by Tonya Sams

   (Plain Press July 2026) Experiencing job loss can be devastating, leaving those affected worried about how they will take care of themselves and their families. Applying for unemployment compensation is an option, but eligibility requirements must be met to get the benefits.

   To qualify for benefits, you must have worked enough time and earned enough wages to meet monetary eligibility. To meet monetary eligibility, during the 12-to-18-month period before you applied for benefits, you must have been employed for at least 20 weeks and earned an average of at least $352 per week. You must also have a qualifying separation from work such as a layoff or a discharge without just cause.

   Unlike regular employees, independent contractors are not eligible for unemployment benefits.

   “If you were a contractor for a company, you will not receive unemployment benefits,” said Patrick Haney, a Supervising Attorney in the Economic Justice Practice Group at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. “But if you feel like your employer wrongly considered you as a contractor, you should still apply because that’s an issue you can raise as part of the unemployment process.”

   You can apply for unemployment compensation online at unemployment.ohio.gov or by calling the Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) at 877-644-6562.

   The applicant will get a New Claim Instruction Sheet with information about how the claim process works and what happens if you are approved for benefits. JFS will gather information from your employer. If JFS requires additional information from you, they will send you a notice asking you to respond with certain information by a deadline.

   Applicants will then get determination letters letting them know if they have met monetary eligibility and if they have a qualifying separation. You need to be eligible in both areas to receive benefits.

   “If your application is denied, you can appeal that determination. But if you get approved, your employer can also appeal,” said Haney. “Instructions on how to submit an appeal will be included in your determination letter. You will have only 21 days from the determination date to appeal.”

   After an initial determination is appealed, JFS issues a Redetermination. A Redetermination can also be appealed. When a Redetermination is appealed, the issue will move to a hearing with the Unemployment Compensation Review Commission, which is usually held by telephone.

   “The hearing is a legal proceeding where testimony is solicited and provided. Having an attorney is helpful because they will be there asking questions on your behalf and they have experience with this type of proceeding,” he said.

   Once you have applied for benefits, you will need to do several things to stay eligible including submitting information to JFS regarding your resume, work-search activities, and a career-profile assessment with Ohio Means Jobs.

   Have questions about unemployment compensation? Legal Aid may be able to help! Attend a free Legal Aid Brief Advice Clinic. For a full schedule: lasclev.org/clinics.

   To apply for free legal services, call 888-817-3777 or apply online: lasclev.org/apply.

Tonya Sams is a Development & Communications Manager at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland