W2's ONLINE ARE AVAILABLE !

TAX RETURN DOCUMENT

Dear ________________________,

Thank you for choosing to receive your RETAIL VENTURES SERVICES, INC. tax statements electronically.

VIEWING/ACCESSING YOUR STATEMENT(S):

You must log into https://www.getmytaxform.com/rvsi using your User ID and Password to receive your statement(s). Once you are logged in, the following tax statements can be viewed or saved to your computer:

2008 W-2

PRINTING YOUR STATEMENT(S):

You can print your tax statement(s) directly from the website or after saving the statement(s) to your computer.


Your tax statement(s) will remain available to be viewed and downloaded through 10/15/2009. After that date, your statement(s) will only be accessible through the reissue system at https://www.getmytaxform.com/rvsi and may require a replacement fee.



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W2'S!

W2'S!

Looks my regular pay and severance pay shows under a W2 listed for Retail Ventures Jewelry, Inc and the Vacation / PTO payout shows under a separate W2 for Retail Ventures Services, INC..

Weird!

HCTC Information for Individuals

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=109915,00.html

The HCTC is a federal tax credit that can pay 65% of qualified health insurance premiums for eligible individuals and their family members.

If you are eligible, the HCTC is available to you monthly as premiums become due, yearly when you file your federal tax return, or a combination of both.

In order to receive the HCTC, you must be enrolled in a qualified health plan and meet certain requirements, such as being a:

• Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) or Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) recipient
• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) benefits recipient

Are you interested in receiving the HCTC?
Find out if you are eligible for the HCTC. If you are eligible, learn how you can begin to receive this valuable tax credit.

Are you already a monthly HCTC participant?
View details on making account updates, address changes and payments. Also learn how you can claim the HCTC on your federal tax return for payments you made directly to your health plan prior to registering, or while you were registered, for the monthly HCTC Program.

Are you interested in claiming the yearly HCTC on your federal tax return?
View details on how to claim the HCTC on your federal tax return, including the forms and documentation you'll need to receive the tax credit.

Return to the HCTC Program home page.
Go to the HCTC Quick Links page to view a glossary of terms, FAQs and additional resources.

HCTC: Information for Yearly Filers

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=185770,00.html

HCTC: Information for Yearly Filers

You can claim the yearly HCTC on your federal tax return for months in which you met all HCTC eligibility requirements and paid your premiums directly to your health plan. How to Claim the Yearly HCTC Make sure you meet all the HCTC Eligibility Requirements Make sure you have a Qualified Health Plan and pay that health plan directly throughout the year Keep the following documents for your records: Records of your payments and other supporting documents to submit with IRS Form 8885 HCTC Program invoices or IRS Form 1099H for those times you claimed the monthly HCTC HCTC Program documents or letters Fill out IRS Form 8885 and include it with all required documents with your federal tax return. For a full listing of all the documents you will need for the yearly HCTC, refer to the instructions found on IRS Form 8885 What Happens After Claiming the Yearly HCTC After the IRS processes your federal tax return, you will receive the HCTC in the form of a refund or as a credit against the taxes you owe. If you do not meet all the eligibility requirements or you submit incomplete documentation to the IRS, you will not receive the 65% tax credit. Caution: if you receive the HCTC and the IRS later determines that you were not eligible to receive the tax credit, you will have to repay the IRS any credit amount you received. Tips for Filing for the Yearly HCTC Please keep in mind the following points when you file for the yearly tax credit: If you are a current monthly HCTC Program participant, but made additional payments directly to your health plan during the tax year while you were eligible for the HCTC, you can claim the yearly HCTC for those payments. Find out more information by visiting the HCTC: Information for Monthly Participants and Yearly Filers page Review the list of HCTC State-Qualified Heath Plans to verify your health plan was qualified for the HCTC during the last tax year Staple IRS Form 8885 to your 1040 series form when you have completed it. If you have additional forms or schedules to attach, attach all forms in sequential order as shown on the upper right-hand corner of each form. You should staple the supporting documentation together with all of your tax schedules and forms You do not need to change anything or attach any forms on your state tax return as a result of claiming the yearly HCTC If you file electronically, you will need IRS Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return Review other IRS publications that may help you file for the yearly HCTC: IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals IRS Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information for questions on your status as a dependent Return to the Information for Individuals page. Return to the HCTC Program home page. Go to the HCTC Quick Links page to view a glossary of terms, FAQs and additional resources.

