COLUMBUS, Ohio — Last Monday, Congress passed a COVID relief bill that offers an extra $300 in unemployment benefits each week.
Today, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) announced the many unemployment claimants in Ohio will soon begin receiving that payment.
Also, people who were part of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will soon be able to start filing their weekly claims for benefits again.
“We are committed to making the updates as quickly as we can so that we can bring much-needed relief to eligible claimants,” said ODJFS Director Kimberly Henderson. “System programming will be needed for this effort, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as that occurs. Ohio stands ready to assist those in need as soon as possible, within the bounds of the new law. Those eligible will receive all benefits to which they are entitled.”
According to the ODJFS in their press release, "individuals whose CARES Act benefits expired as of Dec. 26 (with the exception of the Federal-State Extended Benefits program) will pick up where they left off and may file benefits retroactive to the week beginning Dec. 27."
"Notably, the legislation does not impact traditional unemployment benefits. In addition, ODJFS expects that the programs and benefits that were extended with little to no changes in the new law – such a full federal funding of SharedWork Ohio, continuation of federal funding for the first week of benefits, and continued claims in PEUC and PUA that still have weeks remaining to file – will be implemented without delay."