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Ohio Unemployment Customer Service Phone, Email, Contacts

Ohio Unemployment
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Ohio Unemployment Complaints 159

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10:36 pm EDT

Ohio Unemployment Impossible to contact ohio unemployment services

My name is Andrew Gliniak.
It is impossible to get in contact with Ohio Unemployment Services. I filed on 4/13/20. I left work at Cabela's, Avon, Ohio on 3/18/20. My claim number is CA30-[protected]. The day after I filed my claim I saw that I had a correspondence from the Unemployment Service. However I could not view it. Everytime I tried I got an error message and I tried many many times, over weeks. I have called so many times. I have waited over hours many times. Once I just left the phone on speaker and decide to wait as long as it takes and I did get through. But the people said I had to talk to another department, OK. But then I just got put in the hold cycle again and gave up after a long time.
I have tried to find alternative ways to contact someone. Nothing on-line helps. Chat service has bee cancelled. I can find no email addresses. I tried a few fax numbers to the Governors offices, just to reach anyone. They were not receiving. I drove down to the unemployment offices but they are closed.
I received an email today : Now I am in danger of having my filing messed-up.
[protected]@odjfs.state.oh.us
To:[protected]@yahoo.com Fri, May 15 at 8:04 AM
This email serves as a notice to you that additional information is needed regarding an unemployment compensation claim. You must contact the agency by May 19, 2020 at 08:03 AM. If you do not contact this agency by the deadline provided, a determination will be issued based on the available information.
You may contact us by calling toll free [protected].
Still impossible to reach anyone. Now I can't even stay on line and wait because I get the message call back some other time. The email is of the NO Reply variety. Come -on.
I suspect the info needed is about my furlough checks. At application time I did not have that info. There is no way to get into your application and change/add info. Here it is, two checks only.
4/17/20 $188.84 4/24/20 $188.85 Total #377.69
I'm lost as to what to do. I know it is a different subject but we haven't received any relief Covid-19 related checks and we are eligible.
Andrew Gliniak
[protected]@yahoo.com
[protected]

5/20/20 Received and email (that I can't reply to) telling me how I didn't respond and provide evidence of eligibility so my claim doesn't meet requirements. I STILL DO NOT KNOW WHAT INDO IS REQUIRED. I STILL FIND IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO UNEMPLOYMENT SERVICES. I AM ANGRY NOW.

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ef277206
US
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Jun 09, 2020 11:23 am EDT

I am in the exact same boat as you, also here in Ohio.
The failed attempts have almost become more demoralizing than the lack of employment.

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6:32 pm EDT
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Ohio Unemployment Unemployment claim

I am off work for the first time in 25 years due to Covid19. My claim was messed up from the start because I worked partial hours the first two weeks. After 4 weeks of no payment I finally got ahold of someone and got it fixed. The following week I expected to be smooth sailing but I was wrong. Now I've been 2 weeks with denied claims and have called but cannot talk to anyone. They have sent emails and said someone would contact me in 72 hours and it's been a week and I haven't heard anything.

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10:05 am EDT

Ohio Unemployment Reliacard not received

my claim was okayed and funds placed into my account [protected]) paid with conformations, for a total of $1, 596.00. I have tried and tried to get ahold of usbankrelicard and the reoly is watch your mail. I have been watching my mail, and nothing yet.
i would like my card and pin, or a check sent for the appropriate amount. I havent received anything in 6 weeks from this band, so theyve ripped me off. How do I get my funds.
[protected]

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5:24 pm EDT

Ohio Unemployment Unemployment claims denied while I am furloughed employee.

Robin J. Cantrell
1836 Solera Dr.
Columbus, OH 43229

I went into my inbox at the unemployment website on Saturday, 4/18/19. There were no weekly claims to be filed. All week long there was a weekly claim to be filed for the week of 4/19/20 then it dissappeared. My prior claim were denied week 4/4/2020 cc100491475 and 4/11/20 cc325282251. I return to my unemployment inbox on Sunday, 4/19/20 to find a claim to be filed for 4/18/20. Once this claim was completed for 4/18/20 cc692055036, the weekly claim for 4/19/20 reappeared in my inbox for 4/19/20. I continue to get emails and respond to the correspondence, but I believe someone is trying to make it appear that I am filing my claim late. I truely believe I am being discriminated against and this has been occuring for a long time. I deserve my unemployment benefits like everyone else and should not be getting the mislead because my name has been slandered . This gossip has been inspired by Michael Coleman and his wife via state employees. Hostile environments are created every job I encounter because of them and I did not have a nervous breakdown or I am not psychotic/paranoid as rumored. I would like some resolution to his problems. I am aware that multiple people are filing claims, however this bully /harrassment continues with no resolution. Thank you for your time and attention concerning this matter.

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2:04 pm EDT
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Ohio Unemployment Online filing and automated telephone services

Online filing errors out and can't provide necessary information then tells me to call office. When call can't get through and get hung up on! Very frustrating! How can we process claims when online keeps erroring out and can't get through telephone lines? Its been 3 weeks and still haven't gotten clarification as to if benefits are getting paid or still need to provide more information! Simple: used to work 40 hours a week; since covid19, now only working 12 hours a week. How hard is that to figure out that I need a paid claim asap!

