Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are among those often asked by employees at-risk of being involved in a downsizing.
If you have other questions you would like answered, you can Ask RWAC. We will get an answer back to you as soon as possible.
How can I apply for unemployment benefits?
When can I apply for unemployment benefits?
How long do unemployment benefits last?
How much will I receive from my unemployment benefits?
How much is my current health insurance if I purchase it through COBRA?
Are there other options for health insurance besides COBRA?
What is the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and how does it help me?
How can I access my benefits through WIA?
Where are One-Stop Centers located?
How can I get a listing of state jobs that are currently posted?
I want to go back to school. What should I do?
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How can I apply for unemployment benefits?
Application for unemployment benefits can be made online or by phone. Due to high call volumes at the present time, there may be a long wait for phone applications. The number is 1-877-OHIOJOB (644-6562)
The online registration information is located at http://unemployment.ohio.gov/unemployed_workers.html
Please have all the required information listed on their website available when you call.
For more complete information on unemployment application, benefits, and other concerns, see the Workers Guide to Unemployment Benefits, published by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
When can I apply for unemployment benefits?
You should file your application the week after you become unemployed. The unemployment filing week begins on Sunday, and your claim should be filed during that week. Your claim will begin the calendar week in which it is filed. You cannot file prior to becoming unemployed, and doing so could result in the denial of your initial claim and confuse the process when you are eligible.
For detailed information consult the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services list of Frequently Asked Questions about unemployment benefits.
How long do unemployment benefits last?
Benefits normally last up to 26 weeks. At this time, extensions may be available. Contact your one-stop for more information.
How much will I receive from my unemployment benefits?
That depends on your income before lay-off and your number of dependents. It can also be impacted by money you receive if you withdraw your funds from PERS or other sources. The most recent information about benefit levels is available in the Workers Guide to Unemployment Benefits publication of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. (Note - this requires Acrobat Reader).
Current maximum weekly benefit amounts are also available here.
How much is my current health insurance if I purchase it through COBRA?
Non-subsidized COBRA rates for 2008-2009 are listed here. The rates shown in the table will change July 1, 2009.
COBRA rates change on an annual basis. You must pay the total monthly premium (employer and employee shares) plus a 2% administrative surcharge. Information about COBRA, including the application form, is available here.
The federal economic stimulus bill provides for subsidies for COBRA premiums for many workers. These subsidies are available for employees who were laid off after September 1, 2008 but before March 31, 2010. The subsidy is up to 65% of the COBRA premium for up to 9 months. This would lower a $915 per month family premium to $320 per month. This is still a lot of money for a displaced worker, but may represent the best option for many to continue health coverage.
The subsidy, eligibility period, and duration have been modified by Congress several times. For more information about the subsidy and its qualifications, see the U.S. Department of Labor COBRA Frequently Asked Questions.
The subsidy is available to those who earn less than $145,000 per year (single) or $290,000 (family).
Are there other options for health insurance besides COBRA?
Yes, and in many cases, they may be less expensive than
COBRA coverage. These could include direct purchase of health insurance through one of the
major providers. A listing of carriers who provide individual coverage is
available from the
Ohio Department of Insurance. (Requires Acrobat Reader)
You may wish to explore purchasing health coverage from a local insurance agent. Many local agents offer
health coverage. Shop around, but you might start with the agent who carries
your auto or home coverage. You can also obtain free on-line quotes from
My Health Quoter (You may receive phone
and/or email contact from this site).
Dependent children may be eligible for free health care coverage through the
Healthy Start
program. This will provide free coverage to dependent children up to age 19 or
pregnant women.. There are income limitations, and normally household incomes have
to be below 200% of the federal poverty level. The income
eligibility limitations for this program can be found
here.
(Requires Acrobat Reader)
Healthy Start is a type of Medicaid coverage that helps with medical care for
children under age 19 and pregnant women. Displaced employees may be able to
secure medical, dental, and vision coverage for their children through this
program, reducing the cost of obtaining health care for the family. Eligibility
guidelines are higher than most programs, meaning more people will qualify. You
can own a house and/or car and even have other medical insurance and still
qualify. For more information, contact your
one-stop.
The Healthy Families
program from Job and Family Services provides coverage for families who make up
to 90% of the federal poverty level. Your
one-stop
can also provide you with more information on this program.
The Ohio Department of Insurance has very comprehensive information on-line regarding health insurance options. They also have published a summary on how to obtain health coverage after a job loss. (Requires Acrobat Reader)
What is the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and how does it help me?
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is federal legislation designed to provide assistance for individuals seeking employment, as well as provide other services.
As a job seeker, there are two types of WIA benefits available:
BASIC SERVICES are available to anyone at any time. These may include resume development, interviewing skills training, access to job postings, job fairs, group training classes, or other services offered by a local WIA provider. WIA services provided in each county vary widely, so contact your local one-stop to find out what they offer.
INTENSIVE SERVICES are available only to displaced employees. They can include tuition assistance, job training or training in specific skills, or other benefits designed to enhance employability.
Training and other support available through WIA provides job seekers opportunities to enhance or expand their skills. There is no charge to individuals to utilize WIA services. They represent a return of your tax dollars at a time when they are most needed.
How can I access my benefits through WIA?
WIA benefits can be accessed at WIA centers across the country. In Ohio, they are located at the One-Stop centers in each county operated through a partnership between the state county Job and Family Services. A clickable map of these centers in Ohio is here
Each county establishes the eligibility requirements for the various WIA benefits, programs and training offered, and caps on tuition assistance. It is important to check with your local WIA provider before planning any specific training program, as each maintain approved provider and program listings.
WIA benefits can be accessed at your local One-Stop center, any other One-Stop center in the state, or any WIA office in the country. Since each county establishes their own parameters for WIA benefits and programs, there is significant variation between counties in the eligibility requirements, types of services, and levels of service offered. Because of this, you are encouraged to check with the various WIA providers in your area to determine the benefits and programs they offer.
Where are One-Stop Centers located?
One-Stop Centers are located in each county. A clickable map of these centers is here.
Call your local One-Stop to determine their hours of operation and current schedule of programs being offered.
One-Stop centers in other states can be found at America's Service Locator
How can I get a listing of state jobs that are currently posted?
The Ohio Hiring Management System of the Department of Administrative Services maintains a listing of currently posted state jobs. This list is updated throughout the day. Their web site containing the listings is: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/ohio/default.cfm/ This list can be searched by agency, county, or job title.
Applications for most jobs can be filed on-line. Information about the application process and the on-line application are at http://careers.ohio.gov/
I want to go back to school. What should I do?
Begin by contacting your One-Stop provider to find out the career fields for which they offer training, their approved training providers list, and whether you are eligible to receive WIA assistance for your training. Check to be certain the school you want to attend is on their approved list. If you are an OCSEA member, you should also check to see if the school is on the UET approved provider list, so you can utilize available benefits from them as well.
As with all their services, the approved training and provider lists vary between counties and One-Stop providers. Be sure the training and school you want are listed ny the One-Stop of your choice.