Are you recently unemployed? You can receive unemployment compensation benefits if you are unemployed (1) due to lack of work (laid off), (2) you were discharged without just cause, or (3) you quit  with just cause. This brochure outlines how to apply for unemployment benefits, what a Determination is, and how you can appeal an unfavorable Determination. Also included is information on what happens after a Redetermination is issued and steps you must take to continue receiving unemployment benefits after you apply. For more information and to apply for benefits online, you can visit https://unemployment.ohio.gov.

More information is available in this brochure published by Legal Aid: What You Need to Know About Unemployment Benefits

This brochure is also available in Spanish at: Lo que usted debe Conocer Acerca del Beneficio de Desempleo

Every Worker has Rights at Work, Including Undocumented Workers

Minimum Wage: Most workers have the right to be paid the current minimum wage in Ohio. For the current rate, check: https://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/america.htm

If you make tips at work, the amount you make in tips plus the amount you make per hour must add up to at least the minimum wage rate.

Overtime Pay: Most workers have the right to overtime pay when they work over 40 hours in a workweek. The overtime rate is one and one-half (1½) times your rate of pay. For example, a $10/ hour regular rate would be a $15/hour overtime rate ($10 x 1.5 = $15).

Discrimination and Sexual Harassment: You have the right to a workplace that is free from sexual harassment and discrimination based on your race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, military status and age.

You also have the right to participate in any claim or investigation about these issues.

Organizing: You have the right to organize a union at work and talk about unionizing during nonwork hours (breaks). You also have the right to talk to your supervisor about problems at work that affect you or your coworkers.

Safety: You have the right to a safe workplace. Your work must provide and require the use of proper safety gear and safeguards. You cannot be forced to enter any workplace that is unsafe. You cannot be forced to perform work without proper safety gear or safeguards.

How to Protect Yourself

Document! Keep your own records of (1) what days you worked; (2) how many hours you worked each day; and (3) whether you took any breaks and how long.  Always compare your pay rate on your paystub to what you were actually paid and document any difference between the two.

Know Who You Are Working For!  Know the address and phone number for your workplace and the name of your supervisor.

Get Help! Get help as soon as you can when you believe that something may be wrong.

What to Do if Your Employer Owes You Pay

Call Legal Aid at 888.817.3777 or 216.687.1900.

File a complaint with the State of Ohio Bureau of Wage and Hour Administration at 614.644.2239.

Call the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division at 866.487.9243 or 216.357.5400.

File a lawsuit in Small Claims Court for up to $6,000 in unpaid wages, plus interest and costs.

What to Do if You Were Discriminated Against or You Were Punished for Speaking Up About Your Rights

Call Legal Aid at 888.817.3777 or 216.687.1900.

If you were discriminated against, file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) at 800.669.4000 or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) at 216.787.3150.

If your right to organize was violated, file a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) at 216.522.3715.

What to Do if Your Workplace is Unsafe

Notify your supervisor or the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) at 216.447.4194.

Ask OSHA to inspect your workplace.

If you were discriminated against or punished because you filed a safety complaint with OSHA, you have 30 days to inform OSHA of the discrimination or retaliation by filing an additional complaint.

Request copies of your medical records from your doctor and collect other records that document your exposure to toxic or harmful chemicals.

What to Do if You Were Hurt on the Job

As soon as you are hurt:

1. 1. Get medical help;
   2. Tell your work you have been hurt. Let your supervisor know you have been hurt and ask if you need to fill out an accident report;
   3. Tell your doctor or emergency room the name of your health care organization that handles workers’ compensation claims. If you don’t know, find out from your workplace. This helps ensure your injury is counted as work related;
   4. Tell your pharmacist that any prescriptions you receive are related to treatment for an Ohio Worker’s Compensation claim;
   5. File a Workers’ Compensation claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

What more info?

More information is available in this brochure published by Legal Aid: Employment Law

Learn about Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law through this new brochure published by Legal Aid.  Click here to see a PDF of the brochure.