Employment Services

http://www.cowicjobleaders.org/services/employment-services.php

Welcome to JOBLeaders, Central Ohio's premier workforce development and training center that connects job seekers with employers by providing numerous resources in a single location. Our mission is to meet the employment needs of businesses and job seekers to support economic development in Central Ohio.

Think of us as your most trusted partner.

We're concerned about your business, your bottom line, your employees, your success.

Your business is unique; your employment needs are unlike anyone else's. We work with you to custom design recruitment and training programs to fit your needs.

JOBLeaders is working to become Central Ohio's leading resource for attracting and retaining a competent workforce. The Employment Relations Team are organized according to industry sectors and pride themselves on listening and working together with company teams to build solutions.

We pre-screen a pool of applicants to make sure their skills match your needs and their personality fits your company's culture.

Call us today at 614-559-5052 to learn how our experienced staff can provide you with the following services:

• Employer job posting
• Applicant matching
• Recruitment assistance and hiring events
• Skill and aptitude testing
• Assistance with job retention
• Life-long learning opportunities for employees
• Labor market and other informational resources
• Small business resources and assistance
• Training services
• On-The-Job Training
• Customized Training
• Work Experience Programs
• Incumbent Worker

In addition, we offer consultation on the Americans with Disabilities Act, EEO and Affirmative Action and unemployment insurance, workplace safety, labor laws and prevailing wages.

Copyright © 2008 Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corperation

Workforce Services: Adult & Dislocated Workers

http://www.cowicjobleaders.org/services/workforce-services/index.php

JOBLeaders provides personalized job development and referral services.

Core Services
Services are free of charge for customers who are newly entering or attempting to re-enter the workforce. These services include technical support from knowledgable staff in preparing or updating resumes, identifying skills from past jobs, volunteer work, hobbies, school or social situations. Your information will be entered in a computer database, which will match your skills with job orders provided by employers and market your qualifications. Our staff will provide follow-up services after you have secured employment.

Services also are available for job seekers with special needs such as veterans, persons with disabilities, displaced homemakers and dislocated workers.

Intensive Services
Assistance is available to eligible individuals who need assistance with short-term and low-cost employment development costs such as credentials testing, GED preparation/testing, training in English as a second language, job readiness and basic skills training, CEU courses, short-term non-credit courses or workshops, and required work clothing. Customers who request support services must provide verification of the need and how it meets employer's requirements.

Training Services
Individuals who do not find employment through Core or Intensives Services may be recommended for an Individual Training Account (ITA). ITA's are customized to assist those requiring longer-term training and support in order to become self-sufficient. Financial aid, advice, guidance and support are provided through a career counselor as well as the key information on the performane outcomes of the training and education providers.

Welcome to JOBLeaders, Central Ohio's newest one-stop employment services provider

http://www.cowicjobleaders.org/


Another good source of information!

Resource Center

Call or visit JOBLeaders
to learn more

1111 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43205
614-559-5052

JOBLeaders has created a world-class Resource Center to prepare adults and youth for the skilled jobs of today and the careers of tomorrow.

Services offered are free and without special applications, forms, or qualifications. Services available include:

• Job listings from entry-level to managerial and professional.
• Computers that allow job seekers to search current listings, enter their resume information and access or view labor market information via the Internet.
• Printed materials on education and training opportunities, labor market information, job search strategies and hiring requirements.
• Preliminary determination of eligibility for other benefits and linkage to partner agencies.
• Information on filing claims for unemployment insurance benefits.
• Workshops that provide training in the following areas:
• Interviewing
• Computer basics
• Resume Preparation

Health and Human Services Information for Feanklin County

http://www.ohio.gov/economy/

Health and Human Services

In today's difficult economic climate, the pressures on families are greater than ever. To help Ohio's families find solutions to their temporary challenges, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services offers a wide range of assistance.

