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Updated : July 10th, 2018

State: Iowa (IA)
Phone Number:(866) 239-0843 to file an Unemployment Compensation Claim(Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m).
Major Towns:Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux, Waterloo, Iowa, Council Bluffs, Ames, Dubuque, and West Des Moines
Current Unemploymnet Rate in Iowa

Iowa Unemployment Questions

On the application form there are two lines for the address. Does this mean I have to enter two addresses?
No, you only need to give one complete address, for example, one with a street number and name or a post office box, plus the city, state and ZIP code.

When I apply for something online, sometimes I’m unsure whether the proper people have received my application. If I’m unsure, should I submit another application?
No. You will receive a confirmation e-mail (and number) stating the state have received your application. If you do submit another application, it will just slow down the process, because the state will have to call to verify if the second application is from the same claimant (you).

I served in the U.S. military and I am claiming those wages. On the application there are questions that ask about military service and others that refer to the federal government. Do I answer both if I served in the military?
No. For unemployment insurance, service in the U.S. military and working for the federal government are considered two separate and different types of work. If you served in the U.S. military, left the military, and then began working for the federal government (for example, at the Department of Labor), you should answer questions for both sections.

On the Withholding page in the unemployment insurance application, the third question asks if I’ve been receiving a private pension or retirement payments (401K, Keogh, etc.). Is that like asking if I’ve been paying into a fund like that?
No. This question is to verify if you’ve been receiving money from a pension or a retirement fund, not paying into it. If you have not received money from anything like this, your answer should be no.

Questions & Answers

  1. If I quit my job for more money can I draw off that company until my new employer has paid I’m enough for me to draw off of them

    1. Richard,


  2. If I was injured on my last job and released from Dr. to go back to work but previous employer won’t give me work is this considered temporary layoff? and am I able to collect unemployment insurance if I’m collecting Workers Comp ins too?

  3. I was recently fired in my current position–which I was working part time due to partial disability. Can I file unemployment even if recently disability?

    1. Brent,

      If you became partially or fully unemployed due to the disability, you may not qualify. Please call the Unemployment Office for instructions.

      Hope you get well soon!

  4. If I live in Iowa, but my parent company was in Illinois, but after merger, it went to Texas. My job was eliminated, what state do I file for unemployment?

    1. Please file from the states where your employment was based.

      You may want to check with your employer before making an application.

  5. I am being let go of my part time job. Can I get unemployment? My company merged with another and they don’t need/want me.

    1. As long as it’s involuntary and you have got the required numbers of hours, you can be eligible.

      Please speak to the Unemployment Office in your state and apply accordingly.

  6. My unemployment fund was exhausted. Is it there something like an extension? If yes, then how to apply for it?


  7. What happens if I get a job after filing unemployment what steps should I take. The interview is set up to see if im ellagable

    1. During the interview, they will advise on the process further.
      Once approved, you will be required to file weekly claims over the phone or online to get the required payments.

  8. Is there any type of filing,(taxes),to be done if I reside in the State of Wisconsin, and in 2015 I received 2-3 weeks of unemployment compensation from a previous employer in Iowa?

    1. You are supposed to receive Form 1099-G from the Unemployment Office in your state to help you with taxes.

      Please call them if you haven’t received one.

  9. Leaving active duty army, but I’m interested in joining the national guard and I’m curious if I can collect unemployment if I’m in the national guard?

  10. do I have to declare money my parents send me to help after I was let go by my employer? Will they set up an appointment with my employer to see if I am getting rehired? Do they even call your employer to see why you were laid off or send them a letter asking to explain?

    1. I don’t think you must be declaring money your parents send since it does not really qualify to be called an income which is earned.

      They will contact your employer to ascertain reasons for leaving and to find out other related details.

  11. I have a job I have been working at for 10 years and they recently hired someone to take my place and try to force me in a spot that I did not apply for. So they gave me a choice do that or quit so I wanted to know could I get unemployment if I did quit since they are forcing it

  12. I need to file for EUC, my regular benefits have run out, please help me get the extension filed, I dont have a current job and no other income coming in at this time.

    1. When my regular benefits ran out, I was notified via mail whether or not I was eligible for EUC benefits. I was, and the benefits automatically rolled over. Keep filing your regular weekly claim, and if you are eligible for EUC benefits, you will know because you will continue to get a check each week. I live in Iowa also so the rules should be the same.

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