Filing an Initial Claim
For most Iowans wanting to file a new, initial unemployment insurance claim (apply for benefits), the most efficient method is to
File an Unemployment Insurance Claim online.
For those Iowans who are not able to file their initial claim online, we advise contacting the nearest
IowaWORKS Center.
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Continued Claims Reporting System
Most Iowans may receive unemployment insurance benefits for up to 26 weeks, and in some cases 39 weeks. To receive payments after
you have filed your initial claim, you must confirm your eligibility
every week using the continued claims reporting system.
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On-Line web application
https://uiclaims.iwd.iowa.gov/weeklyclaims
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
(800) 850-5627
10 a.m., Saturday to 11:30 p.m., Sunday
or
7:30 a.m. to 4:59 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone lines are very busy on Saturday afternoon.
Please use the on-line
application or call on Sunday or
Monday to avoid a busy signal.
Note:
Your payment will
not be delayed if you file your continued claim on
Sunday or Monday. |
When you file your continued claim, you will be asked a series of
questions to certify that you:
- Are unemployed or working only reduced hours;
- Are able and available for work;
- Have not refused any job offers or referrals;
- Are actively looking for work (unless
waived); and
- Are reporting any pay or pension you may be receiving.
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Reactivating an Existing Claim
If you have already applied for benefits (filed an initial claim) in the last 52 weeks,
then you have an existing (open) claim.
The fastest, most efficient
way to reactivate an existing claim is online.
Click here
to log in or set up a new account.
You may check on the status of your claim or benefit payment online at
https://uiclaims.iwd.iowa.gov/weeklyclaims or call
(800) 850-5627 between the hours of
7:30 a.m. to 4:59 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
Note: If Monday is a holiday, information is not available until Wednesday of that week.