Coronavirus: Clark County workers impacted asked to apply for benefits online

The Clark County Department of Job & Family Services. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

The Clark County Department of Job & Family Services. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

The Clark County Department of Jobs and Family Services is asking those who are temporarily out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic to apply for unemployment benefits by phone or online.

Citizens who have lost work because of the COVID-19 emergency, also known as coronavirus, can apply online for benefits at http://unemployment.ohio.gov or by calling 1-877-644-6562.

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The Clark County Department of Jobs and Family Services currently does not have state unemployment staff available at its local facility and therefore cannot accept unemployment applications, according to a news release from the agency.

“The state is currently receiving a high volume of calls, so please be patient as the agency works through the situation,” the release said.

MORE: Coronavirus: Clark County to close multiple buildings today at noon

An executive order issued by Governor Mike DeWine has expand unemployment benefits to workers whose employers closed or who were in mandatory quarantine for suspected infection.

As a result, residents who cannot work because of the pandemic will not be subject to normal requirements for receiving unemployment, that can include not having to actively seek work while receiving payments.