www.iowaworkforce.org - File Lowa Unemployment Insurance Claim

Iowa has an unemployment insurance program that allows individuals to temporarily collect monetary funds if all state requirements are met. Almost all states require that the applicant must not be responsible for their unemployment. In other words, you cannot file if you have been fired. Iowa is not any different.

The first step to receiving Extended Unemployment Benefits is to make sure that you are still eligible to receive initial Emergency Unemployment Compensation. There are only a few requirements that you will have to meet, but it is essential that you comply with them all to receive your assistance. These requirements include:

1. Being currently unemployed

2. Losing your job through no fault of your own – Generally, if you have been fired for cause or if you have simply quit your job, you will not qualify to receive unemployment compensation.

3. Having worked in Iowa for at least 18 months

4. Being able and available for full time work – You are required to report any physical or mental condition that could potentially prevent you from being able to work. If you have such a condition, you might have to submit a report from a doctor clearing you for employment.

5. Registering at your local Iowa Workforce Development Center

6. Actively searching for work - Applicants are required to make at least two work search contacts in person each week to continue receiving benefits. The job search activity must be reported on a written work search record and submitted to the local workforce center for each week that benefits are desired.

Documents Needed for Filing

If you have determined that you are eligible to receive Extended Unemployment Benefits, the next thing you will need to do is to gather the required information to file your claim. You will need the following items:

1. Your full name and Social Security number
2. The full name, address, and phone number of your most recent employer
3. The start and end dates of your most recent employment
4. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need your Alien ID number
5. If you actively served in the military within the last 18 months, you will need a DD214
6. If you have worked for the federal government within the last 18 months, you will need a Standard Form 8
7. The names of any dependents that you will claim on your taxes - This may include your spouse if he or she earned $120 or less in gross income during the week prior to your filing. Self employment income does not count toward this total.

You will also need to have a copy of your Weekly Work Search record for your most recent week. Remember: If you are not consistently submitting your work search record, you will not receive benefits for any missing weeks.

Once you have gathered all of your necessary documentation, you can file for your unemployment claim online through the Iowa Workforce Development website or in person at your local Iowa Workforce Development Center. Applying online is the most convenient method for filing your claim. You may submit an electronic application 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To file online, you must meet the following qualifications:

1. You must have worked in Iowa during the last 18 months
2. You must not have any other unemployment benefits still available
3. If you have served in the military in the last 18 months, you must have an Iowa residence.

If you meet all of these requirements, then you can proceed to set up an online account with the Iowa Workforce Development and apply online. If you do not meet all of these requirements, then you may apply in person at a local Iowa Workforce Development Center. Local centers offer group application sessions or in-office online applications.

If you have recently lost your job, you may also have the option to apply for benefits through your employer if your employer is participating in a program with the Iowa Workforce Center. Be sure to check with your employer to see if they are currently participating in the program before your last day of work.