How to File for Unemployment in Iowa

Iowa has an unemployment insurance program that allows individuals to temporarily collect monetary funds if all state requirements are met. Almost all states require that the applicant must not be responsible for their unemployment. In other words, you cannot file if you have been fired. Iowa is not any different.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security number
• Proof of residency
• Employer's contact information
• Standard Form 8
• DD214 form
• Alien registration number

Instructions

Meet the Requirements

1. Work a minimum of 18 months in which you were paid wages.

2. Become unemployed or partially unemployed through no fault of your own.

3. Become available to work when an opportunity arises.

4. Register for work at the Workforce Development Center.

5. Actively pursue opportunities when they are presented.

Documents Needed for Filing

1. Bring your Social Security card.

2. Provide your most recent employer’s contact information, such as phone, address and name.

3. Obtain a Standard Form 8 if you worked for the federal government in the past 18 months, and present it to the unemployment office.

4. Provide DD214 if you worked for the U.S. military in the past 18 months.

5. List your alien registration number (if applicable).

Requirements for Filing a Claim Online

1. Demonstrate proof of Iowa earnings for the past 18 months.

2. Discontinue or use the remaining balance of other claims in other states (if applicable).

3. Cancel Railroad unemployment benefits or use the remaining balance before filing in Iowa (if applicable).

4. Demonstrate Iowa residency for the past 18 months if you are/were in the U.S. military.

Tips & Warnings

• Gather the documents you need, and file for unemployment within 1 week of past employment.

• It generally takes 2 to 3 weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check.

Resources

• Unemployment statistical data in Iowa
• Iowa guidelines