What are unemployment benefits?

What do I do if the unemployment office refuses to issue benefits?

• My wife was laid off in June 2007 and neglected to file a claim for unemployment benefits until May 2008 because she did not want to be a burden on the system and was sure she could find a new job quickly. According to Ohio's unemployment compensation laws, she still qualified for unemployment compensation when she applied. However, she has never received any unemployment benefits. Over the last six months, she visited the unemployment office several times and each time, was told that all of her paperwork was in order and she should begin receiving benefits in two weeks. The office has never given my wife a reason why she is not receiving benefits. She has been consistently diligent about applying for jobs and following up when possible for the last year and a half. Is there any way we can challenge the unemployment office's refusal to provide the benefits my wife is due?

• Answer:

  Have your wife call and tell them she wants to file a complaint and state the reasons you mentioned.