You must be totally or partially unemployed through no fault of your own, and you must have earned sufficient wages in your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the start date of your claim, or alternatively the last 4 quarters). Also, you must be able and available for full-time work.

You can apply online, or in person at your local IowaWORKS center.

Your weekly benefit amount is determined by your gross wages from all covered employers in the high quarter of your base period, and by the number of dependents you claim. The minimum and maximum weekly benefit amounts change each year for new claims filed after the first Sunday in July.  See the Iowa website for more information on how to calculate your benefit amount.

The length of time that you will receive benefits is also based on how much you made during the base period, but not more than 26 weeks.

You must continue to file weekly online. Also, you must continue to be able and available for full-time work. You must actively seek employment, while keeping a record of your work search activities using the Record of Work Search form. To be actively seeking employment, you must make at least two employer contacts each week you claim benefits. You must register for work with the Iowa Workforce Development either online or in person. Finally, you must accept suitable work.

You must appeal within 10 calendar days from the date the decision was mailed to you. Your appeal may be submitted by mail or by fax. Also, you must keep filing your weekly claims regularly because you will only be paid for weeks you filed if you win your appeal.

Visit the Iowa State Website