COVID-19 Checklist for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

Responding to COVID-19

Ohioans who are unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic but don’t qualify for regular unemployment benefits can apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), a new program that covers additional categories of workers and is authorized by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Many who were previously denied unemployment benefits may be eligible for PUA.

Things to know about the program:

• Effective April 24, 2020, an online tool developed the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) allows people to pre-register so PUA claim processing can begin as soon as a new system is ready in mid-May. Find the tool by visiting unemployment.ohio.gov and clicking on “Get Started Now.”
   
• PUA will provide up to 39 weeks of benefits to many who historically have not qualified for unemployment benefits, such as self-employed workers, 1099 tax filers, part-time workers, and people who lack sufficient work history. There is no minimum income requirement. Ohioans who have exhausted all regular unemployment and weekly extensions also may be eligible for the program.
   
• To be eligible, workers must fit one of these categories:

1. Those laid off as a direct result of COVID-19 and unable to qualify for regular unemployment benefits.
2. Those unable to reach their place of employment because of quarantine.
3. Those unable to reach their place of employment because they have been advised by a healthcare provider to self-quarantine.
4. Those whose place of employment is closed because of COVID-19.
5. Those who were scheduled to start work but who no longer have a job because of COVID-19.
6. Those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms and seeking medical diagnoses.
7. Those with a household member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
8. Those providing care to a family or household member diagnosed with COVID-19.
9. Those who have primary caregiving responsibilities and whose ability to work is dependent on the availability of school or care for children or others who are unable to attend due to COVID-19.
10. Those who have become breadwinners or major supports of households where a head of household has died as a result of COVID-19.
11. Those who have quit their jobs as a direct result of COVID-19.

• Benefits will be retroactive to the date workers became eligible, as early as February 2.
   
• The benefit amount will be similar to traditional unemployment benefits, plus an additional $600 per week through July 25. The CARES Act also provides up to 13 weeks of additional benefits for those who exhaust their maximum 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits.
   
• Anyone with questions should call (833) 604-0774.

For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call the COVID-19 CareLine at 1-800-720-9616.

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 by taking these precautions.

• Stay home 
• Practice Social Distancing
• Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals
• Wash hands often with water and soap (20 seconds or longer)
• Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry your hands
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces
• Clean and disinfect "High-Touch" surfaces often
• Call before visiting your doctor
• Practice good hygiene habits 

If you have questions regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19 please call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634)

CLEAN ALL "HIGH-TOUCH" SURFACES EVERY DAY

High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

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