The state is finalizing a system update that will allow more than 95,000 people in the state to begin claiming unemployment benefits this weekend that were part of the stimulus package passed late last year.
The updates will allow people to begin claiming benefits that are payable under the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program on Jan. 31.
>> Latest hospital data suggests curfew change coming this week
On Jan. 31, an additional 11 weeks of PEUC will be available to more than 95,000 Ohioans, which includes many of those who formerly received Federal-State Extended Benefits.
“Eligible individuals also will receive the $300 FPUC payments. The CARES Act provided up to 13 weeks of PEUC benefits for Ohioans who exhausted their maximum 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits, through December 26,” the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said. “The new legislation provides an additional 11 weeks of PEUC, but new programming is necessary to make them available to claim.”
Beginning Feb. 6, the state said Ohioans that are new to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program will be able to apply, claim weeks and receive benefits under that program.
“In addition, an estimated 155,453 PUA claimants who had balances on their accounts of up to 7 weeks can again be paid, provided they have no other issues holding their claims. Eligible individuals also will receive the $300 FPUC payments,” ODJFS said.
The state is currently paying unemployment benefits to more than 245,000 Ohioans.
Cox Media Group
