Ohio sees skyrocketing unemployment claims due to COVID-19
CINCINNATI (WKRC/AP) - Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — more than quadruple the previous record set in 1982 — amid a widespread economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus.
As job losses mount, some economists say the nation's unemployment rate could approach 13% by May. By comparison, the highest jobless rate during the Great Recession, which ended in 2009, was 10%.
In Ohio, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported 187,780 initial jobless claims to the U.S. Department of Labor. Just the week before, that number was 7.042.
That number is the second-highest in the state's all-time monthly claims total. Only December 1981 saw a higher number of claims at 205,159.
Ohio JFS urges people to file unemployment claims online if possible. The department asks for people to be patient. Usually, claims come in waves and they compared this sudden increase to a tsunami.
Those without internet access or have questions not answered online can call 1-877-644-6562 (OHIO-JOB) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Workers who lose their jobs as a result of coronavirus can enter the mass-layoff number 2000180 on their applications.
Click HERE for frequently asked questions about filing for unemployment in Ohio due to the pandemic.
Click HERE for information about filing for unemployment in Kentucky due to coronavirus.
Click HERE for information about filing for unemployment in Indiana related to coronavirus.
Unemployment numbers for Indiana has not been released yet.
