CLEVELAND — The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said in an update Thursday that the agency is unable to accept new pandemic unemployment assistance applications and claims for weekly benefits due to "the transition."

The ODJFS said PUA claims can be filed for weeks prior to Dec. 27.

Officials at ODJFS said they expect to have the PUA system back up and running by the third week of January for those who previously were approved to receive up to 39 weeks of the PUA benefits. The agency did not elaborate on what transition is preventing the acceptance of applications or claims.

The system programming will need to be updated before new claims can be received, ODJFS said.

The federal Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2021, signed on Dec. 27, extends and changes the following PUA programs and benefits through March 21, 2021, the agency says:

• Once implemented, will provide up to an additional 11 weeks of benefits, to a maximum of up to 50 weeks.
• Will require a weekly certification specifying a specific “COVID-19 CARES Act reason,” beginning on January 26.
• Will require individuals to substantiate employment or self-employment in the most recent tax year, beginning on January 31.
• Will require identity verification at the outset of a claim, beginning on January 26.
• Will impose new limitations on backdating claims.
• Will be available until the week ending April 10, although no new applications will be available after the week ending March 13.
• Will provide states with new authority to waive PUA and Lost Wages Assistance overpayments, under certain conditions.
• Requires PUA appeals to be conducted in the same manner and extent as traditional unemployment appeals.

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