This includes unemployment compensation, health care, cash assistance, food assistance, child care, child support enforcement and administration, and employment and training assistance. For more information about these services and how to access them, just click on the questions below.

Unemployment Compensation

How do I know if I'm eligible for unemployment compensation?

If you lost your job through no fault of your own, it's likely that you qualify for unemployment compensation. For more information, visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/ucregular.pdf or call our toll free number: (877) OHIOJOB (644-6562).

How can I apply for unemployment compensation?

There are several options to choose from when filing a new application for Ohio unemployment benefits or reopening an existing Ohio claim. You may access our Web site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at http://unemployment.ohio.gov. You may also file toll free by telephone at (877) OHIOJOB (644-6562) or TTY at (888) 642-8203. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. When you call, please have paper and pencil available.

Health Care

Our family can't afford health insurance. What should we do?

You might be eligible for Medicaid, the federal- and state-funded health care program for eligible individuals with low income. Medicaid provides access to health care services for children, pregnant women, families with children younger than 19, people with disabilities, and adults 65 and older who meet certain financial requirements.

To see if you might be eligible, and for more information about the Medicaid program, contact your local county department of job and family services (CDJFS), visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/OHP/consumers, or call the toll-free Medicaid Consumer Hotline at (800) 324-8680.

How can we apply for Medicaid?

By filling out a "Request for Cash, Food Stamp and Medical Assistance" form and submitting it to your local county department of job and family services (CDJFS). You can obtain the form online, at http://jfs.ohio.gov/OHP/consumers/Application.stm, or by calling or visiting your local CDJFS.

Answer the questions on the form as thoroughly as possible. You will be asked to attach copies of your income, resources (if applicable), proof of citizenship or qualified-alien status, pregnancy (if applicable) and other insurance you may have. If you are applying because you are age 65 or older or disabled, you will need to provide proof of your age or disability, as well. If English is not your primary language; if you have a disability, are hearing-impaired or visually impaired; or if you have questions about your case, someone at the CDJFS can help you complete your application.

You can then drop off, mail or fax in the application, and you may be called in for an interview.

What health care services are covered under Medicaid?

For a complete list of covered services, see http://jfs.ohio.gov/OHP/consumers/benefits.stm.

What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that pays for certain health-care services for people age 65 and older or who are significantly disabled, have a sufficient work history, and have made payments into the Social Security program. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is completely financed and administered by the federal government.

Medicaid is a public health care program funded by the state and federal government. It provides necessary health care coverage to certain individuals with limited income. In Ohio, a person is entitled to Medicaid health care coverage for free or at a low cost if they meet specific income and eligibility requirements. As an entitlement program, the state cannot limit the number of eligible persons enrolled in Medicaid or deny access to medically necessary services to control costs.

What Medicaid services are available for older adults and people with disabilities?

Medicaid for older adults and people of all ages with disabilities covers primary, acute and long-term care. It also covers prescription drugs, home care, doctor visits, hospital care, laboratory work and X-rays, medical equipment and supplies, dental care, transportation, mental health, vision services, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, and other services. For more information, call or visit your county department of job and family services (CDJFS) or go to http://jfs.ohio.gov/OHP/bcps/FactSheets/ABD_Medicaid.pdf.

I think I may make too much money to qualify for Medicaid. Should I still apply?

Yes. You may be eligible for certain deductions that could reduce your income to help you qualify. For more information, call or visit your county department of job and family services (CDJFS) or go to http://jfs.ohio.gov/OHP/consumers/incGuide.stm.

My family doesn't qualify for Medicaid, but we still can't afford health care coverage for our children. What should we do?

Ohio offers a state-funded Children's Buy-In (CBI) program for certain uninsured children in families with income over 300 percent of the federal poverty level. The program is open to children younger than 19 who are U.S. citizens and Ohio residents and who have been uninsured for the previous six months. Families with children enrolled in the program are required to pay monthly insurance premiums, which are determined based on the size of the family and annual household income. For more information, call the toll-free number (800) 324-8680 or visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/cbi/.

