Iowa Unemployment
Who Oversees Iowa Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
The Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is the state agency responsible for administering unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in Iowa. IWD oversees the UI program, ensuring that eligible individuals receive financial assistance during periods of unemployment. They establish guidelines for eligibility, process claims, and provide resources for both job seekers and employers. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) provides federal oversight to state UI programs, including Iowa’s, to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
How Can I Qualify for Unemployment Benefits in Iowa?
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Iowa, you must meet the following criteria:
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Unemployment Status: You must be totally or partially unemployed through no fault of your own.
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Wage Requirements: You must have earned wages from covered employment in at least two quarters of the base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters) and meet the following wage thresholds:
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Earned at least $2,070 in one quarter.
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Earned at least $1,030 in a different quarter.
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Total base period wages must be at least 1.25 times the wages earned in the highest base period quarter.
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Ability and Availability: You must be physically able to work, available for work, and actively seeking employment.
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Work Registration: You are required to register for work with IowaWORKS unless this requirement is waived.
How Much Will I Receive in Unemployment Benefits in Iowa?
The amount you receive in unemployment benefits, known as the Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA), is determined by your earnings during the base period and the number of dependents you claim (up to a maximum of four). The WBA is calculated by dividing your high quarter wages by a specific divisor, which varies based on the number of dependents:
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0 dependents: Divide by 23 (maximum of $602)
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1 dependent: Divide by 22 (maximum of $625)
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2 dependents: Divide by 21 (maximum of $648)
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3 dependents: Divide by 20 (maximum of $682)
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4 dependents: Divide by 19 (maximum of $739)
The Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA) is the total amount you can receive during your benefit year. It is either 16 times your WBA or one-third of your total base period wages, whichever is less. If your employer has permanently closed the business location, your MBA may increase to 26 times your WBA or one-half of your total base period wages, whichever is less.
What’s the Process for Applying for Unemployment Benefits in Iowa?
To apply for unemployment benefits in Iowa, follow these steps:
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Gather Necessary Information: Before applying, ensure you have the following:
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Social Security Number
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Complete mailing addresses of employers you worked for in the last 18 months, including start and end dates
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Your reason for leaving each employer
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Alien registration number (if not a U.S. citizen)
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DD-214 (Member 4) if you served in the U.S. military in the last 18 months
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Standard Form 8 (SF-8) if you worked for the federal government in the last 18 months
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Names, dates of birth, and Social Security Numbers of any dependents you plan to claim
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File an Initial Claim: Submit your application online through the IWD website or visit a local IowaWORKS center. It’s recommended to file your claim during the same week you become unemployed or experience reduced hours.
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Register for Work: Within 10 days of filing your initial claim, register for work online at IowaWORKS.gov or in person at an IowaWORKS center. This registration is mandatory unless waived.
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File Weekly Claims: To receive benefits, you must file a weekly claim for each week you’re unemployed. Weekly claims can be filed online or by phone. Ensure you report any earnings and job offers accurately.
How Can I Manage My Unemployment Benefits in Iowa?
Managing your unemployment benefits involves several key responsibilities:
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Filing Weekly Claims: Continue to file your weekly claims on time to ensure uninterrupted benefits. Claims can be filed online or by phone.
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Conducting Work Searches: Unless exempt, you’re required to perform at least four reemployment activities each week, including a minimum of two job applications. Record and certify these activities in your IowaWORKS account.
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Reporting Earnings: Accurately report any earnings during your weekly claim, including part-time or temporary work. Failure to report earnings can result in overpayments and potential penalties.
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Updating Personal Information: Keep your contact information current with IWD to receive important notifications regarding your claim. You can update your information through your online account or by contacting customer service.
How Can I Appeal a Decision Regarding Iowa Unemployment Benefits?
If you disagree with a decision made by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) regarding your unemployment benefits, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process involves multiple levels:
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First-Level Appeal: Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
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Filing the Appeal: You must submit a written appeal within 10 calendar days from the mailing date of the decision. The appeal can be filed online through the Unemployment Appeals Form or mailed to: Iowa Workforce Development Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing Administrative Hearings Division Unemployment Insurance Appeals Bureau Wallace State Office Building 502 East 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50319
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Appeal Content: Include your name, address, Social Security Number, date of the decision, reason for appealing, hearing preference (telephone or in-person), and if an interpreter is needed, specify the language.
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Hearing Notification: After the appeal is filed, a notice will be sent to you with the date, time, and instructions for the hearing.
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During the Hearing: An ALJ will conduct the hearing, allowing both you and your employer (if applicable) to present evidence and testimony. It’s essential to prepare thoroughly, organize your documents, and be ready to explain why you believe the decision should be reversed.
