Ohio Unemployment Insurance Benefits--Tier 2

I've noticed that many people have been finding my site looking for information on the State of Ohio's Unemployment Tier 2 (or Tier II) unemployment insurance benefits---Essentially an extension beyond the normal payouts.

In November, 2008 they updated a Q&A deck with this information.

You can read my other Ohio posts here.

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Here's some key points:
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Who is eligible to receive this extension?
Currently unemployed individuals who satisfy all of the following criteria could qualify:

• had an unemployment application in effect as of May 5, 2007, or later;
• have exhausted all regular state UC benefits;
• have no rights to regular UC or extended benefits under any other state unemployment compensation law or federal law or in Canada.
  

What are individuals eligible for?
Individuals are eligible to receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits. These benefits are known as Tier 1 benefits. The extended benefit amounts will be the same as claimants’ previous UC benefit amounts, unless there is some other change in circumstances (such as an adjustment in deductible income, like child support). Individuals will be expected to continue their work search efforts. An additional 13 weeks of extended benefits, known as Tier 2 benefits, could be payable when a claimant exhausts his/her Tier 1 entitlement.

I think I am eligible for extended benefits. What do I do?

• Individuals who exhaust regular unemployment benefits will receive instructions on how to file for these benefits. Those individuals who are currently drawing federal extended benefits or have exhausted their original 13 week entitlement will automatically receive a recomputation of their total benefits payable as a result of the new legislation.
  

• This recomputation will add up to 7 weeks of federal extended benefits to their balance and will be sent out as soon as possible. For those individuals who previously exhausted their original 13 week entitlement, the first payable week for the 7 additional Tier 1 benefits is November 29, 2008.
  

How long will it take to process my application and start benefit payments?
Once claimants are determined to be eligible for extended benefits, payments will be issued on a routine, weekly or biweekly basis, with their preferred payment method (debit card or electronic funds transfer). ODJFS expects to contact those eligible for extended benefits between now and the week of December 22. Benefit payments are expected to begin the week of December 22, 2008 to those who are eligible.