Food Assistance

How do I know if I'm eligible for food assistance?

To be eligible for food stamps — our primary food assistance program — your family income cannot exceed 130 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($27,560 for a family of four). To see if you might be eligible, visit the food stamp screening tool online at www.foodstamps-step1.usda.gov or call or visit your local county department of job and family services (CDJFS). You can also find more information about the program at http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/foodstamps.pdf.

You also may be eligible for emergency food assistance. Emergency food assistance means food products provided by local nonprofit agencies, such as food pantries. To be eligible for emergency food assistance, your family income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($42,400 for a family of four).

To find a nonprofit agency that can help you with emergency food assistance, visit http://feedingamerica.org, click on "Food Bank Locator," and type in your Zip code.

You can also contact your local county department of job and family services (CDJFS) and ask them to help you find an agency that provides emergency food assistance.

How can I apply for food assistance?

By filling out a "Request for Cash, Food Stamp and Medical Assistance" form and submitting it to your local county department of job and family services (CDJFS). You can obtain the form online, at http://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/cmandfsa.stm, or by calling or visiting your local CDJFS.

Answer the questions on the form as thoroughly as possible. If you do not know all of the information on the form, you only need to complete the first page and sign and date it. You will be asked to attach copies of your income, resources (if applicable), proof of citizenship or qualified-alien status, pregnancy (if applicable) and other insurance you may have. If you are applying because you are age 65 or older or disabled, you will need to provide proof of your age or disability, as well. If English is not your primary language; if you have a disability, are hearing-impaired or visually impaired; or if you have questions about your case, someone at the CDJFS can help you complete your application.

You can then drop off, mail or fax in the application, and you may be called in for an interview.

Cash Assistance

How do I know if I'm eligible for cash assistance?

Ohio offers two primary types of cash assistance: Ohio Works First (OWF) and Disability Financial Assistance (DFA). Ohio Works First provides time-limited monthly cash assistance to eligible families along with activities to assist with employment. For more information, go to http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/OWF.pdf or call or visit your local county department of job and family services (CDJFS). The Disability Financial Assistance Program provides a monthly cash assistance benefit to eligible, needy, disabled individuals without minor children. For more information, go to http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/disabilityFA.pdf or call or visit your local county department of job and family services (CDJFS).

How can I apply for cash assistance?

By filling out a "Request for Cash, Food Stamp and Medical Assistance" form and submitting it to your local county department of job and family services (CDJFS). You can obtain the form online, at http://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/cmandfsa.stm, or by calling or visiting your local CDJFS.

Answer the questions on the form as thoroughly as possible. If you do not know all of the information on the form, you only need to complete the first page and sign and date it. You will be asked to attach copies of your income, resources (if applicable), proof of citizenship or qualified-alien status, pregnancy (if applicable) and other insurance you may have. If you are applying because you are age 65 or older or disabled, you will need to provide proof of your age or disability, as well. If English is not your primary language; if you have a disability, are hearing-impaired or visually impaired; or if you have questions about your case, someone at the CDJFS can help you complete your application.

You can then drop off, mail or fax in the application, and you may be called in for an interview.

Child Care

I want to work, but I can't pay for child care. Can ODJFS help?

ODJFS offers financial assistance to eligible needy parents to pay for child care while they engage in work and training efforts. Families whose income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline can receive payment for all or part of their monthly child care expenses.

How can I apply for child care assistance?

Call or visit your local county department of job and family services (CDJFS). You can fill out an application, and staff there will determine whether you are eligible.

For more information, go to http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/Page4.stm or call the Office for Children and Families Help Desk, toll free, at (866) 886-3537, option 4.

How can I find certified child care providers that accept child care assistance?

Your local county department of job and family services (CDJFS) certifies providers to be able to offer care for children receiving assistance. You can also visit http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/cdc/query.asp to search a directory of licensed and certified child care providers. In the search criteria, select "County Contract" to find providers accepting child care assistance.

