did not have a sufficient work history to qualify for benefits under normal circumstances.
Self-Employed Workers
Self-employed people are newly eligible for unemployment benefits. Benefit amounts will be calculated based on previous income, using a formula from the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program. Self-employed workers will also be eligible for the additional $600 weekly benefit provided by the Federal government.
Part-Time Workers
Part-time workers are eligible for Ohio unemployment benefits. They are also eligible for the additional $600 weekly benefit under the Federal stimulus.
Tipped Workers
For tipped workers, the availability of benefits will depend on how the employer reports tipped wages. If the employer reported tips as part of the employee’s wage, it would be reflected on their tax reporting and therefore the UI benefit would be based on wage with tips. If the employer did not include tips in the wage, the employee will need to file an affidavit with their tipped wages for Ohio Job and Family Services to review.
Independent Contractors
The new stimulus also adds a pandemic unemployment assistance program, which provides jobless benefits to independent contractors. Ohio Independent Contractors must apply to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
You can apply online at https://unemployment.cmt.ohio.gov/cmtview/ or via phone at 1-877-644-6562 or TTY 1-614-387-8408. State officials recommend individuals file for unemployment benefits online if possible. For more information visit http://unemployment.ohio.gov
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