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Second-Level Appeal: Employment Appeal Board (EAB)
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Filing the Appeal: If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision, you can appeal to the EAB. The appeal must be postmarked within 15 calendar days from the mailing date of the ALJ’s decision. Submit a written appeal to: Employment Appeal Board 6200 Park Avenue, Suite 100 Des Moines, IA 50321
- Review Process: The EAB reviews the ALJ’s hearing record and any written arguments submitted. No new evidence is considered, and no additional hearings are held. The EAB may affirm, reverse, remand the case for further review, or order a new hearing if necessary. Decisions are typically issued within 45 to 75 days from the date the appeal is filed. Iowa Workforce Development
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Judicial Review: Iowa District Court
- Filing for Judicial Review: If you disagree with the EAB’s decision, you may file a petition for judicial review in the Iowa District Court. This must be done within 30 days of the EAB’s decision or within 30 days after the EAB denies a request for rehearing. The court reviews the case based on the existing record; no new evidence is typically allowed. Iowa Legal Aid
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How Can I Report Unemployment Fraud in Iowa?
Reporting unemployment fraud helps maintain the integrity of the unemployment insurance program. If you suspect someone is committing fraud, you can report it through the following methods:
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Online: Visit the Iowa Workforce Development fraud reporting page to submit a report.
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Phone: Call the Fraud Detection line at 1-866-239-0843.
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Mail: Send detailed information to:Iowa Workforce Development Attn: Fraud 1000 E. Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50319
- Fax: Fax information to 515-281-9033, addressed to “Fraud.”
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When reporting, provide as much detail as possible, including the name and address of the individual or business suspected, Social Security Number (if available), and any relevant dates or evidence. Reports can be made anonymously; however, providing your contact information allows investigators to follow up if additional details are needed.
How Can I Speak to a Representative at Iowa Unemployment Customer Service?
For assistance with unemployment insurance claims or questions, you can contact Iowa Workforce Development’s Customer Service:
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Phone: Call 1-866-239-0843 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding state holidays).
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Email: Send inquiries to uiclaimshelp@iwd.iowa.gov.
To ensure faster service, have the following information ready when contacting customer service:
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Full Name
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Last four digits of your Social Security Number
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Complete mailing address
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Phone number used when filing your initial claim
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Date of Birth
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Number of dependents listed on your initial claim
For translation services, call the same number between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What Happens if I Was Fired?
If you were discharged from your job, eligibility for unemployment benefits depends on the circumstances surrounding your termination:
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Discharge for Misconduct: If you were fired due to misconduct (e.g., violation of company policies, insubordination), you may be disqualified from receiving benefits.
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Discharge for Other Reasons: If you were terminated for reasons other than misconduct (e.g., inability to perform job duties, lack of skills), you may still be eligible for benefits.
During the claims process, a fact-finding interview will be conducted to determine the nature of your separation from employment. Both you and your employer will provide information, and a decision will be made based on the facts presented.
Iowa Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations
| Iowa Unemployment Office | Iowa Unemployment Office Locations | Iowa Unemployment Phone Number |
| Unemployment Office – Ames | 903 Lincoln WayAmes, IA 50010 | 515-725-5495 |
| Unemployment Office – Cedar Rapids | 4444 First Avenue NE Suite 436Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 | 319-365-9474 |
| Unemployment Office – Council Bluffs | 300 West Broadway Suite 13Council Bluffs, IA 51503 | 712-352-3480 |
| Unemployment Office – Creston | 215 North ElmCreston, IA 50801 | 641-782-2119 |
| Unemployment Office – Davenport | 1801 East Kimberly Rd Suite ADavenport, IA 52807 | 563-445-3200 |
| Unemployment Office – Decorah | 312 Winnebago Street Suite ADecorah, IA 52101 | 563-382-0457 |
| Unemployment Office – Denison | 504 Hwy 39 NDenison, IA 51442 | 712-792-2685 |
| Unemployment Office – Des Moines | 200 Army Post Road Suite 44Des Moines, IA 50315 | 515-281-9619 |
| Unemployment Office – Dubuque | 680 Main StreetDubuque, IA 52001-6818 | 563-556-5800 |
| Unemployment Office – Fort Dodge | 3 Triton CircleFort Dodge, IA 50501-5729 | 515-576-3131 |
| Unemployment Office – Iowa City | 1700 South 1st Avenue Suite 11BIowa City, IA 52240-6036 | 319-351-1035 |
| Unemployment Office – Marshalltown | 101 Iowa Avenue West Suite 200Marshalltown, IA 50158 | 641-754-1400 |
| Unemployment Office – Mason City | 600 South Pierce AvenueMason City, IA 50401 | 641-422-1524 |
| Unemployment Office – Ottumwa | 15260 Truman StreetNorth CampusOttumwa, IA 52501 | 641-684-5401 |
| Unemployment Office – Postville | 134 W Greene StPostville, IA 52162 | 563-382-0457 |
| Unemployment Office – Sioux City | 2508 4th StreetSioux City, IA 51101 | 712-233-9030 |
| Unemployment Office – Spencer | 217 W 5th StreetPO Box 1087Spencer, IA 51301-1087 | 712-262-1971 |
| Unemployment Office – Waterloo | 3420 University AvenueWaterloo, IA 50701 | 319-235-2123 |
| Unemployment Office – Burlington | 550 S. Gear Avenue Suite 35West Burlington, IA 52655 | 319-753-1671 |