by Columbus, Ohio — More than 300,000 Ohio residents may be eligible to receive up to $3,000 each following a pending decision by the Ohio Supreme Court regarding the state’s COVID-19 unemployment benefits program. The case comes after the early termination of the program by Governor Mike DeWine, which left Ohioans without approximately $900 million in federal unemployment payments.
Background of the Program and Legal Dispute
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government approved additional unemployment benefits to help eligible workers impacted by the economic crisis. While these funds were to be distributed by individual states, Ohio residents were affected when Governor DeWine ended the state’s expanded unemployment program early, roughly 10 weeks ahead of schedule.
Officials cited concerns that the extra benefits were contributing to labor shortages, but the move left many eligible workers without the funds they were due. Lower courts subsequently ruled that the governor violated state law by stopping the program before the scheduled end date.
Court Decisions So Far
Following the early termination, a Franklin County judge ordered the state to distribute the funds in February. The decision was later upheld by the Tenth District Court of Appeals in June, reinforcing that the state had a legal obligation to provide the federal benefits to qualified residents.
Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group and host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek:
“Ohioans are seeking restitution after the state’s expanded unemployment benefits program was cut short by Governor DeWine. The case reached the state’s Supreme Court after lower courts ruled that the governor may have violated state law by refusing to distribute federal funds designated for those benefits.”
The pending Supreme Court decision could put thousands of dollars back into the hands of Ohioans who missed out on their rightful payments.
Why This Matters
The legal dispute centers on whether state law required the governor to distribute federal unemployment funds regardless of potential labor market effects. Plaintiffs argue that the law mandates the payments must be delivered when available, and no labor considerations can justify withholding the funds.
If the Ohio Supreme Court affirms the lower court rulings, eligible workers could receive benefits retroactively, ensuring that those who lost out on their COVID-19 unemployment payments are made whole.
Potential Impact on Ohioans
Over 300,000 residents who were originally scheduled to receive benefits through September 2021 stand to gain from this ruling. For many families, the additional $3,000 in federal benefits could provide critical financial relief, especially as households continue to recover from the economic challenges of the pandemic.
The case highlights the tension between emergency economic assistance programs and state-level policy decisions, underscoring the importance of legal oversight in ensuring that eligible residents receive federal aid.
Do you or someone you know qualify for the retroactive COVID-19 unemployment benefits in Ohio? Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below — your insight can help others understand what’s at stake and stay informed about the potential Supreme Court decision.