Child Support

I just lost my job. How can I pay my child support?

If you have a child support order in Ohio and you lose your job through no fault of your own, you have the right to request a review of your child support order from your local child support enforcement agency (CSEA). The CSEA will consider your case and present a recommendation for a possible adjustment. The amount you pay could go up, go down or stay the same. To find the CSEA in your county, call (800) 686-1556 toll free or visit. http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/cntydir.stm.

I haven't lost my job, but I'm still having trouble paying my child support. What should I do?

If you have experienced at least a 30 percent decrease in gross income or income-producing assets for a period of six months because of circumstances beyond your control, and you expect that decrease to continue for an extended period of time, you have the right to request a review of your child support order from your local child support enforcement agency (CSEA). The CSEA will consider your case and present a recommendation for a possible adjustment. The amount you pay could go up, go down or stay the same. To find the CSEA in your county, call (800) 686-1556 toll free or visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/cntydir.stm.

My children receive child support, and it helps, but I just lost my job. Is there any way I can get my children's father/mother to pay more support?

Custodial parents also have the right to request a review of their child support orders if their income drastically changes. Contact the child support enforcement agency (CSEA) in your county by calling (800) 686-1556 or visiting http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/cntydir.stm. The CSEA will consider your case and present a recommendation for a possible adjustment. The amount you pay could go up, go down or stay the same.

My children's father/mother has stopped paying support. What can I do?

Contact your local child support enforcement agency (CSEA) by calling (800) 686-1556 toll free or visiting http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/cntydir.stm.

Employment and Training Assistance

What employment and training assistance does ODJFS provide?

ODJFS oversees a network of 90 locally operated "One-Stop Centers" in 20 workforce areas throughout Ohio. The One-Stops provide free job training and other employment services to Ohioans looking for work. They match job seekers with businesses looking to hire workers, and help laid-off workers learn new skills and find new jobs. For more information, see http://jfs.ohio.gov/workforce/.

Ohio also has a new Web site listing job opportunities from all of the major commercial job boards, niche industries, national and Ohio fortune 100 companies, and state of Ohio jobs. To search available jobs by key word or location, visit http://www.ohiomeansjobs.com/.

How can I apply for employment and training services?

Call or visit the One-Stop nearest you. Go to http://jfs.ohio.gov/workforce/jobseekers/onestopmap.stm for a map and local contact information.

How can I find a job?

Visit http://www.ohiomeansjobs.com, Ohio's new, comprehensive job search Web site listing job opportunities from all of the major commercial job boards, niche industries, national and Ohio fortune 100 companies, and state of Ohio jobs.

Other Assistance

Are any other types of assistance available?

Each county department of job and family services (CDJFS) offers additional programs and services through their Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) program.

PRC services can include such things as clothing and shelter; domestic violence help, housing relocation and disaster assistance; transportation (including auto repair expenses or down payment on an automobile); and job training, employment search help and work support. However, each county's program offerings may be different based on local needs.

You can apply for PRC services and benefits at your local CDJFS. You can find out what your county offers by looking at its PRC plan. County PRC plans can be found at http://jfs.ohio.gov/owf/prc/county/countytable.stm

CAREMARK DRUG COVERAGE ISSUE NOW!

Okay, now an issue with the Caremark Drug insurance coverage. Trying to refill all my meds before the end of the month. Received an email today stating there was a problem with the order. So I called and they said as of today it showed I DO NOT have coverage. The rep ran it thru again on her end and she said it took it.. Not sure what is going on... She show it to her Supervisor and no one could give me an answer.. Just have to wait to see if the system rejects it again.



Also, learned that when I change over to an individual insurance company I will have to have all new prescriptions to turn in for drug coverage.. My family doctor will only give paper prescription with an office call , so that's $20.00 just for that and who knows by the time I go see her next week the Anthem Health insurance may be gone too!



Thanks to VC to adding more problems to the already BIG problem... NO Job!

Interesting!

