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Iowa Unemployment

Iowa Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Iowa’s unemployment insurance benefits program provides compensation to eligible Iowa workers who have become unemployed through no fault of their own. Successful claimants must also meet other eligibility requirements required under Iowa law.

Unemployment assistance in Iowa is intended to provide a temporary financial bridge to unemployed workers while they seek new employment, providing stability to local economies and crucial assistance for Iowa families who need it.

Iowa Unemployment Services

Website iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov
Private Website Iowa Unemployment
Phone 866-239-0843
Email uiclaimshelp@iwd.iowa.gov
Apply Online File a Claim
Weekly Certification File a Weekly Claim
Appeal a Denial Request a Hearing
Find a Local Office Career Center Locations
Report Fraud Benefits Fraud Reporting
Coronavirus Updates COVID-19 Assistance

How To Qualify for Iowa Unemployment Benefits

To be eligible for UI benefits in Iowa, a worker must meet the following criteria:

  • Be totally or partially unemployed, through no fault of his or her own
  • Have worked and earned a minimum amount of wages covered by unemployment during the 15 to 18 months before filing an initial claim
  • Have lost a job through no fault of their own

You must also be willing and able to accept suitable work if and when it is offered.

Benefit Payments and Duration

Base Period First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
Alt Base Period N/A
Duration of Benefits Weekly Payment Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year)
Min Max
8-26 weeks $73 $493 12,506

How To Apply for Iowa Unemployment Benefits

You may file for unemployment assistance online, which is likely the fastest and most efficient way to do so. If you don’t have access to the Internet, you can also use a computer at a local IowaWORKS Center

If you need one-on-one assistance to file your initial state unemployment benefits claim, please call a local IowaWORKS Center to schedule an appointment.

Managing Your Unemployment Benefits

To receive weekly benefit payments after filing an initial claim for UI benefits, an unemployed worker must continue to confirm eligibility every week using Iowa’s claims reporting system.

Each week that the weekly claim is filed, the claimant will be asked to certify the following types of information:

  • Whether the claimant remains unemployed or working only reduced hours
  • Whether the claimant is able and available to accept suitable work
  • Whether the claimant has refused any job offers or referrals
  • Whether the claimant is actively looking for a new job
  • Whether the claimant is reporting any pension they may be receiving
  • Whether the claimant is reporting any gross wages, vacation time, severance, and/or holiday pay they may be receiving

You may file a weekly unemployment benefit claim online using the same account you set up when you filed your initial unemployment claim.

How Do I Appeal a Decision?

Both employee and employer have the right to appeal any decision associated with your claim before an administrative law judge. If you choose to request an appeal, your formal request must be postmarked within 10 calendar days from the date stated on your formal decision letter.

You may file a formal request for appeal by completing Iowa’s Unemployment Insurance Appeal Form and mailing it, along with any supporting documentation, to the following address:

Iowa Workforce Development
Appeals Bureau
1000 E Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319-0209

Reporting Fraud

A person commits fraud by “knowingly providing false information, or withholding information, in order to receive UI benefits.” Fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits in Iowa is a serious crime and can lead to penalties that include:

  • Criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment
  • Denial of future benefits
  • Repayment of fraudulently collected unemployment benefits, plus a 15 percent penalty
  • wage garnishments and liens
  • Interception of state and federal tax refunds

If you suspect someone of fraudulently collecting unemployment assistance, please report your concerns using any of the following methods:

Iowa Unemployment Office Locations

Unemployment Office – Ames  903 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
515-725-5495
Unemployment Office – Cedar Rapids  4444 First Avenue NE Suite 436
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-365-9474
Unemployment Office – Council Bluffs  300 West Broadway Suite 13
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
712-352-3480
Unemployment Office – Creston  215 North Elm
Creston, IA 50801
641-782-2119
Unemployment Office – Davenport  1801 East Kimberly Rd Suite A
Davenport, IA 52807
563-445-3200
Unemployment Office – Decorah  312 Winnebago Street Suite A
Decorah, IA 52101
563-382-0457
Unemployment Office – Denison  504 Hwy 39 N
Denison, IA 51442
712-792-2685
Unemployment Office – Des Moines  200 Army Post Road Suite 44
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-281-9619
Unemployment Office – Dubuque  680 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-6818
563-556-5800
Unemployment Office – Fort Dodge  3 Triton Circle
Fort Dodge, IA 50501-5729
515-576-3131
Unemployment Office – Iowa City  1700 South 1st Avenue Suite 11B
Iowa City, IA 52240-6036
319-351-1035
Unemployment Office – Marshalltown  101 Iowa Avenue West Suite 200
Marshalltown, IA 50158
641-754-1400
Unemployment Office – Mason City  600 South Pierce Avenue
Mason City, IA 50401
641-422-1524
Unemployment Office – Ottumwa  15260 Truman Street
North Campus
Ottumwa, IA 52501
641-684-5401
Unemployment Office – Postville  134 W Greene St
Postville, IA 52162
563-382-0457
Unemployment Office – Sioux City  2508 4th Street
Sioux City, IA 51101
712-233-9030
Unemployment Office – Spencer  217 W 5th Street
PO Box 1087
Spencer, IA 51301-1087
712-262-1971
Unemployment Office – Waterloo  3420 University Avenue
Waterloo, IA 50701
319-235-2123
Unemployment Office – Burlington  550 S. Gear Avenue Suite 35
West Burlington, IA 52655
319-753-1671