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12:49 pm EDT

Ohio Unemployment Delayed application, submitting information that I did not submit

Trying to apply for benefits due to temp COVID-19 separation. Pages won't load but they are submitting info. I didnt even make it through regrestration page. It now says I have a pin number I never recieved. When I chose to reset pin. It said it would mail it to me... I never made it to the page to even enter my home address or email so how will I receive it? Can't get through to representative on phone it refuses me that option & hangs up on me.

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7:41 pm EDT

Ohio Unemployment How Ohio Unemployment fails to serve the families of Ohio.

I filed for unemployment on 8/26/2019 online like their ten minute voice recording suggests that you do. Knowing from previous filing this system does not do anything for your benefit. So I call like the previous operators have told me to do or your weekly claim will be lost and they will have to back date it. So I file my claim over the telephone, great the first week paid. Knowing my benefit year was started 8/9/2018, I would have to reopen my claim. There had been no notifications in my correspondence box e-mail notifications. So the site let's me file the week, usually if there is a problem they what? Notify you. Later that week I call, the attendant tells me that it is good that I called... Really? Previous to this call I went through all my payments online and found that my last week was denied-no inbox reason. So I have to reopen my claim like idid two weeks ago giving all the same information - no change in employment... Easy. Are you bored yet? I am told 2 to 4 weeks to see a payment, granted this is file copy select, or is it? Nooooooooooo! I later check all payment history on my account and it is wiped clean. So thinking I have no history, I call. I ask to make sure my previous weeks were on record even though the all mighty unemployment help for ohio's unemployed workers has wiped my history of payments. Oh yea she says those weeks will be accounted for and one will be used as a waiting week like you can wait to eat, you don't need to eat for a week, that is why we call it a waiting week. Then she answers why it is taking so long. Oh, we are waiting for your previous employer to verify your reason for separation. But you had that determination two weeks ago. That doesn't apply I was told. So you are asking them to verify a second letter you sent to weeks ago with no explanation and expect them to not throw it away? Ahhhhhhh. So I called my past employer and tried to explain how stupid and ignorant the ohio department of job and family services are and they explained how they all ready sent that information and usually never have any problems. This actually was my second phone call I tried to explain to an answering service the first time. Well steve said he would take care of it. Today I get a notification e-mail "you have new items in your correspondence in your inbox that may need attention" ok, go to read this and red letter sentence says that I have to call, you can no longer read this information."great" this is 10/01/2019 now, 5 weeks later! Reviewing my past problems with this incompetent agency, I think this may be about my previous work search instructions... That were all documented on my previous claim. Knowing how this so called help for ohio family's does not work and leaves you missing house payments and having your utilities shut off, I called to verify my work search requirements. I was told that my union hall had called and gave them the information that was needed. This is the same phone call that I had been notified that my past employer needed to verify the reason for separation. Is this really a service for ohio families? I know fellow workers who will not bother with this joke. It seams like they are trying to put you out in the cold. I am not saying I have to rely on them to survive, but if I did I would homeless and then they would be all I have... Go figure.

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Update by user1733288
Oct 01, 2019 7:56 pm EDT

These complaints about Ohio Job and Family Services will never have any input on a restructure of the criminal act of them calling themselves a service to Ohio tax payers. You have to work or stand on the corner with a sign in this state.

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10:41 pm EST

Ohio Unemployment unemployment payments

I had to file to the Court of Common Pleas with this one way user -unfriendly website Bureau. Next it will be Better Business. They are only on employers side- They made payment to me on 11/30/17 to just take the payments back to draw interest and penalties - I am taking their horrible treatment to the top until they become fair to people who need help!

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7:47 pm EDT
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Ohio Unemployment benefits.

I was put on a 2 week layoff Effective 7/2/2017 and expected to be back to work on 7/17/2017. On 7/9/2017 I had a seizure and in hospital until 7/14/2017. I was informed then that I was prohibited from driving for 6 months and my job required driving a company truck approx. 4 miles daily and I was told I couldn't be insured now to drive and lost my job. I applied for Unemployment for the week of 7/9/17 to 7/16/17. I knew being in hospital disqualified me for the first week of layoff. Unemployment asked why I didn't file the first week and I told them of my illness. I was approved for Unemployment, but they were refusing it weekly because they said I didn't submit medical evidence that I was able to work. I told them I was on lay off and not a Medical leave. The Doctors said it's ridiculous because I wasn't on Medical leave. Now according to Unemployment bureau, I "Quit" my job because I physically was "Unable" to perform my duties". That is a flat out lie. I talked to them 4 or 5 times because they kept making up "Facts" about my case. I finally got a doctor to send them a letter saying I was able to work, and when I checked on it, they said "It doesn't say when you can return to work" Another doctor finally sent in a dated paper but it was dated a month after I lost my job. Unemployment currently owes me $987.00 and is totally unconcerned that I've not received a pay check since 6/30/2017

