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:

• Online: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/report-fraud
• Mail:
  Iowa Workforce Development
  Attn: Fraud
  1000 E. Grand Avenue
  Des Moines, IA 50319
• Fax: 515-281-9033
  Iowa Workforce Development
  Attn: Fraud

Iowa Unemployment Office Locations

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