Just Cause Terminations and Progressive Discipline in Ohio Unemployment Law

Just Cause Terminations and Progressive Discipline in Ohio Unemployment Law

Understanding what constitutes "just cause" for termination in Ohio unemployment cases requires careful examination of both general principles and specific workplace policies. This analysis becomes particularly important when employers maintain progressive discipline systems, as these policies create specific expectations and obligations that affect unemployment eligibility.

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Understanding Unemployment Benefits After Quitting In Lieu of an Impending Termination

Understanding Unemployment Benefits After Quitting In Lieu of an Impending Termination

Many employees find themselves in a challenging position when facing impending termination: stay until the actual discharge occurs, or resign beforehand to preserve professional relationships and future job prospects. What many don't realize is that under Ohio law, quitting before an inevitable termination doesn't automatically disqualify someone from receiving unemployment benefits.

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Understanding How to Qualify for Ohio Unemployment After a Termination for Failing to Meet Performance Expectations

Understanding How to Qualify for Ohio Unemployment After a Termination for Failing to Meet Performance Expectations

The Ohio Supreme Court's decision in Tzangas established several crucial principles that continue to guide unemployment compensation determinations today. Most importantly, the Court held that an employee's unsuitability for their position can constitute sufficient fault to justify a denial of unemployment benefits - but only if specific criteria are met.

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Understanding Unemployment Appeal Deadlines in Ohio: When Extensions Are Possible

Understanding Unemployment Appeal Deadlines in Ohio: When Extensions Are Possible

Filing an unemployment appeal in Ohio typically requires quick action - specifically within 21 days of receiving an unfavorable decision from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). However, there are several important situations where this deadline can be extended, providing crucial protections for claimants facing specific circumstances.

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Non-Covered Employment Under Ohio Unemployment Law: A Comprehensive Guide

Non-Covered Employment Under Ohio Unemployment Law: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding which types of employment do not qualify for unemployment benefits is crucial for both employers and workers in Ohio. The Ohio Revised Code provides detailed specifications for employment categories that are excluded from unemployment coverage.

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Understanding Ohio Unemployment Benefits: Medical Issues and Absenteeism

Understanding Ohio Unemployment Benefits: Medical Issues and Absenteeism

Under Ohio law, excessive absenteeism or tardiness may provide just cause for termination that would lead to a disqualification from unemployment benefits. However, whether a termination is justified largely depends on the type of attendance policy in effect and the reasons behind the absences.

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Understanding Just Cause Termination Under Ohio Unemployment Law

Understanding Just Cause Termination Under Ohio Unemployment Law

In Ohio, employees who lose their jobs through no fault of their own are eligible for unemployment compensation benefits. However, those discharged for "just cause" may be disqualified from receiving these benefits under Ohio Revised Code § 4141.29(D).

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Ohio PUA - Identity Verification and Fraud

Ohio PUA - Identity Verification and Fraud

Just when you thought it was over, ODJFS has sent a batch of new determination notices claiming people were overpaid Pandemic Unemployment Benefits for people who received PUA years ago. The determination come in pairs, one regarding identity verification and the other for fraud. These are typically tied together - both resulting from the identity verification issue

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Pandemic Unemployment Waivers

Pandemic Unemployment Waivers

While Ohio may waivers of PUA over-payments in circumstances where it is shown that the overpayments are through no fault of the claimants and that to require repayment would create an undue financial burden, applying for a waiver is no substitute for appealing the determination that originally put the overpayment in place.

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Resigning Due to Medical Issues?

Resigning Due to Medical Issues?

When applying for Ohio unemployment benefits, this can be just cause to resign, but generally the employee must both prove the medical condition prevents them from working that job AND take steps to try to resolve the issue with the employer (e.g., asking about alternative positions) before resigning.

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Can You Refuse An Offer to Return to Work When You Are High Risk and Not Lose Your Unemployment?

Can You Refuse An Offer to Return to Work When You Are High Risk and Not Lose Your Unemployment?

Ohio Unemployment will generally disqualify an individual from benefits if they refuse an offer to return to work. Many people have concerns about returning to work during COVID-19, but they do not want to lose their unemployment benefits. Governor Dewine provided some relief for such high risk individuals.

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Ohio Unemployment During Our Time of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Ohio Unemployment During Our Time of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

If your employer temporarily closes, or significantly cuts your hours and pay, you might become eligible for unemployment compensation. This should be treated as any other layoff due to a lack of work. As of today, you must have sufficient qualifying weeks of employment (i.e., 20 weeks during your base period with average gross earnings of $269 or more per week).

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