Ohio's New Unemployment Insurance Tax System to Go Live December 6

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) today announced Ohio’s new unemployment insurance tax system for employers is scheduled to be available and open for business starting December 6, 2021. The SOURCE (State of Ohio Unemployment Resource for Claimants and Employers) will replace the current unemployment insurance tax system, the Employer Resource Information Center, which is more than 10 years old. The SOURCE is also scheduled to replace the 17-year-old Ohio Job Insurance benefits system and RC Express, the legacy unemployment appeals system, late next year.

“Replacing Ohio’s antiquated unemployment system will allow us to better serve both employers and unemployed Ohioans,” said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. “This transition was under way when the pandemic struck, temporarily delaying its implementation. I’m pleased we’re moving toward fully implementing this modernized application. The SOURCE will streamline processes, increase efficiencies, improve the customer experience, and give us the flexibility we need to more quickly respond to changes in demand.”

Unemployment insurance provides short-term income to unemployed workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. The program is financed by premiums employers pay to both the federal and state governments. The taxes paid to the federal government are intended to cover administrative costs. The taxes paid to the state fund the actual benefits.

For employers, the SOURCE will offer multiple self-service reporting and payment options, online tutorials, an improved way to request information and upload documents, and easier navigation than the current legacy system. To help employers and their agents navigate the new system, ODJFS is offering virtual trainings and has posted brief step-by-step videos and other information at jfs.ohio.gov/TheSource. 

To get ready, employers and their agents should:

• Make sure ODJFS has their Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
• Make sure they have working log-in credentials at eric.ohio.gov.
• Make sure their demographic information and email address are up to date at eric.ohio.gov.
• Make sure their employer/agent authorizations are up to date at eric.ohio.gov.

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The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages vital programs that strengthen Ohio families. These include job training and employment services, unemployment insurance, cash and food assistance, child care, child and adult protective services, adoption, and child support services.