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11:11 am EDT
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Ohio Unemployment ohio withholding payment for out-of-state worker

In April of 2017, I became unemployed due to the end of the contract that I was employed on, in Cleveland, Ohio. I had been working in Ohio for 15 months, but I live in Maryland. Initially, my claim was approved. 3 weeks of benefits were paid, and now, my 4th week is being held. I was informed that since I am a Maryland resident, I needed to register with the requisite jobs entity(Maryland Work Exchange), instead of Ohio Means Jobs. I am registered with Maryland Work Exchange. I checked this registration today(05/31/2017) both online, and by calling my local office here in Allegany County([protected]), where an agent looked up and confirmed my registration, which has been active since 2013. I finally was able to speak to a representative in Ohio and received the fax number([protected]) for Maryland to fax proof of my registration to Ohio. I am now told it will take AT LEAST 48 hours to load that data to Ohio's system, meaning that I may not receive any payment until next week. Meanwhile, I have no money to buy food for my wife and 2 daughters. This should NOT have happened. I have fulfilled ALL of the requirements given to me, yet I am being penalized due to the inability of the state of Ohio to correctly do their job. Not that I expect this complaint to go anywhere. It does not seem to me that the various state governmental agencies actually care about the citizens they serve, as long as those government employees get THEIR pay. It is a shame that there are NO repercussions on the state when THEY make a mistake.

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11:31 am EDT

Ohio Unemployment Benefits

I was fired from my job, through no fault of my own. I had worked for that job for about a 1.5 years. Out of that time, work was down for 3 weeks. And according to unemployment, I am not eligible for benefits. Well, I have a family to feed, bills to pay. Been looking for a job, but cannot get anywhere with that.

Ohio Unemployment is a joke. They would rather a family be out on the streets and homeless. Like it's my fault l, that my job was down for 3 weeks. What a bunch of BS.

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12:24 pm EST

Ohio Unemployment Customer Service

I cannot get through to anyone! You guys sent me a 1099-G saying you paid me $620, yet I have documentation showing you denied my claim. I have not received a dime from you guys when I was out of work! I would like to file my taxes and not have to include your fake payment on my tax return but I don't want to be spark an audit or file my taxes wrong because of your error! Nobody answers your phones. I have called for the past week and EVERY SINGLE TIME it says you are too busy to answer the calls and says try again later! This is unacceptable for 2016! Put my call in queue and call me back when you have a rep available!No wonder nobody has faith in the freaking government!

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shelia frazier
US
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Feb 23, 2016 7:29 am EST
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you people don't worry about anyone but yourselves. government is a joke. they don help anyone. don't care if people are complaining as long as they have their pockets full is all that matters to them. unemployment is a joke. people off work for season going through things not necessary suppose to help ones that don't have jobs find work but they are more interested in ruining peoples lives. America isn't what is was meant to be . do your jobs for a change and make unemployment pay the people they are to pay. you people in office cant even do your jobs. make it right for once do what is suppose to be done and make unemployment pay the people that's on lay off from jobs.

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1:10 pm EST

Ohio Unemployment I want to know why my wife cannot receive Unemployment compensation?

My wife works a seasonal job at a Dairy Queen franchised restaurant. She has worked there for at least 6 years and every year of her layoff she is denied unemployment compensation. This year she has worked more hours then ever and still is denied. Typically the business will open late February or early March (weather depending) and stays open until the 2nd week of December. Her gross earnings for the year 2015 was 9, 474.98 at a wage of 8.10 per hour. She does sell Avon on the side during the year and has reported that, however she makes very little from it to live off of it. She does have some illness that she is dealing with, but she also reported that, and they are suppose to consider her illness as a reasoning that shouldn't hinder her from compensation. She is planning on going to back to work at the Dairy Queen when the business opens back up. As she has done for the past 6 years. My biggest problem with all of this is...it's paid into, she is entitled to the compensation, ...she was not wrongfully laid off, nor did she quit on her own. It's part of how the business operates, and my past experience working summer help or tempo help is that I always received my compensation and I never made close to the amount that she made on the year at that time. We have people living a lifestyle and a livelihood on welfare compensation and food stamps and basically taking advantage of the system by not even trying to go to work, even at a Dairy Queen or what not, and they get things handed to them. Meanwhile my wife works hard to do what she does and make an honest living in this great country we call The United States Of America. Thank you

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11:32 pm EDT
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Ohio Unemployment Ohio Unemployment Unfair

