Ohio Office of Unemployment Compensation Customer Service Issues

I, Luke Wenneman, am reaching out to customer service as I have not yet received my initial three weeks' unemployment payments. The payment method was supposed to be a debit card, but I never received it despite the status showing it was mailed out and paid for the weeks of March 21st, March 28th, and April 6th. I have not received any checks either. I switched my payment method to direct deposit recently, and the payment for the week of April 13th was successfully deposited. I am hoping to have the first three weeks' payments transferred to my bank account through direct deposit. If this is not possible, I would appreciate information on how and when I can expect to receive these payments. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to your prompt response. Stay safe.

I've been unable to work since the Stay At Home Order and Non-Essential Business closings. Despite being told there would be no delays for COVID-19 related unemployment claims, I still have not received any benefits. Attempting to contact them daily for the past two weeks has only led to a message about High Call Volume that ends in disconnection. I urgently need to speak with a live representative to understand the situation, ensure I've done everything required, and most importantly, receive my benefits before I face financial hardship. I did not opt to stay home; it was a state mandate, and I have children to support and bills accumulating. The option to remain on hold seems to have been removed.

I worked my last day on 4/3 and filed for unemployment on the same day. It seems I made a mistake because I received a weekly form to fill out for that week when I had worked and included my wages. Subsequently, I was asked to reopen my claim due to a problem caused by my work that week. I complied and stated the reason for reopening was per their instructions. Now my claim status shows as pending. During the initial claim, I provided my last day of work, assuming they would consider that. I realize my error and wish to resolve this issue. Although I received a statement about this ten days ago, I have not received further communication. Attempts to contact them have been unsuccessful. I simply want to clarify the situation and assure them I'm not seeking benefits for the week I was employed.

I am trying to speak with someone urgently. I have been unemployed for 30 days without any assistance. Despite numerous attempts to contact various phone numbers since 7 a.m. today, I have not reached anyone. I have been desperately seeking answers, but recordings and lack of response are all I encounter. I am aware that more staff have been hired, but I can't seem to connect with them. My stress levels are dangerously high; I am not alone as my coworkers face the same issues. I am worried about how to pay my bills, mortgage, utilities, and afford basic necessities like food and insurance. I rely on the government's support in such situations but have yet to receive it. I urgently need help and assistance.

Despite Ohio's claims of improvement in handling unemployment issues via phone and online, the reality is that the situation hasn't improved. Communication with a live person remains impossible, and even for those like me who can access their accounts, viewing messages and updating files is still inaccessible. Despite the listed business hours from 7 am to 5 pm, the recent announcement about extended hours to 7 pm hasn't translated well in practice. Calling after 5 pm prompts a request to call back during supposed "normal business hours," which end at 5 pm. This endless cycle of confusion and dead ends is frustrating. It seems like there are many technical glitches that still need fixing. It's a stressful situation as bills keep coming, and most of us don't have savings to rely on. Please, we need a solution to this ongoing problem to survive financially.

Subject: Urgent Assistance Needed with Unemployment Claims Hello, I need urgent assistance regarding my unemployment claims, which have not been processed despite being furloughed on 3/23/[redacted]. I have been working diligently since 12/22/[redacted] for three companies under the same corporate umbrella: Kenwood Dealer Group, Dealer Advantage, and Kings Mazda. I am distressed as I have not received any payment for the four weeks I have filed. I am struggling to meet my financial obligations and cover basic needs like food. I find it unreasonable that the state shutdown occurred swiftly after the WHO declared a pandemic without the necessary preparedness in personnel or an adequate computer system. Despite filing for unemployment due to being furloughed, I have not received any benefits for the four weeks. Additionally, I had to take two sick days in [redacted] due to illness, which has not been accounted for in my claims. I have attempted to contact the relevant authorities more than 25 times without any response. Your prompt attention and assistance in resolving this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Stephen W.

I was recently laid off due to COVID-19 and applied online to reopen my unemployment account on March 24. I started filing weekly claims, but despite being told my claim was pending and would be resolved soon, today I received notice that it has been denied. All record of my claim has disappeared from the website. I have saved the confirmation numbers for my application and the four weekly claims I submitted. I have been trying to contact the oDJFS without success – the high call volume results in me being disconnected from the automated system every time I call. My savings are running out, and I am struggling to make ends meet.

I lost my job on March 17, [redacted], and filed for unemployment that same week, though I received my last paycheck on March 20, [redacted]. I submitted the required Notice of Eligibility on March 18, [redacted], with my social security number, even though I had previously used my married name for unemployment back in September [redacted]. I provided my birth certificate and social security copy before the deadline of March 25, [redacted]. When I contacted support for help, they only assisted with resetting pin numbers via chat. Calling the office using the last four digits of my social security number led to a message similar to the website before hanging up without speaking to a live person. I still have pending status for all five claimed weeks, and my husband is not listed as my dependent, with the wait week credit still showing as not applied. I urgently need to know when the final approval will go through as my bills are piling up, and I won't be able to pay them starting next week. Thank you.

I need assistance updating my email address for my unemployment claim. It's been 13-15 years since I last filed, and I can no longer access the email associated with it as the provider no longer exists. I have tried reaching out via two phone numbers, [redacted] and [redacted], as well as through the online chat option. However, the chat is always busy, and the phone lines are constantly dropping my calls due to high volume. I have attempted to contact them at different times throughout the day with no success. Updating my email is crucial for me to reset my pin and file for unemployment benefits, which I urgently need to cover my expenses. Thank you for your help.

