How Do I Claim Weekly Benefits?

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How Do I Claim Weekly Benefits?

Each week you are unemployed and want to claim benefit payments, you must certify that you:

are unemployed or working reduced hours;
are able and available for work;
have not refused any job offers or referrals to a job;
are actively looking for work (unless waived); and
are reporting any pay or private pension you may be receiving.

To file your weeklycontinued claim by telephone, just call the continued claims reporting system at (800) 8505627 (outside the Des Moines area) or 2816231 (in the Des Moines calling area). An Interactive Voice Response unit (IVR) will answer and will ask you the eligibility questions one at a time.

Other Iowa Labor and Employment FAQs

Q: How Can I Apply For Unemployment Benefits?
A: You may file an initial claim for unemployment insurance benefits using one of four methods: Online CLICK HERE By visiting the nearest Workforce Development … More
Q: What Happens After I File My Initial Claim For Unemployment Benefits?
A: After you file your claim, you will be mailed a form called the Monetary Record. This form will show: The beginning date of your claim. Your fourquarter base … More
Q: How Much Can I Receive In Unemployment Benefits?
A: Your weekly benefit amount is determined by your gross wages from all covered employers in the high quarter of your base period. The base period is the first four of … More
Q: Can I Receive Benefits If I Work Part Time?
A: If you work while claiming benefits, you can earn up to 25 percent of your weekly benefit amount before any deduction is made from your benefit payments. All earnings … More
Q: Can I Receive Benefits If I Attend School?
A: You may receive benefits if you are attending school or a training course approved by Iowa Workforce Development. You must make a written application for Department … More
Q: Are Unemployment Benefits Taxable?
A: All unemployment insurance benefits are fully taxable on your federal and state income taxes. You have the option of having federal and/or state taxes withheld from … More
Q: What Can I Do If I Disagree With A Denial Of Benefits?
A: If you or the employer disagrees with a decision, either party has the right to appeal and present testimony to an administrative law judge. The appeal must be … More
Q: What Can I Do If I Disagree With The Administrative Law Judges Decision?
A: If you or the employer disagrees with the administrative law judge's decision, it may be appealed to the Employment Appeal Board. The appeal must be postmarked within … More
Q: Who Are Liable Employers?
A: A liable employer is an employing unit that is required to report wages and pay unemployment insurance taxes to the Unemployment Insurance Division. To view the … More
Q: How Do I Apply For An Iowa Unemployment Account?
A: Complete and submit Report to Determine Liability (Application for Account). If you have questions about completing this form which the instructions do not answer, … More