Iowans filing for unemployment with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) will soon have expanded options for verifying their identities through ID.me. Effective July 1, 2024, claimants who prefer to verify in-person will be able to do so at participating UPS Store locations in Iowa and across the country.
Previously, Iowans who selected the in-person verification option were able to set up an appointment at their nearest American Job Center (IowaWORKS office). The ability to complete verification at participating UPS Store locations expands the options for claimants who do not have a personal mobile device, laptop or computer, or who just need a little extra help navigating online systems.
ID.me is the next-generation digital identity network that simplifies how individuals securely prove and share their identity online. IWD partners with ID.me to provide an easier, more secure, and more efficient process for verifying identities.
How Can Claimants Verify Their Identities with IWD?
The identity verification process takes place when Iowans file an unemployment claim with IWD. Selecting a preferred option for verifying your identity must take place within the secure unemployment claims portal.
- To get started, file your initial claim or your weekly claim. The claims portal will automatically direct you to ID.me to create your account and begin verification. You will need to create an account with ID.me in order to verify your identity.
- IWD offers three verification options with ID.me to offer claimants the choice to find the verification option that works best for them: Online Self-Service, Video Chat Agent, or In-person Verification.
- Online Self-Service and Video Chat Agent options are still the most widely used options by claimants. However, claimants without a personal device or who would prefer to verify by bringing their identity documents to a physical location, may also select In-person Verification.
- Claimants who choose In-person Verification will be prompted to select their preferred location which will include:
- IowaWORKS employment offices (18 locations)
- Participating UPS Store locations (7 current locations in Iowa, with more across the country)
- Upon choosing a preferred location, claimants must bring 2-3 identity documents to complete the In-person verification process:
- One primary document matching your current name and date of birth (i.e. State-issued driverβs license, U.S. passport or passport card)
- One containing your current valid U.S. address. (i.e. Cable or internet bill, electric/gas bill, or paycheck stub.)
- A full list of eligible identity documents can be found here.
- Note that digital documents are not accepted; you must bring the original, physical documents.
- Claimants who choose In-person Verification will be prompted to select their preferred location which will include:
Note: In-person Verification must be completed at a participating UPS Store location or IowaWORKS office.
How Do I Receive Assistance?
- For assistance with overall your unemployment claim, visit this link: Iowa Workforce Development β Unemployment Help
- For assistance with using ID.me, visit these links:
- Unemployment Insurance: Verifying Your Identity with ID.me