My daughter applied for unemployment on March 16 when dining rooms were closed due to the governor's order. She received a notice of ineligibility, but I believe there may have been an error as she meets the minimum earnings requirement of $[redacted]. I only managed to access and read this notice today, and the deadline for an appeal is tomorrow, April 23. I can't locate the appeal option on the website. I have been filing weekly claims for her (and myself) for the past 5 weeks but have not received any payment so far. My daughter, M.Y. Barton, is connected to the Youngstown Adjudication Center. I tried calling, but the lines are busy with no option to speak to a representative.

I submitted my unemployment claim on April 1 and it got approved. However, my first 2 weeks of claims were denied due to a "break in claim", and my appeal was also denied. Now, my 3rd week is showing the same issue. Despite filing an appeal, I haven't received any response. My original claim lists my separation date as 3/14/20, but I actually stopped working on 3/31 and received my final payment on 4/5. I am unsure whether the correction needed is on my end or my employer's. The company claims they have not been contacted during the appeal. I am hoping for Ohio Unemployment to contact me or at least answer my calls. I have tried calling more than [redacted] times already.

Hello, I submitted my unemployment claim in late March due to COVID-19. I included a doctor's note explaining the need for self-quarantine because my son has a compromised immune system from a rare genetic disorder. Initially, I received messages indicating errors with my last name and social security number. However, after providing my social security card and birth certificate, verifying the correctness, I have filed three claims that are now pending. Despite this, I have not received any decisions or updates. I have been attempting to contact the unemployment office daily without success, as the calls lead to a voicemail that disconnects. I simply want to ensure that I have completed all the necessary steps correctly and that there are no issues holding up my benefits. Any assistance on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hello, I recently received notice from my employer on April 8 regarding my termination due to COVID-19, effective on May 8. I submitted my claim with May 8 as the start date, however, it appears to have initiated already. When completing my initial claim, I accidentally indicated that I was terminated, and COVID-19 wasn't listed as the reason. I am unsure if I should refile on May 8 or begin claiming my worksheets then. Could you assist in canceling my previous claim sheet from the system? I want to ensure a smooth transition when my unemployment commences on May 8. I hope to avoid any issues with my payments. Your guidance is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Best regards, T. Z.

I had been waiting for 4 weeks for Ohio unemployment benefits. On 4-22-[redacted], I received a determination of benefits that initially said "allowed" but now shows as "denied," despite my weekly amount increasing from $[redacted] to $[redacted]. Today, 4-23-[redacted], I received a correspondence notice regarding a court order for child support that I have yet to open. I have been trying to reach a representative for two days without success. The phone lines seem constantly busy, making it challenging to speak to someone. The recent change in the phone process, from pressing 1-9-4-8 to 1-3-2, appears to have made it even more difficult to get through.

I am having trouble receiving my correspondence in my inbox. I have tried calling multiple times between 7 am and 7 pm, but I am unable to hold as the call just hangs up. I received a letter in the mail on April 22nd with a response deadline of the same day, but it didn't appear in my online inbox. I sent the response by mail but fear I missed the deadline. I am worried about losing my benefits unjustly. I have been unable to reach anyone by phone, and the issue persists with my online correspondence. I have six kids to feed and I don't want to beg for what I am entitled to. Please contact me at [redacted] or via email at [redacted] Thank you.

I submitted my claim on March 18th and was initially denied on 3/26/20 with the reason "UI Initial Disallowed - Monetarily ineligible." I lodged an appeal on 4/6/20, received confirmation of its receipt, but have not received any further updates. All payments have been denied, and I am unable to gather any information through the website, phone numbers, or chat. Despite working part-time, I did not earn enough to qualify until the CARES Act took effect. At the age of 67, I receive $[redacted] in Social Security benefits. I am seeking a specific phone number to discuss my appeal as I believe I meet the criteria for these benefits. I am uncertain about the next steps to take and would appreciate speaking to a representative since the website is not providing the necessary assistance. I can be reached at [redacted]. Thank you, T.T.

I've been attempting to file for unemployment in Indiana, where I've resided for 7 months. However, they continue to deny my claims, stating I should file in Ohio due to my residency during the relevant period from October [redacted] to October [redacted]. Unfortunately, I'm struggling to contact Ohio as their phone line disconnects due to high call volumes. The website won't allow me to create a new account or log in, indicating I already have one but not accepting my login attempts. Despite changing my pin, errors persist, making it impossible to access the site or speak to a representative. My main issue is gaining access to my online account.

It's been quite distressing for me as I have not received any benefits as of March 14, [redacted]. My funds have depleted, and I'm struggling with resources. Meanwhile, my coworkers have promptly received their unemployment benefits. The unprofessional conduct of Ohio's unemployment system has left me feeling desperate. I am unable to travel or engage in any activities due to this situation. It has pushed me to the brink of despair, and I find myself having suicidal thoughts. The deliberate delays in assistance seem to prevent the rightful distribution of dues to those in need. I implore for urgent help today!

I recently received an approval letter, but my payments were denied. After contacting the main unemployment number, I was instructed to call my processing center in Toledo to address the issue. Despite multiple attempts and being transferred around, I was only told the same thing - to wait for a call back after they email the processing center. The lack of communication and resolution in this process is frustrating and unacceptable. I hope for a more efficient and effective system in the future.

I am struggling to get a hold of anyone at the unemployment office. I have attempted to contact them over 1,[redacted] times in the last 6 days without success. My claim is being held up due to an error where they wrongly assumed I needed to backdate my claim, resulting in a "Break in claim" status. I followed the instructions provided, indicating I did not need to backdate my claim, yet this issue remains unresolved. The initial application details my furlough on March 30 and subsequent payment for that week, which I did not claim. It is frustrating that I am unable to speak with a representative to rectify this situation promptly.