In Ohio a Landlord has a duty to:

1. Keep the property in livable condition.
2. Keep the common areas clean and safe.
3. Comply with building, housing, health, and safety codes.
4. Keep in good working order all electrical, plumbing, heating, and ventilation equipment.
5. Maintain all appliances and equipment supplied by the landlord.
6. Provide running water, hot water and heat (unless the hot water and heat are controlled entirely by the tenant and supplied by a direct public utility hook-up).
7. Provide garbage cans and trash removal (if the landlord owns four or more residential units in the same building).
8. Give at least 24 hours notice, unless it is an emergency, before entering a tenant’s unit, and enter only at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner.
9. Evict the tenant when informed by a law enforcement officer of drug activity by the tenant, a member of the tenant’s household, or a guest of the tenant occurring in or otherwise connected with the tenant’s premises.

In Ohio a Tenant has a duty to:

1. Keep the property clean and safe.
2. Dispose of rubbish in the proper manner.
3. Keep the plumbing fixtures as clean as their condition permits.
4. Use electrical and plumbing fixtures properly.
5. Comply with housing, health, and safety codes that apply to tenants.
6. Refrain from damaging the property and keep guests from causing damage.
7. Maintain appliances supplied by the landlord in good working order.
8. Conduct yourself in a manner that does not disturb any neighbors and require guests to do the same.
9. Permit landlord to enter the dwelling unit if the request is reasonable and proper notice is given.
10. Comply with state or municipal drug laws in connection with the property and require household members and guests to do the same.

Are you recently unemployed? You can receive unemployment compensation benefits if you are unemployed (1) due to lack of work (laid off), (2) you were discharged without just cause, or (3) you quit  with just cause. This brochure outlines how to apply for unemployment benefits, what a Determination is, and how you can appeal an unfavorable Determination. Also included is information on what happens after a Redetermination is issued and steps you must take to continue receiving unemployment benefits after you apply. For more information and to apply for benefits online, you can visit https://unemployment.ohio.gov.

More information is available in this brochure published by Legal Aid: What You Need to Know About Unemployment Benefits

This brochure is also available in Spanish at: Lo que usted debe Conocer Acerca del Beneficio de Desempleo

Lost your job and your former employer will not give you your last paycheck? Here are some steps you can take. This brochure explains what you should do if you cannot get your last paycheck. (1) Remember to give back all company property, (2) wait until your regular payday has passed, and (3) make a request for your paycheck in writing if your payday has passed. If that  doesn’t  work, you may file a complaint with the Ohio Wage and Hour Bureau, call Legal Aid, or go to Small Claims Court.  Contact information is  included.

More information is available in this brochure published by Legal Aid: Can’t Get Your Last Pay Check?

Are you the victim of domestic abuse or violence? This brochure describes what domestic violence is, provides the numbers of local and national domestic violence hotlines, and outlines steps to take if you are a victim of abuse. It explains the importance of a Criminal Temporary Protection Order (TPO) and Civil Protection Order (CPO), the differences between the two, and how to file for each. The brochure also describes how to press for criminal charges and what to do if charges are filed and the abuser is convicted.

More information is available in this brochure published by Legal Aid: Domestic Violence: What Is It? What Can You Do About It?

This brochure is also available in Spanish at: Violencia Doméstica:  ¿Qué es?  ¿Qué puede hacer usted acerca de esto?

Starting March 17, Legal Aid will only do new client intake online and via phone.

Those needing civil legal assistance can apply online 24/7 at www.lasclev.org or weekdays by calling 888-817-3777.  Those with non-legal questions related to landlord-tenant and other rental issues can also call our Tenant Information Line at 216-861-5955 (Cuyahoga) or 440-210-4533 (Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Lorain Counties).

Offices in Cleveland, Elyria, Painesville and Jefferson are closed and walk-in intake is suspended until further notice.  All Legal Aid staff will be working remotely to help our clients in need.  Current clients should continue to work with their attorneys and anticipate handling matters by phone and electronically to the extent possible.

Legal Aid will keep the public updated about changes to intake and other activities and events via www.lasclev.org and social media channels – including Facebook and Twitter.

Effectively immediately, during the time of the COVID-19 emergency in Ohio, a public water system shall not disconnect customers’ water due to nonpayment of fees or charges. Customers whose service was disconnected for nonpayment after January 1, 2020 should request reconnection and the public water system shall restore drinking water service as quickly as possible. The customer may not be charged reconnection fees, but may be billed for actual usage. This order ends when the emergency ends or on December 1, 2020, whichever is sooner. See the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Order.

