Apply for unemployment benefits as soon as you learn that your employment has been terminated. The sooner you get the process rolling the sooner you can get benefits. Ohio employees start the process with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Applications can be submitted online (unemployment.ohio.gov) or by phone (1-877-644-6562). Be ready to provide the following information:

• Your Social Security number
• Your driver’s license or state ID number
• Your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address
• Name, address, telephone number, and dates of employment with each employer you worked for during the past 6 weeks
• The reason you became unemployed from each employer
• Dependents’ names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth
• If claiming dependents, your spouse’s name, Social Security number, and birth date
• If you are not a U.S. citizen or national, alien registration number and expiration date
• Your regular occupation and job skills

File an appeal if your claim is denied. The determination notice will tell you how to appeal and the deadline for doing so. File another appeal if you are denied again. The claim is then transferred to the Unemployment Compensation Review Commission (UCRC). There you will get a 45 minute hearing by telephone. You should retain an attorney to represent you at the hearing. Don’t wait until the last minute to get an attorney. Contact an attorney as soon as you receive notice that your first appeal has been denied. Many attorneys, including me, will represent you on a contingent fee basis.

And don’t forget to file your weekly claims.