Last November 2012 I was laid off from my work due to lack of work. I filed for unemployment and was approved to receive benefits, I would receive 400 dollars a week, I elected to have 40 dollars held for taxes. I have had specific health problems for years, I have had a Aortic heart valve replacement, neuropathy, and congestive heart failure. Also I am 57 years old. On [protected] I decided to file gor Social Security Disability, I had tried this before but was denied, in the mean time I continue to seek work and receive unemployment benefits. On [protected] I receive letter from SS that I was eligible for benefits and they will start on [protected]. I still continued to seek employment to fulfill my obligations to unemployment, and if I had found a job, I would have taken it, but believe me there is not many jobs out there for a 57 year old man, with congestive heart failure. But my point here I was fulfilling all of my required obligations to draw unemployment. I honestly did not find anyone that was hireing in my search.. On [protected], I received notice from Ohio Unemployment Compensation that I had committed a non-fraud violation of my unemployment and that I have been denied benefits retro back to [protected], due to the fact that I was physically unable to work do to health reasons and unless I can prove that I can work. The total of this was 11 weeks to repay 4400 dollars. I appealed this with a letter explaining that it is not a matter or not if I was sick, if I had not received the SS benefit, I would still have to work, but I thought in the appeal process, I was to have a phone hearing, this did not happen. I received letter from unemployment, that being I did not prove that I was able to work, my appeal was denied and to pay 4400 dollars, I am just like most people out there, I worked and lived week to week. I have no huge amount of money in the bank or any other retirement plan other than SS, regardless what Ohio Unemployment thinks. I to be honest do not have the money to repay this, I spent the benefit checks for food, medications, and housing.
The complaint here is that I have worked in the state of Ohio for a total of 42 years, I have only had to draw unemployment twice in this time frame, that was a lot of unemployment money that was paid on my behalf (Unemployment insurance is paid by the employer, but I have always considered it as a benefit of mine), and when I do get to the point that I need it, to keep me and mine fed and housed, it comes back and makes a bigger problem for me.
Unemployment's rule about whether you are physically/mentally able to work is a joke, its not an option of whether you work or not, it is a requirement, unless you want to live on the streets, sick or not.
I have tried to contact the Attorney General, my Ombudsman, and Sherrod Drown Senator, OH, I sent them all emails, explaining and asking for some sort of assistance in this matter, advice, payment plan, what ever, but you guessed it, no reply from no one, I guess when the don't receive this money, it will be important enough to contact me then, then they can assess, lean, garnish, or intercept or what ever they need to do to justify their position.
In my opinion the Great State of Ohio does not care about you, they don't take care of their elderly, their disabled, its all about the dollar or them self. Really makes me feel good about my future in this state.
I think unemployment's stand in this matter is unfair and unjust.
I have done nothing wrong here...

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Lenora Edwards
US
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Jan 12, 2020 10:49 pm EST

Well I filed for unemployment on November 22nd do to being laid off. Which I received severance pay for four weeks once that was over they approved me but still no money I been calling for the last two weeks just been getting the run around one problem after another finally they sent me a message talking about my last name dont match my social security number. Here it is I been using the same last name and social security number all my life know all of a sudden it dont work. Since all this been going on I done missed like 3 or 4 interviews do to lack of transportation. I called on a Friday I sent all my information in they tell me to wait until Wednesday just to call back.And I a week my phone will be off do to no money know how am I suppose to keep filing claims or even find a job. These people need to help people instead of finding ways not to help it's our money. This is so frustrating

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12:26 pm EDT
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Ohio Unemployment disrespect

Ohio unemployment request for a DD214 form 4 was never specifically requested. So I provided a DD214 form 1 since that is what the military advised me to provide anyone besides the VA who request a DD214. A supervisor at the special claims department was very rude when I requested my claim be reviewed exponentially. due to this confusion. She would not let me finish any statement until I got rude and asked her how she even could know what my argument was when she wouldn't let me finish a sentence without interrupting and speaking over me. Both the people I spoke to today about 1200 on 21Mar2013 were rude and completely disrespectful. They were not helpful at all and didn't care that their system of doing thing is slower than the VA! Considering the VA handles every prior service member and the Ohio unemployment only handles about 1/50 of those members, why are they so much slower to process and harder to deal with? As a person I deserve more respect that what both of them provided... let alone being a combat vet that fought for their freedom!

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5:27 pm EDT
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Ohio Unemployment unemployment

unemployment said they denied my unemploymeny because i didnt make enough money, I worked for krogers for 3 years and quite working due to having my second baby and going to school full time for nursing. Then i moved to texas because i was having abuse problems with my childrens father so i moved to texas to finish school. unemployemnt said i had to make more then 5, 000 and i did so i dont understand why they keep denying it.

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Mayimoulin
WHITEHALL, US
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Jan 05, 2021 9:30 pm EST

Gladys# [protected]

I also have a similar problem. I have requested to reopen my unemployment claim and extension after I exhausted my claim in October. I applied in November 2020, I was juggled and misled for six months of filing claims and mental health questions. I was transparent and informed unemployment I had a mental illness for which I took medication for. That does not mean I can not look for work and wake up in the morning for work too. Because I mentioned mental illness, my case was denied. Six months later, no one told me I needed to provide a physical exam from my doctor to become alloted. I had informed many unemployment representative of the issues I was facing with my former doctor.

Instead of giving me more time to provide the letter, unemployment disallowed my case. I felt confused, I was allotted and then disallowed because I did not provide the letter which proves I am willing and able to work. I became exhausted during the shared. I was not eligible for any extensions, after I went through all the efforts to provide the physical exam my file was locked, I could not open my file to download the letter. I tried multiple times to use my password it would not open. I called multiple times I could not reset my password.

