Time cut for Ohioans to get jobless benefits

COLUMBUS (AP) — The state is cutting the length of time that jobless workers can get benefits.

Starting in September, the maximum weeks of unemployment compensation will drop to 63. Currently, jobless workers can get up to 73 weeks of benefits. Before April, they could get up to 99 weeks.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that falling unemployment has triggered the reduction.

With Ohio’s unemployment rate at 7.2 percent in July, the state no longer qualifies for as many weeks of emergency unemployment benefits.

According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, about 138,000 workers are collecting unemployment benefits. They receive an average of $300 a week.