Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)

Unemployment Insurance is a state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers who are currently unemployed through no fault of their own. Each state administers a separate unemployment insurance program, but all states need to follow the guidelines established by federal law. In Ohio, an unemployed individual could be  entitled for the following benefits after fulfilling certain criteria –

  • Regular UC (state-funded by employer contributions) – up to 26 weeks
  • Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) – up to 28 weeks

The federal unemployment extension program is called Emergency Unemployment Compensation, 2008 (Also known as EUC08). EUC is a 100% federally funded program that provides benefits to individuals who have exhausted regular state benefits. The EUC program was created on June 30, 2008 and has been modified several times.

If your Ohio regular unemployment benefits (UI) have run out, you may be eligible to receive extended unemployment benefits. Once you wear out your regular benefits,  the Office of Unemployment Compensation will send you a written notice alerting you when your regular UC benefits are about to expire. This also includes instructions on how to file for federal EUC benefits. It is very important that you keep track of your benefits to make sure you receive your unemployment extension if you are eligible.

Emergency Unemployment Compensation, 2008 (EUC08) previously had 4 stages, or tiers. However, as Ohio’s unemployment rate have declined, fewer tiers of benefits are available as of 2013. Each tier has a maximum time period for which your unemployment extension will last.

  • Tier 1 : 14 weeks of benefits
  • Tier 2 : 14 weeks of benefits

These tiers or weeks of benefits are available between 12, January 2013 and December 2013 if the state’s unemployment rate remains between 6 and 7 percent in 2013.

Eligibility For Extended Benefits 

Currently unemployed individuals who satisfy the following criteria could qualify for federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits –

  1. Exhausted all regular state UC benefits
  2. Unemployed / Reduced working hours
  3. Available and Able to work
  4. Actively looking for a suitable job
  5. Ineligible for regular UC or extended benefits in any other state or in Canada

EUC Benefit Amount

The EUC weekly benefit amount will be the same as the individual’s regular UC benefit amount, unless there is some other change in circumstances such as an adjustment in deductions, like child support. Individuals are required to make the same work search efforts as regular UC.

Claim Extended Benefits

Extended Benefits continued weeks may be claimed –

Online at http://unemployment.ohio.gov
Call 1-877-OHIO JOB (644-6562) and follow the recorded instructions.

Both options require a personal identification number (PIN).