Unemployment compensation serves as a critical safety net for Ohio workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. However, this system depends on claimants providing accurate information about their circumstances, particularly regarding any wages they earn while receiving benefits. The recent case of Mikhelson v. Director of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 2025-Ohio-2524 (8th Dist. 2025), illustrates how even seemingly innocent mistakes in reporting can lead to serious fraud determinations with lasting consequences.

When an employer terminates an employee for violating company policy, Ohio unemployment law requires more than just proving the violation occurred. The employer must also demonstrate that the policy was both fair and fairly applied. A recent Ohio appellate court decision illustrates how this requirement plays out in practice and what evidence is needed to challenge the fair application of workplace rules.

Missing an unemployment compensation hearing in Ohio can have serious consequences, but the impact varies dramatically depending on whether the absent party is the one who filed the appeal or the one responding to it. Understanding the rules governing non-appearance, what constitutes acceptable excuses, and the procedures for addressing missed hearings can mean the difference between preserving appeal rights and losing them entirely.

Navigating an unemployment compensation hearing in Ohio can be intimidating for both claimants and employers. The Ohio Unemployment Review Commission conducts thousands of hearings each year, operating under specific rules and procedures designed to ensure fair and efficient resolution of disputes. Understanding these rules can make the difference between a successful appeal and a denied claim.

Job loss due to lack of work is one of the most straightforward paths to unemployment benefits in Ohio, yet many workers remain confused about what qualifies as a lack of work separation and how it affects their benefits eligibility. Whether facing a seasonal slowdown, contract completion, or vacation shutdown, understanding these rules can make the difference between receiving benefits and being denied.