Applying for unemployment benefits in Ohio requires meeting certain criteria, not just when you first apply, but also on a weekly basis to continue receiving payments. One crucial requirement is that you must be "able to work" each week for which you claim benefits. This isn't always as straightforward as it might sound, especially if you have health issues or restrictions.

What Does "Able to Work" Mean in Ohio Unemployment?

In the context of Ohio unemployment law, the phrase "able to work" specifically refers to your physical and mental capability to work. This means that during each day of the week you are claiming benefits, you must be physically and mentally capable of performing some form of work.

It is important to understand that being "able to work" is distinct from being "available for suitable work." These are two separate requirements, each with its own focus and standards.

The Difference Between "Able" and "Available"

"Able to work" focuses on your physical and mental capacity to perform some work. This is about your basic capability to function in a work environment, regardless of what specific job you might accept.

"Available for work" refers to your readiness, willingness, and active effort to find and accept suitable employment, and being exposed to the labor market. This encompasses your job search activities and willingness to accept appropriate positions.

You could be physically capable of working but not meeting the "available for work" requirement if, for example, you unreasonably restrict the type of work you will accept or the hours you are willing to work, unless such restrictions are based on a documented health condition. Conversely, you might be willing and looking for work but physically incapable of performing any work, which would fail the "able to work" test.

Does "Able to Work" Mean You Must Be Able to Do Your Old Job?

No, the requirement to be "able to work" does not mean you must be physically capable of performing your former position. It means you must be physically capable of performing some work.

For instance, an individual can still be considered "able to work" even if they have restrictions that place them on light duty. Similarly, receiving temporary total disability benefits from a workers' compensation claim does not automatically mean someone is unable to work for unemployment purposes if they are still capable of performing other types of work, such as sedentary or supervisory roles. The key is physical capacity for some form of employment.

Why This Matters for Your Weekly Benefits

The rule is strict: you must be able to work during each day of the week for which you claim benefits. If the Director finds that you were physically or mentally unable to work for even a single day during a claimed week, you would not be entitled to benefits for that specific week.

Therefore, if you have a medical condition or injury, it is crucial to understand how it impacts your physical and mental capacity for any work. Proper documentation of health conditions that limit your availability for specific shifts is relevant to the "available for suitable work" requirement, but the underlying "able to work" requirement focuses purely on your overall physical capacity to be employed.

Practical Implications for Claimants

This weekly requirement means that even temporary health issues can affect your benefit eligibility. If you're hospitalized, bedridden, or otherwise physically incapable of working for any period during a claimed week, you may be disqualified from benefits for that week.

However, having work restrictions doesn't automatically disqualify you. The question is whether you retain the capacity for some type of work, even if it's different from your previous employment.

Need Help Understanding Your Eligibility?

Navigating unemployment eligibility, especially when health issues are involved, can be complex. Understanding the specific definitions and requirements under Ohio law is essential to ensure you properly claim your weekly benefits. If you're facing challenges with the "able to work" requirement or have questions about how your health condition affects your unemployment claim, consulting with an experienced unemployment attorney can help clarify your rights and obligations.

Ohio Unemployment Attorneys