Furthermore, the state unemployment, forced me to apply for an extension through PUA. Since PUA was granting extensions. When I applied, PUA took four months to disallow me, PUA sent me back to the is state When I tried to open my case to download the physical exam, I was told the case was closed because my case was closed to apply for an appeal.

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5:20 pm EST
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Ohio Unemployment tax forms problems

Ohio unemployment compensation i filled out all the paper work and on my weekly payment taxs were taken out and they decided to not take taxs out and i made surh that they were taken out and now i owe money on taxs that was suppose to be taken out as i filed on the paper work that they did not put in still

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andrew53
cuyahoga falls, US
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Aug 21, 2012 10:38 am EDT

Cant file my claims keeps saying i need new pin...They have to change the format and be able to actually talk to somebody in a timely manner. Computer told me to wait till next day to try and get in account so i did and didn't work and then i asked for new pin which they mail...How many days will that happen on someones desk piled up while they are on endless smoke breaks, etc...I was going to go to canton which is where i call and the one guy i got a hold of said you cant see they dont actually see anyone? If the state would privatize all this i bet you it would work more efficient...People have to do there not crazy bureaucratic crap to go through...Aaagghhh...I wish every politician would have to go through this...

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6:27 pm EST
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Ohio Unemployment Ohio Unemployment

I read your posts and I have had 2 experiences with unemployment. In 2009 the reason for my separation was changed, documentation that I submitted for UCRC appeal was never included in Director's file (I have date stamped copies from processing center that they were received). I quit my job with county commissioners because I was contacted by Federal & State agents about a investigation for fraud and I was being harassed by my employer. When I contacted ODJFS to find out why my reason for separation was changed from Quit for ethical objections to Quit for personal reasons, I was told that I would have to file an appeal to UCRC. It took 6 months for a UCRC hearing.

After 2 months of not being notified when hearing would be scheduled, I called UCRC-Richard Skovran-and was told that UCRC does over 800 hearings a week and he could not say when I could expect notification. You would think that they could schedule a hearing date in a timely manner after receiving notification that an appeal has been filed. The State Employee Directory lists 75 employees for the UC Review Commission. I was notified 2 weeks before hearing. I could not afford an attorney and could not get help thru legal aid.

The hearing was a joke. The hearing officer let the employer's attorney waste time addressing issues that did not pertain. I was not given a chance to state my case. My witness were not contacted by UCRC to be part of the telephonic hearing. After 45 minutes I was told that hearing would have to be rescheduled. When I asked the hearing officer when it would be rescheduled, she she hung up on me. After a couple minutes she called back with the employer's attorney on the line. She said that she could not tell me when it would be
rescheduled. I asked if I would be able to present my case and submit information about FBI & State BWC probe, I was told I could only state facts for the reason for separation-which ODJFS listed as personal reasons. I put the call on speakerphone and recorded it. After the hearing I found out that the Director of UCRC, Sylvester Patton, had personal and political ties to my former employer.

I could not find employment until April 2010 when I was hired by a call center. I had previously received correspondence from ODJFS for my 2009 claim that I would be eligible for unemployment after working 6 weeks in covered employment and making at least $1278 in wages. I contacted the processing center to notify them that I had become re-employed, but my hours & wages were less than my previous employer. I was told that I would have to file a new claim. I received notification from ODJFS that I did not have enough qualifying weeks from Trumbull County. I sent copies of my pay stubs and 2009 W2.

I was then told by ODJFS I was not eligible because my 2009 claim was disallowed due to quit. I also found out that they had used a 2003 claim for the weekly wages for my 2009 claim. When I asked why they used information from a six year old claim, I was told that they had to re-open that claim because there were $1296 in benefits left. When I asked why I wasn't eligible if there were benefits available from 2003, I was told that my weekly wages with West Customer Management were more than my 2003 weekly benefits.

I worked for West Customer Management from 4/18 thru 6/18. I called off on 6/23, 6/24 & 6/25 because I had shingles. It had spread to my neck and I could no longer keep it covered. I worked with pregnant women and no one had an assigned work area. We would frequently change stations during our shift to consolidate work areas.

Shingles are contagious to people who have never had chicken pox and to unborn children. I spoke to a HR rep, Pamela Hall on 6/23 and told her that I had previously had shingles and I was familiar with the symptom and complications. I could not get a Doctor's appointment until 6/29. I told her that I would fax a statement about my condition on 6/23 and also fax her an excuse from the doctor and let her know if the doctor would release me for work West Customer Management terminated my employment on 6/25 for job abandonment for not calling off/no show for 6/23-6/25. I cancelled my appointment at the Community Health Center for 6/29 because I did not have health coverage and could not afford the $75 charge without a job. They required payment at the time of service and would not bill me. I am single and do not have any other source of income.

