Eligibility

• Unemployment benefits eligibility is based on your previous wages. In Iowa, your wages for the past 15 to 18 months is what is used to determine eligibility. Not working in a year does not immediately disqualify you for benefits if you worked in the months preceding that period. However, you do need to have earned a certain amount of benefits in that period. As of July 2011, the minimum wage amount in your lowest-earning quarter must be at least $660. In some instances, you may be able to qualify using an alternate employment history period.
  
  

Base Period

• Your base period is the four quarter period used to determine your unemployment benefit eligibility and weekly benefit amount. Traditionally, the base period is the first four quarters of the previous five completed quarters. With a long break in employment, such as a year, Iowa allows you to use an alternate base period. The ability to use an alternate base period can increase your chances of eligibility when it has been a year since your last date of employment.
  
  

Weekly Benefit Amount

• The weekly benefit amount for Iowa unemployment claimants is based on the wages earned during the high quarter of the base period, or alternate base period. It can vary based on the number of dependents you claim. As of July 2011, the calculations are as follows: divide your earnings by 23 for no dependents, divide by 22 for one dependent, divide by 21 for two dependents, divide by 20 for three dependents and divide by 19 for four or more dependents. Maximum weekly benefit amounts are as follows: $385 for no dependents, $400 for one dependent, $415 for two dependents, $436 for three dependents and $473 for four or more dependents.
  
  

How To Apply

• The Iowa Workforce Unemployment Insurance Services Division offers three methods for filing your unemployment claim. If you have Internet access, you can file online via the Iowa Workforce Unemployment Insurance Services Division website (iowaworkforce.org). If you prefer to apply in-person, you can visit your local IowaWORKS Center location and complete an application for benefits. For claimants that do not live in Iowa, you can call (866) 239-0843 to file for unemployment with a claims representative.