About 1,500 Seneca County residents may lose unemployment benefits by April.
According to Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, more Ohioans are losing unemployment compensation each month.
In December, about 546 Seneca County residents are to lose benefits.
Of the estimated 1,523 people to lose their benefits by April, 566 (37.2 percent) have dependents, according to ODJFS.
Wednesday, the U.S. Senate passed a tax cut bill which includes extension of unemployment benefits. The House is to vote on the bill in the coming weeks.
According to a news release, 5.7 million Ohio residents could see more money in their paychecks as a result of the payroll tax cut and would get the continued benefit of the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which helped 313,000 families in the state last year.
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On the web
Websites available through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to those seeking jobs:
www.savethedream.ohio.gov
www.ohioheretohelp.gov
www.ohiomeansjobs.com
While the extension could help those who only have 26 weeks of unemployment, people who have gone through the 99 weeks still are to lose benefits. According to ODJFS, Ohio has paid out $4.5 billion in unemployment this year.
The Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services and Seneca One Stop have been working to get people back to work.
"The One Stop has been doing quite a bit," said DJFS director Kathy Oliver.
One Stop offers free services, especially in relation to finding jobs or better jobs. Carol Owen, administrator of Workforce Development, said One Stop had 4,908 visitors between July and October.
Monthly data shows One Stop has been serving fewer people, with yearly visitation rates also decreasing.
"With the longer term unemployment, people come in, they see what we have available, they learn (the information) and they do the search on their own," Owen said. "Many only come in to update their resume and get some services they can't do from their own homes."
Owen said many people who come to One Stop are dislocated workers looking at new employment options. Some are looking for jobs for the first time in decades, and Owen said One Stop often provides assistance and guidance on gaining education necessary to return to work.
Owen said DJFS may be able to help employers looking to add workers. They should contact DJFS for more information.
She said DJFS clients also have been utilizing other department resources. Oliver said 8,581 people received food assistance in November, up from 8,235 in October. However, more people receiving food assistance have incomes.
In addition, county Medicaid numbers continue to increase. In November, Seneca County paid $7.5 million for claims. There are 10,290 individuals on Medicaid in the county, including 5,966 children.
Assistant Director Bob Anderson said while claims are up, DJFS has been working to meet demand by modernizing some services, including online applications.
