Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Doug Lumpkin and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut yesterday announced that the Strickland Administration has expanded unemployment compensation (UC) eligibility so that out-of-work Ohioans can continue to receive benefits while enrolled in full-time education and training programs.

"To build a robust economic recovery from the ground up, Ohio's working people must have every opportunity to get the education and training they need to land the new kinds of jobs our economy is creating," Strickland said. "This policy change will help those Ohioans hardest hit by the recession to obtain job training skills without sacrificing their ability to continue providing for their families."

Previously, only those UC beneficiaries enrolled in certain approved training programs were exempt from the unemployment compensation program's work-search requirements. Now, claimants enrolled in any full-time accredited training program no longer have to declare themselves "able, available and actively seeking" work while they receive benefits.

"This change in eligibility will help eliminate obstacles and open doors, just when Ohio's unemployed workers need it most," said ODJFS Director Douglas Lumpkin. "It will allow unemployed Ohioans to get the skills and training they need, in the industries that need them, so they can make a better future for their families."

Additionally, the Obama Administration is permitting UC claimants to receive special consideration for financial aid to pay for job training or education. These unemployed workers may be eligible for federal Pell Grants, which provide need-based aid to low-income students to help cover education and training expenses.

Pell Grants are accepted at most universities and community colleges as well as many trade and technical schools and adult career centers. They are available to full- or part-time students who do not have an associate's or bachelor's degree.

"Providing affordable options to Ohioans for education is one of the state's top priorities," said Chancellor Fingerhut. "Helping unemployed workers access the skills and education they need for a good-paying job will not only improve the lives of Ohioans, but it will further Ohio's goal of creating the most competitive workforce in the world."

ODJFS Director Lumpkin is sending a letter to all individuals receiving unemployment compensation, which explains both opportunities and verifies them as UC beneficiaries.

The letter includes instructions for those interested in applying for financial aid assistance. Claimants should take the letter to their schools' financial aid offices.

While the federal program does not guarantee that all UC claimants will be approved for Pell or other grants, schools may adjust financial aid packages for claimants meeting eligibility criteria.