I filed for unemployment online on 6/26. When I received new claim instructions from ODJFS, it stated my application date was 7/6. I had filed a weekly claim online for the week ending 7/3 and the confirmation number was listed online under my claim payment summary. It took 3 weeks and countless phone calls to the Director's office for anyone to recognize the fact that I could not file for
weekly benefits for the week ending 7/3 if I did not file my application prior to that date. I spoke to a supervisor at the Lima Processing Center on 7/29 and she said that they would change my application date to 6/27, even though I stated that it was Saturday, June 26th. She also reviewed the pay stubs that I submitted and confirmed that I had enough qualifying weeks from the county in 2009 as well as from West Customer Management. When I explained why I did not have an excuse from the Medical Clinic, she told me to contact them to see if they would back date an excuse. I would not ask a physician to falsify an excuse. I believed that since West had terminated my employment before I was able to provide an excuse, I would be eligible.

When I received paperwork, it listed date of application as 7/29. I took another month of phone calls for ODJFS to change the application date to 6/27. They also stated that I did not have enough qualifying weeks from the county for 2009. I sent and faxed my pay stubs numerous times since the beginning of July. It wasn't until I notified the Director's office that I had fax confirmation & mail receipt to prove that they had been sent and received the correct information. During this time an appeal was filed to the UCRC on my behalf that I did not authorize. I notified ODJFS & the UCRC that I did not file an written statement or file an online appeal. I knew that once my claim went to the UCRC for a hearing that it would take months before a hearing was scheduled and from my previous experience I didn't believe that I would get a fair or impartial hearing. Since I had provided ODJFS with copies of my pay stubs and W2, there was no need for a UCRC hearing. ODJFS had the correct information. They just had to review the information that I submitted. I requested that my file be remanded back to ODJFS so that a corrected determination could be made.

A corrected determination issued on 8/30 for the qualifying weeks, it went on to state that my claim was disallowed for unexcused absence and disregard to the employer's interest. It listed 6/18 as my date of discharge. I contacted Tonya Reese at the Redetermination Unit on 8/31 and told her that I worked on 6/18 and had a pay stub to verify. My termination date was 6/25. She said that ODJFS uses the last day worked as the date of discharge. I told her that I could not supply a doctor's excuse because I was discharged on 6/25 and my appointment was for 6/29. She stated that she spoke to Rudy Herter at West on 8/25 and he stated that I never called off and Pamela Hall stated that she never spoke to me . West listed the reason for my termination as job abandonment. I then stated that I had phone records and fax confirmation to prove that I did contact Pamela Hall directly on 6/23 and screen shots of the online employee records to show that I posted my time off hours for other employees to pick up as required.

I asked Ms. Reese why the employer did not have to submit an Eligibility Statement in writing within 45 days of my application as required by ORC 4141.28(F), she said that ODJFS is not required to contact the employer until after qualifying weeks have been established. Again, my claim was transferred to UCRC without my authorization. I requested a copy of my file. When I received the Fact Finding Statement, all of the employer questions were blank. Under the additional Employer Information it states that I did call off on 6/23, but failed to call off for 6/25. The date & time entered under the additional information is for 8/31 at 8:51am-the day after my determination was issued and after I told Ms. Reese that I had documentation to validate that West had been notified. Ms. Reese sent my claim to the UCRC for appeal, again without my written or verbal authorization.

I contacted the ODJFS Director and the UCRC that I did not file an appeal for a UCRC hearing. I wanted time to have an attorney review my documentation. I wanted to know why ORC 4141.28(F) did not apply to my claim, if a corrected Director's Redetermination could be made without filing an appeal, and if I had a valid claim for appeal. I received a call from Richard Skovran at UCRC. He stated that a if my claim was remanded back to ODJFS they could choose to ignore it. I asked him to have it sent back to ODJFS until I decided that it was in my best interest to file an appeal.

I filed an appeal to UCRC within the time frame by fax and mail on 9/22. I received a call from Deborah Gould/Redetermination Unit on 9/27. I told her that I had not authorized the previous 2 appeals before I filed on 9/22. I hoped a hearing could be avoided if Director Lumpkin's office reviewed my claim. Since the Director's office did not respond to why ORC 4141.28(F) was not followed, I chose to appeal. I requested a copy of the Director's file from UCRC and received an email stating that the UCRC closed my file and sent it back to ODJFS. Since my conversation with Ms. Gould, my online account has been changed. All Claim Summary information has been deleted and my Benefit Year has been changed to 7/4/10 thru 7/2/2011. I called UCRC on 11/8 and was put thru to the assistant director's office (Richard Skovran). I left a voicemail with my information and I have not received a call back.

In July I contacted the Inspector General's office, but was told that they only meet every 2 weeks and then choose what complaints they follow up on. I was told that they rarely investigate unemployment complaints. I continued to fax information to them to document my complaints with ODJFS. I received a letter from their office in September stating they could understand my frustration with ODJFS,
but there wasn't anything they could do about it. Phone calls and emails to Strickland's office were returned.

I recorded all conversations with ODJFS and UCRC since the beginning of July. I printed out screen shots of all my online information before ODJFS deleted it. I also recorded all weekly filing for benefit calls to the ODJFS automated system. I was ecstatic when Kasich was elected and I am looking forward to contacting him with my experiences with ODJFS and the UCRC. Lumpkin & Patton were both appointed by Strickland. From the complaints I have read online, Governor Elect Kasich needs to do a major overhaul of both agencies.

