Ohio Lt. Governor, Jon Husted says that by the end of next week the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will be able to begin processing the additional $600 a week payments authorized by the federal CARES Act.

He says because more unemployment filings have been made in the last month than over the last two years combined the state wasn't ready for such a toll on its system.  That's why filing for unemployment in Ohio hasn't been easy. Ohio's computer system that's handle's unemployment is from 2004 and up until now it's been adequate when unemployment was at 4%, said Husted.

"Pre-pandemic there were 42 people working in the call center. That was sufficient to do the work it was being asked to do. now there are 1194 working in the call center and that still is not enough," said Husted.

Another 337 people are currently being trained and will be added next week.

Also, in an effort to answer easier questions automatically a voice recognition system will be added to answer those common questions without having to wait for a human to answer your call.
Jobs and Family Services also plans to launch an online tool that will allow self-employed, 1099 workers to get in line early.

"By the end of next week they will have the application process available although they will not be able to process those claims for payment until May 15th," added Husted.

Husted says when applying to enter a special number which will help speed up the process of verifying who your employers is. Entering the mass layoff number of "2000180" will allow the state to process application faster.