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
Iowa Workforce Development 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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Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
Outside Des Moines (800) 850-5627
Des Moines Area (515) 281-6231
On-Line web application
https://www1.iwd.state.ia.us/WeeklyClaims
10 a.m., Saturday to 11:30 p.m., Sunday or
7:30 a.m. to 4:59 p.m., Monday through Friday
Note: Phone lines are very busy on Saturday afternoon.
Please try on Sunday or
Monday to avoid a busy signal. |
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.
Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)
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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.
Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)
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Benefit Inquiry System
To check on the status of your claim or for questions about your benefit amount, call
(800) 850-5627 (toll-free outside the Des Moines area) or 281-6231 (within the Des Moines calling area) between the hours of
7:30 a.m. to 4:59 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
You may check on the status of your claim online at
https://www1.iwd.state.ia.us/WeeklyClaims during the same hours.
Note: If Monday is a holiday, information is not available until Wednesday of that week.