Iowans have access to several programs that support the advancement of skills, re-entry into the workforce, and resources to help workers who experience mass layoff events.
The Dislocated Worker Survey is a key part of the Rapid Response services that impacted Iowans receive following a layoff announcement or company closure. While the survey is voluntary, affected workers are highly encouraged to complete it. Responses from the survey allow Iowa Workforce Development and Local Workforce Development areas to better provide more individualized support and resources that help dislocated workers quickly find new employment or gain the skills necessary for a successful career transition.
All survey responses are kept confidential, used solely for the purpose of improving services and supporting impacted workers.
Survey Link
Iowans who have experienced a layoff or company closing can complete the following survey: Dislocated Worker Survey
Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs
The adult program is designed to help unemployed and underemployed individuals improve their skills and obtain quality employment by providing a combination of career, training, and support services.
Who Can Participate?
To be eligible, individuals must meet all of the below criteria:
18 years of age or older
A citizen of the United States or U.S. Territory, a U.S. permanent resident, or an alien/refugee lawfully admitted to the U.S.
Registered with Selective Service if applicable (Males born after 12/31/1959)
Priority is granted for Veterans and eligible spouses and individuals who are low-income or recipients of public assistance, are basic skills deficient, and face barriers to employment.
The dislocated worker program is designed to help individuals re-enter the workforce as quickly as possible after becoming dislocated from employment due to a no-fault job loss, mass layoff, global trade dynamics, or transitions in economic sectors by providing a combination of career, training, and support services.
Who Can Participate?
To be eligible, individuals must meet all of the below criteria:
18 years of age or older
A citizen of the United States or U.S. Territory, a U.S. permanent resident, or an alien/refugee lawfully admitted to the U.S., and
Registered with Selective Service if applicable (Males born after 12/31/1959)
Must be a Dislocated Worker as defined by one of the below:
Terminated or laid off through no fault of your own, including a separation from active military service, or
Self-employed and now unemployed because of economic condition or a natural disaster in the community, or
Displaced Homemaker, or
Spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who is unemployed/underemployed or lost employment due to relocation.
National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) are funds available due to major economic dislocations (such as a mass layoff) or disaster events (such as severe weather). Funds may be available when these events impact the workforce. DWGs provide extra resources to states and communities responding to these events.
There are two types of DWGs:
Disaster recovery DWGs provide temporary disaster-relief and humanitarian assistance employment. They may also provide career and training services.
Employment recovery DWGs provide career and training services.
Iowa does not have any active DWGs. Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) are eligible to apply for funds when available.
To be eligible, individuals must meet all of the below criteria:
18 years of age or older
A citizen of the United States or U.S. Territory, a U.S. permanent resident, or an alien/refugee lawfully admitted to the U.S., and
Registered with Selective Service if applicable (Males born after 12/31/1959)
Must be a Dislocated Worker as defined by one of the below:
Terminated or laid off through no fault of your own including a separation from active military service, or
Self-employed and now unemployed because of economic condition or a natural disaster in the community, or
Displaced Homemaker, or
Spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who is unemployed/underemployed or lost employment due to relocation
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I funds help eligible Iowans access training programs that help enhance skills for Iowans and prepare them for successful career pathways. Iowans using these funds can select from the list of approved programs on Iowa’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL).