Dear Community Partner: Please see important updates related to COVID-19 in the message below–

• Legal Aid continues serving clients during the COID-19 pandemic and provides updates on evolving policies related to COVID-19.
• See Local updates on county building, county info, utility info, food assistance, mental health services, housing and financial assistance.
• See Ohio updates on benefits, unemployment compensation, special education, small business loans, and public utilities.
• See National updates on Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Social Security Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and the “public charge” rule.

Questions? Contact Anne Sweeney, Managing Attorney for Community Engagement, at anne.sweeney@lasclev.org

Legal Aid Updates:

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will continue to serve clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Legal Aid intake is available online 24/7 or by phone during regular phone intake hours at 888.817.3777. Offices in Cleveland, Elyria, Painesville, and Jefferson are closed, and walk-in intake is suspended until further notice. All Legal Aid staff are working remotely to help our clients.

Legal Aid is sharing information about the evolving benefits, policies and practices related to COVID-19 online and via social media.  For more information and resources related to COVID-19, visit Legal Aid’s COVID-19 webpage.  Follow Legal Aid on Twitter and Facebook for the most current updates.

Tenants with questions about their housing rights during the pandemic should continue to call the Tenant Information Line at 216.861.5955 or 440.210.4533.

Workers with questions about employment benefits and unemployment compensation (UC) should contact Legal Aid.  Information about the new UC rules is available here.  Workers should contact intake to apply for help with current employment related problems.  A Worker Information Line to help answer questions about employment and unemployment benefits and worker rights is coming soon!

 Local Updates:

County Buildings

All Cuyahoga County buildings are currently closed to the public. Visit their online services page for resources and information. Cuyahoga County Justice Center, Juvenile Justice Center, the Old Courthouse and Board of Elections remain open for essential functions.

All Lake County offices are adjusting to an alternative service model and have suspended public interface in county owned facilities. For a list of Lake County amended operations by department, click here.

Lorain, Geauga and Ashtabula County agencies all have temporarily modified operations.  Please call county agencies before visiting to learn about those changes.

County Benefits

Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS) will continue to attempt to verify eligibility requirements such as income and resources through an electronic data source whenever possible.  When CJFS is unable to verify income or resources through an electronic data source, the individual will be requested to provide necessary documentation.  Documents may still be dropped off at several locations. While the lobbies are closed to the public, a locked document drop off box is still available at several locations.  Community Medicaid (Non-Long Term Care) case verifications may be scanned and emailed to JFS-Cuyahoga-MIPC@jfs.ohio.gov, and Long Term Care case verifications may be scanned and emailed to SMBC-Documents@jfs.ohio.gov. Verifications may also be mailed to the Agency. Postage paid envelopes can be mailed to applicants upon their request.

Cuyahoga County has suspended assessments and on-site visits related to work activity requirements for people who receive food stamps and cash assistance. All county assessments and on-site visits related to work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are suspended until further notice. For more information about TANF call 216.987.8656 and 216.987.6820 for SNAP.

Utility Info

Cleveland Water and Cleveland Public Power (CPP) have temporarily stopped disconnection of residential services for non-payment. If you have recently been disconnected for non-payment, please call Cleveland Water at 216.664.3130 or CPP at 216.664.4600.

Ashtabula County Community Action Agency announces changes to the application process for their Energy Assistance programs during the state of emergency. Ashtabula County Residents who are enrolling in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) for the first time, applying for the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program, or with incomes at or below 30% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, are no longer required to visit the Ashtabula County Community Action Agency in order to complete an application. In person appointments have been suspended but clients must still call to make their appointments at 440.997.5957 or 866.223.1471. Clients may submit their documentation online here or by dropping documents off at 6920 Austinburg Road, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. For more information, visit ACCAA’s website.

Free and low-cost internet access is available from Charter Communications and Comcast.  Households with school-aged children are eligible for free services.  To enroll in free internet during the COVID 19 pandemic, call 1-844-488-8395.  Other households may qualify for low-cost service.  For more information, visit Spectrum Internet Assist.

Food Assistance

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank continues to provide food assistance to families in need throughout northeast Ohio.  Call the Help Center at 216.738.2067 if you need food assistance, Monday – Friday, 7 am – 6 pm.

Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) will continue meal service to all students during the shutdown of Ohio schools. Meals are free for all children in the city of Cleveland 18 and younger. Click here for a flyer with school meal pickup sites and shuttle information.

Aramark will provide emergency meals for Lorain City School District (LCSD) Monday through Friday at various sites.  For more information and to see a list of the meal sites, visit the Lorain City School District website.

Many other school districts continue distributing free meals to families.  Visit your district’s website for information about times and locations to pick up meals.

Mental Health Services

The ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County has provided resources to support mental health during this stressful time. If you are experiencing stress or anxiety, you can call the Cuyahoga County Warmline at 440.886.5950 to talk with a peer. The warmline operates daily from 9am-1am. You can also text “4hope” to 741741, the Crisis Test Line. If you are in crisis, please call the 24-hour Suicide Prevention, Mental Health/Addiction Crisis, Information and Referral Hotline at 216.623.6888.

Signature Health is providing telemedicine services for mental and behavioral health to patients on Medicare, Medicaid and those without any health insurance. New patients of Signature Health can call 440.578.8200 to schedule a telemedicine appointment.  For more information regarding telehealth services at Signature Health, click here.

Housing

Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list is closed. LMHA will not be accepting applications until further notice. For more information or to see this announcement in Spanish visit LMHA’s website.

Financial Assistance

Hebrew Free Loan Association of Northeast Ohio is offering emergency, interest-free loans to people affected by the coronavirus. Loans of up to $1,500 are available for purposes including, but not limited to, lost wages, childcare costs due to school closures, and medical costs. Learn more and apply here, or call  216.378.9042.

 Ohio Updates:

 ODJFS extended benefits and deadlines for cash and food stamp benefits.  SNAP benefits for households scheduled to expire in March, April and May 2020, are extended 6 months until September, October, and November 2020. Assistance groups with Interim Reports due in March, April or May 2020 will have due dates extended until after May 2020. Additionally, ODJFS has established the temporary procedure for county Jobs and Family Service agencies to accept verbal signatures over the telephone.

The Ohio Department of Medicaid suspended Medicaid renewals for a period of 180 days. Medicaid coverage will not be lost because the renewal process was not able to be completed. For more information and resources, visit the Medicaid.gov Disaster Response Toolkit. Individuals affected by these temporary changes to procedure will be notified by mail. New applications for SNAP, OWF, and Medicaid can be submitted online at www.benefits.ohio.gov or by calling the Eligibility Contact Center at 1.844.640.6446.

Unemployment eligibility has expanded during COVID-19. Workers who lose employment as a result of COVID 19 may qualify for benefits immediately.  See details about the expanded eligibility at here.  You can apply online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at http://unemployment.ohio.gov.

The Ohio Department of Education has released a document to help school districts provide special education services to students with disabilities. The document addresses specific requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and speaks to the most frequently asked questions that have emerged during the state’s ordered school-building closure. The document can be found here.

Ohio now qualifies for the Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This program provides low-interest loans for small businesses and non-profits up to $2 million in order to help businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue during the state of emergency. More information about the SBA disaster assistance in response to COVID-19 is available here.  Additional information, including the online application, is available at www.SBA.gov/Disaster.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) extended its winter reconnect order through May 1, 2020. The Winter Reconnect Order helps Ohioans reconnect or maintain electric and natural gas service during the heating season between October 14, 2019 and May 1, 2020. The Commission also noted that PUCO-regulated utilities should review their policies and identify where it may be prudent to suspend, the duration of the emergency, any policies that would impose a service restoration hardship or create an unnecessary risk of human contact. Utility customers who have questions or concerns regarding their utility service are encouraged to contact the PUCO online.

 National Updates:

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act goes into effect on April 2, 2020 and ends on December 31, 2020. The act includes an Emergency Expansion of the Family Medical Leave Act (EEFMLA), Emergency Unemployment Insurance Stabilization and Access Act, and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (PSLA). To read a summary of the key provisions, click here. To read the full act, click here. Visit Legal Aid’s COVID-19 webpage for FAQs on this legislation (coming soon).

The Social Security Administration offices are closed to the public. SSA is also extending deadlines for filing whenever possible. If you have questions about what Social Security is doing during the COVID-19 pandemic, how to get help, deadline extensions and more, visit ssa.gov/coronavirus/ or call your local office.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed a toolkit to help you stay informed on CMS and HHS materials available about COVID-19. For more information or to view the toolkit, click here.

