Ohio residents who are collecting unemployment insurance will soon be required to resume weekly work-search activities, according to an announcement from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
The work-search requirements will go into effect on May 23.
“Ohio business owners are creating jobs faster than people are returning to the workforce,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted said in a statement on Monday. “Now that all Ohio adults have access to the vaccine, it’s time to return to the traditional work requirements.”
The federal government had originally authorized states to waive the work-search requirement from mid-March through December 1, 2020. Ohio reinstated the work-search requirement for new unemployment insurance applicants on December 6, but had exempted existing claims.
Work-search requirements include applying for jobs, attending a resume-writing or maintaining a reemployment plan with the state. It can also include other training or schooling.
“Now that Ohioans have had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and can safely return to work, it only makes sense that we restore work-search requirements for everyone,” said Governor Mike DeWine said in a statement.
Ohio’s unemployment rates spiked in April 2020 at 17.6 percent, according to the ODJFS. More recent rates have returned to roughly pre-pandemic levels, with March 2021 seeing a 4.7 unemployment rate . February 2020’s rate was 4.1 percent.
The department also has additional support available for those struggling with their job search through its Re-employment Services and Eligibility Assessment program, which connects Ohioans to training and support for their jobs search.
The ODJFS said it will notify unemployed Ohioans who are impacted by the reinstatement of the work requirements.
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Ohio Star and the Star News Network. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair.
