Ohio Initial Unemployment Claims Rise; Continued Claims Decline

Ohio’s initial unemployment claims increased during the week of October 18–24, while continued claims declined, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Ohioans filed 4,852 initial claims, an increase of 714 from the previous week. Of those, approximately 841 were flagged for additional identity verification. That designation does not necessarily mean the claims were fraudulent.

Continued claims totaled 35,173, down 2,859 from the previous week. Combined, initial and continued claims totaled 40,025.

Ohio’s September unemployment rate was 3.4%, compared with the national rate of 4.2%. The state’s labor force participation rate was 61.2%, compared with 61.8% nationally.

Job seekers can access employment listings, resume assistance, skills assessments and interview preparation through OhioMeansJobs.com or one of the state’s 88 OhioMeansJobs centers.

Individuals who suspect someone used their identity to file an unemployment claim can report it at unemployment.ohio.gov or by calling 833-658-0394.