Extended Unemployment Benefits

In June, Iowa had an unemployment rate of 6.1%. This is quite a leap from the 4.1% of just a year ago. If you’ve been collecting unemployment and are concerned about benefits running out, there is some good news for you. Iowa Workforce Development sent notices to about 9,000 people who live in Iowa to provide up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits. These benefits are available after your normal Iowa unemployment insurance ends.

To receive extension of benefits, all you need to do is continue with your weekly reporting. You’ll receive a notice stating when you become eligible to take advantage of extended benefits. Simply take the notice to a Iowa Workforce Development field office to reactive a new unemployment claim. You can also go online at www.iowaworkforce.org to file online.

The extra benefits come courtesy of the Extended Compensation Act of 2008, which is designed to ease the burdens of high unemployment rates when the economy turns sour. Under the program, you are eligible for an additional thirteen weeks of Iowa unemployment benefits. To take advantage of the program, you need to have used all your normal unemployment benefits as well as the prior 20 weeks of extended benefits.

You can continue your weekly reporting for Iowa unemployment benefits by using the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. If you live in Des Moines, call (515) 281-6231. Otherwise, dial (800) 850-5627 toll free. The system is available from 10:00 AM Saturday to 11:30 PM Sunday as well as 7:30 AM to 4:59 PM Monday through Friday. The system is usually busy on Saturday afternoon, so you will probably more successful calling on Sunday or Monday. You can also go online to https://uiclaims.iwd.iowa.gov/weeklyclaims/ to complete the on-line web application.

Each time you file a continued claim, you are asked a series of questions. You must be able to verify that you are unemployed or working only reduced hours. Also, you need to be capable of working and available to work any shift that is suitable for the type of work you want. In addition, you must be accepting any job offers and referrals. Finally, you must be actively seeking work and must report any pay or pension you are getting.