Unemployment Insurance - Iowa Workforce Development Region 15

Regional Profile

Unemployment Insurance

Man reading want ads Claims for unemployment insurance benefits can be filed at any office in Region 15. You must meet the following criteria (IWD will help you determine this criteria):

Be totally or partially unemployed;

Have worked and earned a certain amount of wages in work covered by unemployment insurance in the last 15 to 18 months;

Have lost your job through no fault of your own; and

Be able and available for work if offered to you.

In some cases, you must also be registered for work at your local Workforce Development Center and be actively seeking work.

How to File Your Claim:

There are several ways to file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits:

1. You may file an file An Unemployment Insurance Claim Online.

2. You may go to your local Workforce Development Center. Staff there will assist you in the completion of the paperwork necessary to submit your claim.

3. You may receive assistance at your local office to self-file your own claim into the system.

No matter which way you choose to file your unemployment insurance claim, you will need the following information:

Your Social Security number;
The name of your last employer;
The address of your last employer;
The start and end dates of your last job;
Whether or not you will receive vacation pay, severance pay, etc.; and
If you are leaving military service, you will need a copy of your DD214.

In most cases you will receive a booklet called "Facts About Unemployment Insurance." This booklet is full of information about Unemployment Insurance benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to report your weekly claim.

Weekly Reporting:

Most eligible Iowans can receive unemployment insurance benefits for up to 26 weeks, and in some cases, 39 weeks. After you have provided the initial information needed to confirm eligibility, you will be asked to provide additional information to continue to receive benefits.

Each week you will call this toll-free number, (800) 850-5627, to confirm the following:

That you are unemployed or working only reduced hours;
That you are able and available to work;
That you have not refused any job offers or referrals;
That you are actively looking for work (unless waived); and
That you are reporting any pay or pension received.

A computerized Voice Response Unit will answer, and a prerecorded message will ask you the eligibility questions one at a time.

Iowa Workforce Development Region 15
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