Ohioans now have less time to find work

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) - Brian Cloud's job since he was let go is looking for work.

"Just keep trying," Brian says of his visits to the Montgomery County Job Center. "That's why I'm here everyday."

Unfortunately, Brian's trips to the job center have lasted longer than his unemployment benefits.

"I've been scraping by," Brian says. "I live at the shelter but that's what you've got to do to get by."

Now other Ohioans could soon find themselves in Brian's situation.

2 NEWS has learned that unemployment benefits will now end for people in the state after 54 weeks instead of 63.

Because of Ohio's improving unemployment rate, the federal government isn't offering as many weeks of benefits.   

"It's a sign things are getting better in Ohio, but despite all that good news we're very aware that there are some people who haven't found work and will see their benefits cut off sooner than anticipated because of the falling unemployment rate," says Benjamin Johnson, Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

That's where places like the job center come in, offering workshops on everything from putting together a resume to what to do when you land that job interview.

"This is a tough job market and we're here to help," says Ann Stevens with the job center.

Brian, for one, says with the support he's been close to finding a job.

"There were one hundred people that applied for it," Brian says of one position. "I came in second, which is the same as last."

So he continues clocking in at the job center.

He says that while looking for a job is hard work, he understands that it only pays for so long.

"I would like to see them have more but how long can you continue it?" Brian asks of unemployment benefits. "Sooner or later you have to find work."

The unemployment changes takes place starting January 12.

If you're between 54 weeks and 63 at that point you'll be able to collect benefits until week 63, but if you haven't reached 54 by then that will be your new cutoff.