How Much Does Unemployment Pay in Ohio?

Unemployment benefits provide temporary financial support to eligible individuals who experience job loss through no fault of their own. These benefits help bridge the gap between employment periods, offering a safety net for workers. Understanding how these benefits are determined and what factors influence the payment amount is important for those navigating periods of unemployment.

Eligibility for Ohio Unemployment Benefits

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Ohio, individuals must meet several criteria. Unemployment must be “through no fault of your own,” meaning job separation was due to reasons such as a layoff, business closure, or termination without just cause. If an individual quits, it must be for a “just cause,” like unsafe working conditions, to maintain eligibility.

Applicants must also demonstrate a recent work history and sufficient earnings during a specific timeframe called the “base period.” In Ohio, the base period typically covers the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before a claim is filed. For applications submitted in 2025, individuals must have worked in at least 20 weeks and earned an average weekly wage of at least $338 during this base period. If wages in the regular base period are insufficient, an alternative base period consisting of the last four completed calendar quarters may be used to determine eligibility. Claimants must also be able and available for work.

Calculating Your Weekly Benefit Amount

Ohio determines an individual’s weekly unemployment benefit amount based on their past earnings during the established base period. The weekly benefit rate is calculated as 50% of the average weekly wage earned during this period. To calculate the average weekly wage, the total wages earned from covered employment within the base period are divided by the total number of weeks worked during that same period.

The state sets both minimum and maximum weekly benefit amounts, which can vary based on the number of qualifying dependents. For claims filed in 2025, the minimum weekly benefit for an individual with no dependents is $135. Conversely, the maximum weekly benefit amount in 2025 is $647 for claimants with no dependents, $784 for those with one or two dependents, and $874 for individuals with three or more dependents. The presence of dependents directly influences the potential maximum weekly payment an eligible individual can receive.

Duration of Unemployment Benefits

The length of time an eligible individual can receive unemployment benefits in Ohio is generally capped. Standard state unemployment benefits are typically payable for a maximum of 26 weeks.

The total amount of benefits an individual can receive over their benefit year is also limited. This total is calculated by multiplying their weekly benefit rate by the number of weeks they are qualified to receive payments, up to the 26-week maximum. While these are the standard state limits, federal extensions may become available during periods of high unemployment, depending on economic conditions and federal legislation.

Taxation and Other Deductions

Unemployment benefits received are considered taxable income at the federal level. Recipients are required to include these payments when filing their federal income tax returns. Individuals have the option to have a flat 10% of their benefits withheld for federal income tax purposes, or they can choose to pay estimated taxes quarterly to avoid a large tax bill at year-end. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services issues Form 1099-G, “Certain Government Payments,” which details the total amount of unemployment compensation paid and any federal taxes withheld during the year.

Ohio state law also considers unemployment benefits taxable income. Unlike federal provisions, Ohio does not offer a separate deduction for unemployment benefits; they are taxed to the extent they are included in federal adjusted gross income. Furthermore, Ohio does not provide an option for state income tax withholding directly from unemployment benefits, which can result in a tax liability at the state level that recipients may need to plan for. Beyond taxes, unemployment benefits may be subject to other deductions, such as for child support obligations, with state law allowing up to 50% of the weekly benefit to be withheld for this purpose. Any earnings from part-time work while receiving benefits can also reduce the weekly payment, although a portion of earned income may be exempt before deductions apply.