Iowa to end participation in federal unemployment benefit programs, citing strong labor market and recovering economy
Today Governor Kim Reynolds announced new measures to address the State of Iowa’s severe workforce shortage. Effective June 12, 2021, the State of Iowa will end its participation in federal pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs. The Governor also announced that effective June 13, 2021, Iowa will no longer waive employer charges for COVID-related unemployment insurance claims. Iowa will continue to pay regular unemployment claims. The following information is provided for impacted claimants:
“The overwhelming message we receive from employers these days is the lack of workforce that is adversely affecting their ability to recover from the pandemic,” said Director Beth Townsend, Iowa Workforce Development. “There are currently over 66,000 job openings posted on https://www.iowaworks.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx. Our field offices are open and ready to help. We are very excited to return to providing the support and help we love to provide – helping Iowans find their next great job or new career pathway and helping employers find their next great employee.” Iowans can search for new jobs, including teleworking opportunities at https://www.iowaworks.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx. Impacted unemployment insurance claimants will receive official notification from IWD with more information about how these changes affect them individually. We will also continue to update our webpage with relevant information and assistance. https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/ Due to current call volumes, customers are encouraged to call IWD only if they need assistance filing their claims. Additional customer questions can be answered by emailing UIClaimsHelp@Iwd.iowa.gov |