USCIS has released information related to the Public Charge rule during the COVID-19 pandemic. USCIS will not consider testing, treatment, or preventative care (including a vaccine, if one becomes available) related to COVID-19 as part of a public charge inadmissibility determination (for immigrants seeking Permanent Residence status), even if such testing, treatment or preventative care is paid for by a public benefit, including Medicaid. Testing, treatment and prevention related to COVID-19 will also not be considered related to the public benefits condition applicable to certain nonimmigrants seeking an extension of stay or change of status.

In August of 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued its new “Public Charge Rule.” The new rules did not go into effect until February 24, 2020, because of legal challenges to the rule.  The Public Charge Rule allows immigration officials to deny a person’s application to enter the U.S. or stay in the country permanently if it is determined the applicant is likely to be a “public charge.” Under the new rule, a public charge is defined as someone who is more likely than not to receive one or more public benefits for more than 1 year (in total) in any 3-year period. The new rule has already scared eligible immigrants away from valuable public benefits that could improve their health and increase their financial stability.  It is very important to note that the public charge rule does NOT apply to all immigrants. Additionally, any public benefits received before 2/24/2020 CANNOT count against the immigrant. If you are unsure whether the Public Charge Rule applies to a particular immigrant please consult with an immigration attorney and/or a legal advocate. Click here for more information about the new Public Charge Rule.

What Are the New Rules for Unemployment Compensation (UC) Benefits Related to COVID-19?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio Governor DeWine changed the rules for unemployment compensation to allow more people to get benefits.

Who can get COVID-19 Emergency Expansion UC benefits?

You may be able to get unemployment compensation if you worked in “covered” employment (meaning your employer pays unemployment compensation payroll taxes) and:

1. You are unable to work because your doctor, health agency, or employer asks you to isolate or quarantine yourself because of COVID-19;

OR

2. Your employer lays you off or takes away hours because of lost business or production because of COVID-19.

You do NOT need to be diagnosed with COVID-19.

You do NOT have to be totally unemployed. If your hours are cut, you may still be eligible for what is called “partial” unemployment compensation.

Also, you must have worked at least 20 weeks and earned at least an average weekly wage of $269 in the past 4 or 5 calendar quarters, not including the quarter when you apply.  If you are not sure about your hours or wages, you should still apply.

Do I Need Evidence or Documentation?

You do not need documentation, but it may help. Even if you do not have documentation, apply immediately. If possible, ask your doctor, health agency, or employer for something in writing that says you were asked to isolate or quarantine because of COVID-19 OR that your hours were cut OR you are being laid off because of the loss of business or production caused by COVID-19.

Do I Qualify if Part of my Pay is from Tips?

If your employer includes your tips in your reported wages, then you are eligible, and you can just apply.   If your employer does not include your tips in your paycheck or reported wages, you need to file an affidavit (signed statement) with your UC application.  The affidavit should say what amount you earned in tips for the last two-week period you worked.  Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will decide the amount of UC benefits you may get based on your affidavit.

Am I Eligible if I Choose to Isolate But No One Asked Me to Do So?

If you choose to isolate yourself on your own and not under the direction of health professionals or your employer, you are probably not eligible for unemployment benefits.

Am I Eligible if I Take Time Off to Care for a Family Member Who is Sick or Quarantined?

No, you are probably not eligible for unemployment benefits. The COVID-19 expansion only applies to the worker, not the worker’s family.  However, you may be able to take time off and possibly get paid if you are covered by the Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act.  See more information about those benefits at www.lasclev.org/coronavirus.

Is There a Wait Before I Receive UC Benefits?

No. If you are unemployed or underemployed due to COVID-19, you can receive benefits immediately.

Do I Need to be Looking for Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Receive UC Benefits?

No, during this emergency, there is no requirement that claimants actively search for work each week that they receive benefits. However, claimants still must be “able and available for work.”  If you start receiving UC benefit, you will need to file a weekly job search claim.  Visit this page for step by step instructions.

How Do I Apply for UC Benefits?

