Many unemployment claimants believe that if they lose their initial hearing, they can simply present their case anew on appeal and get a fresh determination. This misconception can be devastating. Two recent Ohio appellate decisions, Clark v. Director, Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, 2025-Ohio-2222 (8th Dist. 2025) and Tan v. Director of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 2025-Ohio-2614 (2d Dist. 2025), illustrate a harsh reality: the hearing before the Ohio Unemployment Compensation Review Commission is essentially your one shot at winning your case. Understanding why requires grasping the extremely limited role of reviewing courts in unemployment appeals.

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.

Many people have heard stories of someone quitting in the heat of the moment, only to regret it hours or days later. Perhaps an employee submitted a resignation during a particularly stressful day, or reconsidered after learning new information about the workplace. The question becomes: can a resignation be withdrawn? In Ohio, the answer depends significantly on whether the employment is in the public or private sector, and the implications for unemployment benefits can be substantial.

If you're collecting unemployment benefits in Ohio, understanding your obligations regarding work offers is crucial. Refusing a job offer without proper justification can result in losing your benefits entirely. This post breaks down the key aspects of Ohio Revised Code 4141.29(D)(2)(b) and related provisions to help you navigate this complex area.