Ohio Office of Unemployment Compensation Customer Service Issues

I'm Karen D. I recently applied for unemployment after 40 years of work. Despite receiving a confirmation number, I'm unable to access a crucial email about my claim application. The email prompts me to correct information, but the content won't load. I've been unable to reach a representative by phone or online chat. I'm worried that my claim is stuck in pending status, possibly due to missing details in the email. When I try to open the message, I receive an error stating "document not available." My confirmation number is CC[redacted]63. Your assistance in resolving this issue is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

To enhance services, I recently filed a claim but faced issues due to system overload via internet, chat, and phone. I suggest setting up an electronic message center with necessary elements on the menu board (HIPAA compliant) to resolve individual claims effectively. It would be helpful to have multiple chat options for faster assistance. When unable to reach by phone, opening messages or receiving further instructions would be beneficial. Additionally, extending service hours beyond 7am-5:30pm would accommodate individuals needing assistance. Your efforts are valued and appreciated. Thank you for considering these improvements. - Tracey K.

On 03/16/[redacted], I was laid off and promptly filed for unemployment on 03/17/[redacted]. However, on 03/19/[redacted], I received a letter stating there was an issue with my social security number not matching my surname, which seemed impossible as I have used it all my life. The letter requested proof of my social security and birth certificate within 5 days. Unfortunately, I couldn't find my social security card, making it impossible to comply. I contacted the SSA, who confirmed that all my information matched. When reviewing my W2, everything appeared correct. Despite my efforts to reach the office, high call volumes made it challenging to connect, resulting in me missing the deadline. I had to file a new claim on 03/21/[redacted], but faced different questions this time. I made an error, leading to another request for clarification. Since my job laid off 45 employees due to the coronavirus and provided us with a mass layoff sheet with a code, none of the reasons listed applied to me. I hesitated to select one arbitrarily and face further delays.

I have been attempting to file my unemployment claim since March 20 through the Ohio unemployment website. Upon logging in, it prompts me to reset my PIN which I never had set up. Despite following instructions and entering my details for a new PIN, I am directed to call a specific number for assistance. No matter the time of day, I encounter high call volumes and the inability to reach a resolution. As my job at a day care center closed due to COVID-19, I urgently need to apply for unemployment benefits. How can I proceed with my application given these difficulties?

I experienced multiple problems during my COVID-19 layoff application process. I received a mass layoff number and tried to fill out the application, but it kept indicating that one of my employers was already listed when it wasn't, preventing me from completing it. I couldn't edit the COVID-19 date either, which should have been 3/20 instead of 3/14. Despite reopening my claim, I continue to face issues with notices that must be resolved but are inaccessible due to errors on the site. The system prompts to correct errors but then states the report is unavailable in red text. I've been trying to contact them for three days, spending hours on calls starting at 7 am, only to be told to call back later due to high call volume. This frustrating situation leaves me without funds for basic needs. They need to address these technical problems promptly or increase their staffing to manage the overwhelming demand. It's crucial for those relying on these benefits for survival.

I am a waitress named Sarah D. I lost my job due to the government shutdown and have been waiting for unemployment for two and a half weeks. I submitted my driver's license, social security number, and birth certificate to the Lima processing center. I've tried calling three times but haven't been able to reach anyone. As a single mom with two kids, the lack of income is putting me in a tough spot. I'm eager to understand the status of my unemployment claim. I acknowledge you are dealing with a high volume of inquiries but urge you to consider my situation as well. Please reach out to me at [redacted].

When attempting to file my weekly claim, the website indicated that I had made 3 incorrect login attempts, locking me out of my account. However, I am certain that I did not input the wrong information as it is auto-saved on my computer. When trying to reset my pin, the system fails, prompting me to call for assistance. Unfortunately, the phone menu either disconnects me or leads to a dead end, making it impossible to receive help. I am eager to submit my claim and receive confirmation of its success to ensure timely payment. It is crucial that the website issues are addressed promptly so I can manage my account online. Additionally, I hope to speak with a representative for support.

I received a message to provide my SSN proof and birth certificate and tried to upload the documents following the instructions, but encountered an error message when trying to view the attached files. I am unable to reach anyone by phone or chat, and the library is closed due to the virus, so my mother is assisting me on her computer. Dealing with the loss of my girlfriend and her daughter last year has made this process even more stressful. My mother, who is 67 years old and retired, is struggling to understand the instructions. She converted my documents to PDF and is having a hard time with it. I need assistance with this as my deadline is approaching. If you need to speak with my mother directly, please contact Sondra Wilkerson at [redacted]. Thank you for your help.

While filing my weekly claim, I mistakenly answered no to questions 1 and 2 regarding availability and ability to work. I am currently impacted by the government shutdown and did not realize I needed to be available for work despite being unemployed. I am having trouble reaching a representative through the unemployment hotline as there is no option to speak to someone directly. The automated message ends the call before allowing me to hold for assistance. It would be beneficial to have a holding option like other benefit services to improve customer support based on call volume.

Unemployment is claiming there is an issue with my name and social security number. I have all the necessary documents, but the site won't allow me to upload them. Even after multiple attempts, I haven't received confirmation of a successful upload for my birth certificate and social security card. I am located in Lucas County, Ohio. Please text me, and I can easily send you pictures of my birth certificate and social security card as requested.