I was recently diagnosed with breast disease for the second time and will be having surgery. It was before my first bout that I had shingles for the first time. Needless to say, the stress caused by ODJFS, UCRC and financial hardship has not made this situation very easy for me. If anyone has any recourse for legal help, please contact me at [protected]@hotmail.com.

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smsweendoggy
Shakopee, US
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Nov 10, 2013 11:09 am EST

I understand that the Republicans have froze the unemployment benefits, I have 8 weeks left then nothing. I was laid off after being loyal for 10 yrs, they give me the excuse that I was the most talented and would find employment the quickest, BS, Im 57 years old and the oldest employee the have now is 42. They hired 3 younger service techs paying them $12 an hour and booted me out. The door industry is a young mans game as far as installs, but an experienced service tech is what most companies are looking for, , especially if they can get them cheap. Im paying my Cobra separately, I wont be able to pay that after my unemployment benefits end. I was told by a case repr at the unemployment office, that I do qualify for an extension but they are phasing them out.

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RobertIsley
Perrysburg, US
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Jul 21, 2012 4:32 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

The original determination of my termination stated that my job duties did not change after hiring and I did not complete them to the owners satisfaction. My job description has been in my ODJFS file since day one. In my sworn phone testimony, I stated the additional daily duties I was given after my hiring and they were not disputed by one of the owners on the conference call. These duties would take an additional 23 hours a week to complete along with my other duties and were totally disregarded by the agent and also when it was forwarded to the review board. They kept "parroting" that my job duties did not change. My case was closed and I was told by DD Sarah Phillips that there is nothing they could do. Total mishandling of my case in the disregard of evidence to the point of negligence by this agency. And they won't admit to the mistake or do anything to correct it. I have been fighting this for the past 10 months and am so frustrated that no one listens are cares that they messed this up.

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plewis
Williamsburg, US
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Feb 15, 2011 12:31 am EST

I am having the same issues. Unemployment is a joke. I worked my job for 5 years and my company was bought out and I lost my job. I got unemployment, but I wanted to work. I received unemployment for 1 month, and found a job that was suppose to be customer service, but it was more sales. I had never done sales, but I stuck it out until I found another job. I found another job after 2 months at working at a bank that is not customer service, it is sales, we had to offer a sale to every call. The job I found was suppose to be full time and permanent, was interviewed by 2 different people. I worked the job for less than a week and was laid off. I signed back up for unemployment and was denied due to not working at the new job for at least 3 weeks. It was no fault of mine, I have worked for many years without being on unemployment. There are so many people that can lie and cheat and get benefits. I tryed not to be on unemployment and got screwed. I have exhausted all my appeals the last appeal was to request a review with UCRC, which took them 3 months for there decision, and they disallowed the review. Now they say I have to appeal it with the Court of Common pleas, which cost $200.00. There needs to be decision made by actually reviewing the appeals, and all circumstances. Maybe some day these people will go thru what we did.

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Thedreamisgone
Uhrichsville, US
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Dec 18, 2010 1:43 pm EST

I totally understand your frustrations, I am going through a similar situation where my benefits have been denied. I'm trying to fight a dishonest employer who lied about the reason to terminate me (first time in my fifty some years I've been terminated). I've talked to lawyers in person, and they totally understand the confusing details of my case, and they believe me. My hearing withe the review commission was a total joke. The other side (former employer), didn't get their proof in on time, and it states will not be considered for the judgement, however, it was considered because it was part of the transcription. I had substantial written proof, and when I was asking questions during the hearing, I was cut off by hearing officer. The state of Ohio unemployment office is a total joke, and it just frustrates me to no end to hear about people "working under the table" getting unemployment. They are the dishonest ones, not me. Also, because of the dishonest employer, I cannot get hired in a decent job (or even a call center), because once they find out I've been fired, I'm toast. This really is devasting. I agree something has to be done with the system, it is not fair. During this entire process I have wrote to representatives, senators and even President Obama (he never responded). The only response back was from a State Representative, who called unemployment regarding my issue (six months to get a hearing). Now, I've been denied again in Common Pleas court and have to file in the appeals court. I know exactly how innocent criminals feel, when they are sent to jail. For me, this is a fate worse than death, and all because I did my job, and someone was jealous of me.

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hadenuf2
St. Charles, US
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Dec 04, 2010 4:55 am EST

Expect the state to side with the employer. Ruling agst you saves them both money. So think out your case in an appeal & correct any misconception on the state investigators part as soon as possible, since there is little chance you will not have another chance, except with great difficulty.

One way is to ask ahead of time what do you do if you think of a correction after a meeting. Sometimes an present ally of yours being present, can double need alertness to reinforce you being able to stand up to the pressures.

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Ohio Unemployment Unemployment benefits

I originally filed for Unemployment in Feb 2009 when I was wrongfully let go from my employer due to absense because of medical issues. I was approved and then my employer appealed it and won. I applied again and was approved 9/2009 and now OHIO unemployment is saying that they made a clerical error and I wasnt supposed to be approved. This is horrible! I have 2 small children to take care of! I need my unemployment. Ohio is wrong.

