What is the Unemployment Compensation Review Commission?  

The Unemployment Compensation Review Commission (“the Commission”) is composed of three members appointed by the Governor, a staff of attorney hearing officers, and customer service staff. The Commission reviews appeals of unemployment insurance decisions issued by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and holds a hearing for the parties to present their evidence and testimony. The Commission may affirm, reverse, or modify ODJFS decisions. The Commission is independent from ODJFS for purposes of providing fair and timely hearings.

What is the purpose of the appeal hearing?  

The purpose of the appeal hearing is to gather all the facts necessary to correctly decide the case based upon federal and state unemployment insurance law.

How will I know the date, time, and location of the hearing?  

You will receive a Hearing Notice advising you of the date, time, and location of your hearing at least seven (7) days prior to your hearing. The Hearing Notice also provides important information about how to register for your hearing, either online or by phone, at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the hearing. It is important that you read the notice carefully and do not miss your hearing. If you are the appealing party and you miss your hearing, your case will be dismissed.  

Where will the hearing take place?  

Most Commission hearings are conducted by telephone. Hearings are conducted by telephone unless a party requests an in-person hearing. Instructions on requesting an in-person hearing are provided in the Notice that an Appeal has been Transferred to the Review Commission (the first notice you will receive from the Commission). A request for an in-person hearing must be filed within 10 days of the mail date listed on that Notice.

When will the hearing take place?  

The Commission normally holds hearings between 7:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). A party working during the day may request an evening hearing. Evening hearings are always conducted by telephone, and are scheduled Monday through Thursday, between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET.

What if I am unable to attend the hearing?  

You must contact the Commission at our toll-free number 1-866-833-8272 to request a postponement of your hearing. You must provide good cause for your postponement. For more information about rescheduling your hearing and the good cause criteria, please review our postponement policy.

How can I prepare for my hearing?  

You may request a free electronic copy of your appeal file by sending an email to filecopy@jfs.ohio.gov. In the body of your email request, please include your name, the name of the party you represent, the Commission Docket Number or ODJFS Determination number being appealed, the telephone number where you can be reached, and the email address that you will receive the file. After the hearing, you may also obtain a free electronic copy of the recorded hearing by sending an email to filecopy@jfs.ohio.gov.

How can I locate a representative?  

Commission hearings are designed to be simple and efficient. No representation is necessary. However, if you wish to be represented, it is important that you arrange for a representative as soon as possible. Your local bar association may be able to refer you to a private attorney. If you cannot afford a private attorney, your local Legal Aid office may be able to provide help at no cost. You can contact your local Legal Aid office by calling 1-866-LAW-OHIO (1-866-529-6446) or by searching the Legal Aid directory at https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org on the internet.

What should I bring to the hearing?  

The attorney hearing officer will consider all testimony and evidence submitted. You should bring witnesses and documents that support your case. Documentation must be sent to the Commission before the hearing. Copies must also be provided to all other interested parties and their representatives. Witnesses may be subpoenaed by writing to the Commission, calling our toll-free number 1-866-833-8272, faxing to 614-387-3694 or emailing to UCRC_FAX@jfs.ohio.gov. The Commission will issue up to three subpoenas, so you should identify the most important three witnesses needed on your subpoena request. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer will decide whether additional witnesses are necessary.

How is a telephone hearing conducted?  

The hearing officer will join the parties in a conference call. However, you MUST register for your hearing before you can be called for a hearing. To register for a hearing, please select one of the two options below.

1. Online. Visit oh.c2tinc.com/register and provide the requested information. You will need your Docket Number, which you can find in the upper right corner of the third page of the Hearing Notice. If your registration is successful, you will receive a confirmation number.
2. Telephone. If you cannot register online, please call one of the following numbers at least 15 minutes before the scheduled hearing time:
   
   Columbus, Ohio, area: 1-614-387-3775
   All other areas in Ohio: 1-800-848-7099
   All areas outside Ohio: 1-800-821-1588
   
   You should use these numbers only to register for a hearing. A hearing assistant will answer at the above phone number(s). You must give the assistant the complete telephone number where you can be called when the hearing is scheduled to begin. Do not use a telephone number that will not take incoming telephone calls. Hang up your telephone and wait to be called back.

What can I expect at the hearing?  

Most hearings are scheduled for 45 minutes. The hearing officer will record the hearing. Hearing procedures will be explained at the start of the hearing. All relevant witnesses, including the claimant and the employer, will be sworn in and questioned about the issues set forth in the Hearing Notice. Each party will be given the opportunity to ask questions of the witnesses. Each party will be given time for a brief closing statement. The hearing officer's decision will be based upon the evidence admitted at the hearing and the information in the appeal file. The decision will be mailed to the parties.

Further information about the hearing process and applicable laws can be found in Chapter 4141 of the Ohio Revised Code and Chapter 4146 of the Ohio Administrative Code. These reference materials are available online or at your public library. You can also view the UC Law Abstract and Policies & Procedures sections on this website for further information.

When will I receive a decision?  

The Commission conducts several hundred hearings per week. Your decision will be issued as soon as possible. It typically takes between five and nine business days.

What if I disagree with the decision?  

A party may appeal the hearing officer's decision to the full Commission within twenty-one (21) days after the date the decision is mailed. The Commission may affirm the decision, reverse the decision without further hearing, or order another hearing. After a Commission level decision is issued, the parties have appeal rights to the courts of common pleas.

What if I wish to withdraw my appeal?  

The appealing party may withdraw their appeal any time prior to the date the decision is issued. A request to withdraw an appeal may be filed online, by calling our toll-free number 1-866-833-8272, faxing to 614-387-3694 or emailing to UCRC_FAX@jfs.ohio.gov, or in writing to the Commission by US Mail.