Online: http://unemployment.ohio.gov , available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week

Telephone: 877-644-6562 or TTY 1-614-387-8408, Monday through Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM, and Saturday 9 AM – 1 PM

What Do I Need to Apply for UC Benefits?

• Your Social Security Number
• Your Driver’s License or State ID Number
• Your Name, Address, Telephone Number, and Email Address
• The Reason You Became Unemployed from Your Employer
• Dependent’s Names, Social Security Numbers, and Dates of Birth
• If Claiming Dependents, Your Spouse’s Name, Social Security Number, and Birth Date
• If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen or National, Alien Registration Number and Expiration Date
• Your Regular Occupation and Job Skills

How Do I Apply If My Work Shut Down or Made a “Mass Layoff” Because of COVID-19?

If you are applying online, begin the general unemployment benefits application. Answer “yes” to the question “At the time of your layoff, did your employer provide you with a Mass Layoff/Buyout Identification Number?” Enter the number 2000180. Answer “No” to the next question.

For a guide with photos, look here:Instructions for Using Your COVID-19 Mass Layoff Number

For a more detailed guide to applying for benefits after a mass layoff, look here: Mass Layoff Instruction Sheet

Where Can I Go for More Information?

Visit the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services “Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits” page:  http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm

The coronavirus pandemic expanded Legal Aid’s client-eligible population literally overnight.  Legal Aid’s 52 staff attorneys need the help of private lawyer volunteers during this time of great need.

Are you an attorney and want to volunteer right away?  Click here to see a list of current, available cases for you to handle.

Are you interested in helping with future “virtual clinics,” brief advice over the phone, or with other projects?  Please click here to fill out a form and show your interest.

As always, Legal Aid attorneys will provide full support for volunteers – including, but not limited to, malpractice insurance, litigation support, mentoring, and training.

Each school district has its own plan for the provision of free breakfast and lunch for students. Contact your local district to find out what is offered in your area. Additional information is available here: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Coronavirus

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides food, cash, and medical assistance to individuals and families in need. To review eligibility requirements and apply for assistance, please visit: https://benefits.ohio.gov/.

Questions and answers regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on unemployment benefits can be found here: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm

Many industries in our society are experiencing high employment demands during this pandemic and are seeking job applicants; find available positions now: https://jobseeker.ohiomeansjobs.monster.com/Account/UCClaimantsOverview.aspx

Ohio has received an extension of the Winter Crisis Program through May 1, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) through June 1. The Winter Crisis Program helps income-eligible Ohioans maintain their utility service, while HEAP provides eligible Ohioans assistance with home energy bills through a one-time benefit applied directly to their bill.

You can now apply for these programs over the phone.

Visit EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov for more information or call 1 (800) 282-0880 to begin your application.

Starting March 17, Legal Aid will only do new client intake online and via phone.

Those needing civil legal assistance can apply online 24/7 at www.lasclev.org or weekdays by calling 888-817-3777.  Those with non-legal questions related to landlord-tenant and other rental issues can also call our Tenant Information Line at 216-861-5955 (Cuyahoga) or 440-210-4533 (Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Lorain Counties).

Offices in Cleveland, Elyria, Painesville and Jefferson are closed and walk-in intake is suspended until further notice.  All Legal Aid staff will be working remotely to help our clients in need.  Current clients should continue to work with their attorneys and anticipate handling matters by phone and electronically to the extent possible.

Legal Aid will keep the public updated about changes to intake and other activities and events via www.lasclev.org and social media channels – including Facebook and Twitter.

How to File Your Weekly Job Search Claim Related to COVID-19:

1. Select “Yes” that you were able to work.
2. Select “Yes” that you were physically and mentally able to work.
3. Select “Yes” that you completed two work-search activities
   1. For the first “Work search activity completed,” answer “COVID-19;” for “Location of work search activity,” answer “Executive Order – Home;” for City, State, and Zip Code, use your home address.
   2. Select “Internet” as the method of completing the work search activity.
   3. For “if you applied for a position, please list it here,” answer “COVID-19 Executive Order.”
   4. Select any date listed.
   5. Select “Unknown” for the outcome of the work search activity.
   6. For f-j, repeat your answers from a-e.
4. Answer the rest of the questions (4-7) truthfully and remember to report any earnings.

For a step-by-step guide with photos, look here: Instructions for Filing Weekly COVID-19 Claims