Horoscope Yearly Outlook - What the Heck!

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/horoscopes/index.html

RETIRE SMART Benefits shrinking as recession worsens

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2009/01/06/2_RETI0106.ART_ART_01-06-09_D2_4ICDJ64.html?sid=101

RETIRE SMART

Benefits shrinking as recession worsens

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 7:59 AM

By Mark Miller

We're ringing out 2008 with a frightening deterioration of retirement benefits for American workers.

Benefits consultant Watson Wyatt reports that a growing number of employers are cutting back on their matching contributions to 401(k) accounts as the deepening recession affects cash-strapped companies.

According to a Watson Wyatt survey, 5 percent of companies have already reduced their contributions this year, and another 7 percent expect to make cuts in 2009.

The Watson Wyatt survey in December reflects two other trends affecting long-term retirement security:

• Almost 60 percent of employees have moved their 401(k) or 403(b) investment mix out of equities, compared with 53 percent in October. It's usually a bad move because it constitutes selling at the low end of the market, reducing the opportunity to benefit when the market recovers.

• The number of employees taking loans from 401(k) accounts jumped from 19 percent to 27 percent in the same period. No doubt, it reflects the growing stress on household finances, but 401(k) borrowing can adversely affect long-term retirement account growth.

The trends come as no surprise. But another negative development late last year caught my eye.

The Bush administration's terms for bailing out the Detroit automakers contain concessions by employees in return for the funds. The one that really stood out is the automakers' stock would replace cash in the funding of retiree health care.

The bailout terms call for the United Auto Workers union to accept stock for half of the automakers' required payments into new trust funds already scheduled to take over retiree health-care expenses in 2010.The payments would have been almost $60 billion to bankroll the trust operations.

Because of the concession, retirees will rely on the automakers' near-worthless, fluctuating stock to fund coverage.

Bush's directive comes against a background of shrinking employer-funded retiree health plans, which are hardly limited to unionized workers.

General Motors, for example, announced plans last year to cancel retiree health benefits for its salaried workers. For people older than 65, these benefits supplement Medicare. But for younger retirees -- including those who have been laid off --these benefits are the sole lifeline.

Two studies released last year documented that out-of-pocket health expenses during the retirement years will be more than $200,000 for most people. These statistics include payments to health providers and premium payments.

Skyrocketing health-care costs mean that 44 percent of Americans won't be able to maintain their standard of living in retirement, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.

Write to Retire Smart in care of Tribune Media Services, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1500, Chicago, Ill. 60611; or send e-mail.

wwwmjmiller@50plusdigital.com

Jobless system fried People can't get through online, by phone

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/01/07/copy/busy07.ART_ART_01-07-09_A1_TQCEPK5.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Ohioans' post-holiday demand for jobless benefits has spiked sharply, crashing the state's unemployment-claims system and forcing people to wait hours, sometimes days, before getting help.

In yet another sign of a worsening economy, the state Web site for filing claims electronically was shut down and phone lines have been jammed by more than 10 times as many requests.

Unemployment-filing systems have crashed in at least two other states in recent days as 4.5 million Americans -- a 26-year high -- are collecting jobless benefits.

Ohio officials say they are scrambling to hire temporary workers to staff call centers, and technicians are working to fix the Web site.

In the past week, the state call center has been receiving about 80,000 calls a day, up from 7,500 on average last month, said Dennis Evans, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, which oversees unemployment benefits.

"It's the volume of calls, it's the economy, it's the extended benefits -- all are increasing caseloads," he said.

The endless busy signals and computer-error messages have left many out-of-work Ohioans, already stressed by mounting bills and fruitless job searches, on the verge of snapping.

"It's kind of like having a beacon. You are stranded at sea and somebody says, "We're coming to save you,' and no one shows up," said Christy Jones, who lost her job in August 2007.

"I owe money to everyone. I've borrowed from everybody I know. It's humiliating."

Jones, 45, of Delaware, said she's called the state's toll-free hot line daily since receiving a letter last month informing her that she is eligible for recently extended benefits.

