Skip to content

Ohio Businesses Play an Important Role in Combatting Unemployment Fraud

Ohio Businesses Play an Important Role in Combatting Unemployment Fraud

December 12, 2022

Ohio Businesses Play an Important Role in Combatting Unemployment Fraud

Ohio, like the rest of the nation, dealt with unprecedented levels of unemployment claims—and unemployment fraud—over the course of the pandemic. This fraud impacted claimants and employers alike. To date, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has recovered nearly $400 million in fraudulently obtained benefits. But the sad reality is that we now live in a world where criminals see unemployment as an ongoing target. It’s possible some individuals are only finding out now that their identity was compromised. Each year after Oct. 15 (the last tax-filing date for those who requested extensions), the IRS reconciles the information we send them with submitted tax forms. They may contact individuals who appear to have received benefits that they didn’t report – when in fact these individuals were the victims of identity theft. If this happens, and the benefits were paid from Ohio, we are encouraging individuals to file reports at our online fraud portal at unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/IdentityTheft. That way, we can conduct an investigation and, if necessary, issue a corrected 1099-G form to the IRS. To combat attempts to steal unemployment benefits, ODJFS has dramatically changed the way it addresses fraud. Cyber-defense efforts include a suite of anti-fraud measures, such as multi-factor authentication and enhanced ID-proofing. These steps have dramatically decreased fraudulent claim attempts. Ohio businesses also have a role in combating unemployment fraud. Please respond timely to any correspondence you receive from ODJFS—particularly any “Request for Separation Information” notices you may receive. Responding timely to these notices, and writing “fraud/identity theft” on them, helps ODJFS more quickly investigate the claims and take appropriate action. The most expedient way for employers to respond to “Request for Separation Information” forms is through their online accounts or by using the State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) portal or SIDES E-Response, which is designed for employers and third-party administrators with fewer unemployment claims. You can learn more about both SIDES and SIDES E-Response at https://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/SIDES.stm or by watching this short video: https://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/tutorials/OUIO/SIDES/SIDES.mp4.
Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

United States Capitol US Capitol Congress Washington DC
July 1, 2025
ICYMI: NFIB Georgia Director On Why Congress Needs to Make the…
Congress is voting on the legislation that includes the measure this week.
Read More
Ohio State House Capitol Building
July 1, 2025
Small Businesses Applaud State Budget
Gov. DeWine signed the Ohio budget, House Bill 96
Read More
June 30, 2025
What Happened in Phoenix for Arizona Small Business Owners Duri…
A look at the small business victories achieved during the 2025 Arizona Leg…
Read More
June 30, 2025
Ohio Small Business Owners Visit with Lawmakers at D.C. Fly-In
NFIB’s annual event gives members a chance to engage directly with lawmak…
Read More

© 2001 - 2025 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility