The number of both initial and continued unemployment claims filed in Ohio declined during the week of September 20 through September 26.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reports 4,326 initial unemployment claims were filed during the week, 107 fewer than the previous week.

Ohioans also filed 33,906 continued unemployment claims, a decrease of 810 from the previous week.

Combined, the state recorded 38,232 unemployment claims during the seven-day period.

ODJFS says approximately 735 initial claims were flagged for more stringent identity verification. The additional review is intended to help determine whether claims are legitimate and prevent fraudulent payments. Being flagged for additional verification does not by itself mean a claim is fraudulent.

The weekly numbers come as Ohio’s overall unemployment rate remains below the national rate.

Ohio’s unemployment rate stood at 3.3% in August, compared with 4.1% nationwide.

Labor force participation was considerably closer. Ohio’s participation rate was 61.3%, while the national rate was 61.6%.

ODJFS provides employment and training services through 88 OhioMeansJobs Centers around the state. Services include assistance with job searches, applications, resumes, career assessments and interviewing.

Employers can also use OhioMeansJobs services to recruit workers, screen candidates and learn about available training programs and federal tax credits.