"I can wait on hold for half an hour, that's it. All I have is a cell phone, and if I waited for hours I'd use up all my minutes," she said.

Joy Allen, a former sales representative who has been out of work since May 2007, was on hold for 5 1/2 hours Monday before she had to hang up to go to an appointment.

Allen, 51, later tried unsuccessfully to file online, then waited on hold nearly three hours yesterday before an operator was able to take her request for benefits.

"My (cordless) phone battery started dying, so I had to get another phone and leave it on speaker while I washed my hair and did the dishes," she said. "When someone came on, I jumped and grabbed the phone so they wouldn't hang up."

At times, Allen said, the stress of being out of work and broke is unbearable. She's dismayed to watch her credit-card balance steadily increase as she pays for groceries and gasoline.

"I'm chasing my tail, and I can't catch it."

Evans said, "We realize this is their safety net. We're working hard to address these issues so people can file their claims and receive their benefits as soon as possible."

The state agency is hiring additional staff members for call centers, adding another hot line and making adjustments to the Web site, http://unemployment.ohio.gov, to handle the increased requests for benefits.

Fifty temporary staffers soon will assist 150 operators working in four call centers to answer calls to the hot line, Evans said. Despite recent troubles, those trying to file claims or check on the status of claims should continue to call 1-877-644-6562, he said.

A second toll-free number, 1-866-962-4064, is in place for those needing their PIN numbers and passwords for online access.

Ohio's unemployment rate in November was 7.3 percent, with 435,000 out of work. The state pays nearly $43 million in jobless benefits each week.

The demand is about to exhaust the state's unemployment compensation fund, which as of Monday was down to $16 million.

When that's gone, Ohio will be forced to borrow -- with interest -- from a federal loan fund to ensure that benefits continue being paid.

Unemployment compensation systems are under similar strains in North Carolina and New York, where Web sites crashed because of high demand.

ccandisky@dispatch.com

In the past week, the state call center has been receiving about 10 times more requests than usual.

The “What Ifs” of an Economic Downturn

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=201853,00.html?portlet=6

What if I lose my job?

The loss of a job may create new tax issues. Severance pay and unemployment compensation are taxable. Payments for any accumulated vacation or sick time also are taxable. You should ensure that enough taxes are withheld from these payments or make estimated tax payments to avoid a big bill at tax time. Public assistance and food stamps are not taxable. The IRS has updated a helpful publication which lists a number of job-loss related tax issues. For more information, see Publication 4128, Tax Impact of Job Loss. Return to What If? What if I receive unemployment compensation? Unemployment compensation you received under the unemployment compensation laws of the United States or of a state must be included in your income. It is taxable income. If you received unemployment compensation, you should receive Form 1099-G showing the amount you were paid and any federal income tax you elected to have withheld. For more information, see Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income. What if I am searching for a job? You may be able to deduct certain expenses you incur while looking for a new job, even if you do not get a new job. Expenses may include travel, resume and outplacement agency fees. For more information, see Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions . Moving costs for a new job at least 50 miles away from your home may also be deductible. What if my employer goes out of business or in bankruptcy? Your employer must provide you with a 2008 Form W-2 showing your wages and withholdings by January 31, 2009. You should keep up-to-date records or pay stubs until you receive your Form W-2. If your employer or its representatives fails to provide you with a Form W-2, contact the IRS and we can help by providing you with a substitute Form W-2. If your employer is liquidating your 401(k) plan, you have 60 days to roll it over to another qualified retirement plan or IRA. For more information, see Publication 4128, Tax Impact of Job Loss. Return to What If? What if I withdraw money from my IRA? Generally, early withdrawal from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) prior to age 591/2 is subject to being included in gross income plus a 10 percent additional tax penalty. There are exceptions to the 10 percent penalty, such as using IRA funds to pay your medical insurance premium after a job loss. For more information, see Publication 590, Individual Retirement Accounts. (A 2008 version will be posted shortly.) Return to What If?

Mid Week Good Laugh :)

No wonder the mailmen get paid good $$$$!