I am a 66-year-old employee at an Ameristop Store in Colerain Township on Springdale Rd. I am concerned about the lack of social distancing at work, especially near the cash register where I interact with customers. The owner recently informed me that he is not planning to install protective shields for staff. Customers come in without covering their mouths, which causes anxiety as I am at high risk for the virus. Although the owner has implemented some safety measures, he refuses to install shields, which I believe are crucial. He mentioned that I don't have to work if I feel uncomfortable and I asked about unemployment benefits, but he denied my eligibility. Moreover, he stated that my job may not be guaranteed if I choose to stay home until the situation improves. I have been dealing with depression and anxiety under medical care for almost a year. Please advise on how to proceed in this situation promptly. Thank you, Peggy M.

This is my first time applying for unemployment, and I am encountering difficulties. I have been unsuccessful in reaching anyone over the phone to discuss my claim. After filing, I received a Determination of Benefit Rights stating that I am Monetarily ineligible. I have now received a Claimant's Monetary Affidavit from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, which only shows my employment from 07/01/[redacted] to 12/31/[redacted]. I need to include my employment with the USPS from 05/08/[redacted] to 05/31/[redacted]. Additionally, I retired from the USPS on 05/31/[redacted] and began working as a Substitute for the Celina City Schools on 08/22/[redacted] until Covid-19 affected my employment on March 16, [redacted]. I am unsure of the necessary steps to take at this point, whether I should file a new claim or how to amend my current claim to include my previous employment with the USPS and indicate that I retired. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I have been attempting to contact Ohio unemployment for 3 weeks now without any luck. I am owed 3 weeks of unemployment benefits due to being laid off by my boss because of the pandemic. There was an eligibility issue related to my surname, which I have since resolved by faxing my Social Security card as requested. However, after receiving a letter from them, the response date had already passed. I continue to claim weeks as instructed but have not received any updates. I am in a desperate situation with only $0.45 to my name. I have applied for food stamps, but they are still weeks away due to current mail delays. My name is Joseph Evans, and I reside in Middletown, Ohio. I can be reached at [redacted], please ask for Joe Evans on my roommate's phone as I cannot afford phone service at the moment. Thank you.

I am seeking clarity on how to file for unemployment as a gig worker. My last claim as a W2 employee was 12 years ago, but my information is still in the system. I work as a freelance advertising creative provider and an Uber driver, but due to the pandemic, I had to stop driving for Uber on 3/12/20. Additionally, both of my current freelance advertising projects were canceled last week, one client is in the auto manufacturing industry, and the other installs TVs in hospitals. I started a new claim online but paused as I need more information on the process for independent workers like me. I am uncertain if the filing system has been updated to accommodate our situation, considering the current high volume of claims. I also receive monthly Social Security benefits and wonder if that affects my eligibility for unemployment benefits. Any guidance provided would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. -- Steve G.

I have 6 envelopes (messages) on the correspondent page that I am unable to open. Among them, 2 are red and seem to require specific information with deadline dates. Attempts to contact via phone have been unsuccessful as the line states there are too many calls and disconnects. This issue has persisted for 3-4 days. Chat support on the website has also been inaccessible except for one instance, which was solely for pin resets. Additionally, I was unable to find the mass lay-off number for Coronavirus on my paperwork, which may delay my case. I urgently need clarity on my situation as I am currently without income and have not received any updates on the website since filing. Appreciation to Gethuman.com for their assistance.

I need to submit additional information, but I am struggling to find out where to fax it. I have been unable to reach anyone through phone or chat, which is frustrating. This situation has caused me to miss the deadline for filing this week. I hope there is someone available to answer the phone and help me locate the correct fax number. It is important for me to send the required paperwork promptly.

I submitted my unemployment claim on 3/29/20, a day before my last day of work on 3/30/30 to get ahead. Unfortunately, this plan seems to have caused eligibility issues as I should have waited until after my last day of work when filing. It has been three weeks since I applied, and despite submitting all required documents, there has been no determination yet. Meanwhile, all my co-workers have already received their payments. My bills are accumulating, and the stress is overwhelming. I fear I may lose my house if I can't pay my rent soon.

When I tried to file for my weekly benefits yesterday, 4-5-[redacted], and proceeded to the next page, I encountered questions I needed to answer. Since I was using my phone and didn't have immediate access to the required information, when I searched my purse for it, I accidentally closed the tab. I attempted to return to the page, but I couldn't access the section where I needed to provide responses. I've been attempting to contact the office, but I haven't been successful. It's urgent because I won't receive benefits without providing the necessary information. Assistance, please!

Due to the COVID-19 salon shutdown, I unfortunately lost my job. Luckily, my unemployment claim was approved, and I've received my first and second payments. I opted to have the funds loaded onto the US Bank card that I recently received in the mail. However, after contacting the card service, I noticed only my second payment was credited, not the first. It's frustrating not being able to speak directly to someone from Ohio unemployment to address this issue, especially since there is no waiting period for those affected by the pandemic. I'm left wondering where my initial payment could be.

I have been attempting to reach out to the unemployment office to address crucial issues related to my claim. However, I have been unable to connect with anyone through phone or email. This lack of communication may result in the loss of my benefits because I cannot access my inbox to review essential documents with approaching deadlines. I am requesting a phone call or email response to address my inquiries promptly. Additionally, I have yet to receive my approval letter for benefits. I kindly seek clarification and assistance regarding my legitimate concerns. Thank you for your attention to this matter.