Iowans unemployed due to social distancing requirements caused by novel coronavirus 2019 can apply for benefits online.

Iowa Workforce Development encourages employees impacted by COVID-19 closures to apply for unemployment benefits. Claims are available for those having to stay home to self-isolate, or care for family members due to illness related to COVID-19. Other criteria to be eligible includes having lost their job through no fault of their own, being able and available for work, having worked and earned a minimum amount of wages in work covered by unemployment insurance in the last 15-18 months, and actively seeking work. Claimants can expect to receive payment within 7-10 days after the date the claim is filed, and claims filed and identified as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19 will not be charged to employers. Fact-finding interviews are also waived, though employers will be notified of claims received. For more information on benefit eligibility and how to file, visit here.