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Jesse Prather
US
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Sep 26, 2023 2:45 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

On 9-20-23 I called the Ohio Unemployment office to ask about a confusing letter I received saying on one line my claim was allowed and on another line saying I was not eligible. I was on hold from 10am till I was disconnected at 12:27pm.

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Aaron 12702
US
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Apr 02, 2023 11:36 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

was on a 45 day furlough from my employer with a return to work date. They told me to commit fraud by applying for two jobs every week i informed her that i would not take a new job or take work. By applying for work i have no intention of taking just to comply with the request would be fraud!

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Chris Gessel
US
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Nov 29, 2022 8:36 am EST

I work in construction and every year we get laid off for a few months and EVERY YEAR we have problems with these people. Last year they started that OHID crap in the middle of my claim and ended up screwing everything up and I ended screwed out of 2k worth unemployment and now this year they are saying I owe for last year, which I do not.

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Wayne Won
US
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Sep 10, 2022 9:41 pm EDT

your fake [censored] program and fake [censored] leader,you had to fire the other [censored] cause she was not doing he job.now the new fake [censored] and puppet made it worse. EXPECT US ...LIMA AND TELL YO FAKE [censored] BOSS HE WILL BE PROSECUTED AND SPIT ON FOR PUNCHING THAT OLD MAN. EXPECT US ITS CALL KARMA. MATT

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Help!21
Alliance, US
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Apr 19, 2021 8:58 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have been waiting for over 2 months for help! I was denied regular UI so I had to apply for PUA. This is soo very hurtful and frustrating that we have a pandemic going on and we can not RECEIVE help in a timely manner from unemployment! My claim has been approved for benefits on March 18th, YET I still have not received a payment as of today April 19th! And the automated system has the nerve to ask if we are experiencing stress? Push prompt "2" try it and they STILL DO NOT OFFER HELP! Ohio this is not how you treat your people!

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Greggy420
US
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May 12, 2020 1:31 am EDT

They won't take call's and aren't paying unemployment? The business i work for closed on March 23rd and hasn't opened back up. It's been over a month since i filed online! No responce...Nothing! Coworkers are saying the same thing.

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Joedilla
US
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Feb 11, 2019 6:31 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have an unemployment issue I need corrected desperately in order to get paid. It is impossible to reach an associate via phone that can help me and there is no physical office that I can visit. Joesouthwick64@gmail.com if anyone can help me. please!

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RuthMcL
US
Send a message
Oct 21, 2018 11:31 am EDT

Supposedly lets you upload documents, but they don't upload, and then you have to go find a fax. It's the 21st century, people.

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dumdog
US
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Aug 30, 2016 2:42 pm EDT

I am now on the 5th or 6th eligbility notice all of which have a different subject line. Now they are complaining about not claiming an amount of earnings when I am not employed. Am being told to either call them to re-open a claim which they refuse to pay anyway. I will not call them again. That's where they do everything possible with their assasine questions to catch you in a lie. I am unfortunately entitled to benefits.

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!@#jc
US
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Oct 31, 2015 12:09 am EDT

Wow its oct 2015 and the fight goes on. I am the wife of a man who is being railroaded by unemployment. They sent us a notice this week saying we owe them money. After trying to explain the situation of not receveing our check, trying to call and being told we would recieve a determination (and never did) going without food because they decided to keep our check but not tell us why...Still do not know why. Husband is back to work. THANK GOD but it is all we can do to catch up with our bills. He has been off of unemployment for almost 2 months now and we are in yet another determination...They have already determined that we are GUILTY AS CHARGED without talking to us directly on the phone (which we wanted a fact-finding phone call. Which we never got. So tell me how they are judge, jury, executioner, without hearing our side of the story. What the hell are we supposed to do, ya can't fight city hall with no cash and we OWE them? What the hell is wrong with our unemployment insurance. They are raising issue with moneys they claim were not reported. We stopped calling in because my husband was working so we were officially done. The automated line congratulated my husband on his job. We stopped calling and suddenly we owe money? We hadnt got a check for 2 weeks before we stopped calling in so how do we OWE money. What happened to our check they conveniently kept with no explanation. Where is my explaination OR determination as to why you skipped a week on us. And STOP ASSUMING you know it all because you work for unemployment...Last time i checked EVERYONE is entitled to due process which we are not getting. Someone out there HELP!

Overview of Ohio Unemployment complaint handling

Ohio Unemployment reviews first appeared on Complaints Board on Dec 2, 2009. The latest review Unable to log on to odjfs was posted on Feb 9, 2024. The latest complaint disrespect was resolved on Mar 21, 2013. Ohio Unemployment has an average consumer rating of 1 stars from 159 reviews. Ohio Unemployment has resolved 4 complaints.
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  1. Ohio Unemployment Contacts

  2. Ohio Unemployment phone numbers
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    4200 E. 5th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43219, United States
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    Jun 30, 2025
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