On this page...
A new unemployment insurance system is on the way! Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is modernizing its system to make applying for unemployment benefits easier, faster, and more secure.
This will be the most significant upgrade for Iowa's unemployment insurance system in decades. For the first time ever, you now will be able to complete the unemployment process from one central location, iowaworks.gov. This system change will take place on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
With a simplified system, you will spend less time filing claims. This will leave more time and attention for you to focus on receiving whatever help you need to find a new career and reenter the workforce.
IWD is providing several resources to help Iowans prepare for the new system.
Back to topWhat's Changing?
| Existing System | Modernized System |
|---|---|
| To file for unemployment, Iowans first visit one of two webpages at uiclaims.iwd.iowa.gov to file their initial or weekly claim. |
Starting June 3rd, the entire unemployment process will take place under a single login and website, iowaworks.gov.
|
| After filing, Iowans must also register or log into iowaworks.gov to complete their weekly reemployment activities (job searches, interviews, workshops). |
Important Dates
- In order to make this historic change, implement new updates and securely transfer Iowans’ data between systems, a one-time system pause will take place during the week before launch.
- From Wednesday, May 28 – Monday, June 2nd, Iowans will not be able to file for unemployment or log reemployment activities, which may cause a one-time delay in payments. However, Iowans will still be able to receive career-related services from IowaWORKS centers across the state. When the new system is live, Iowans can immediately claim any benefits missed during this period.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 27 | The last day that unemployment claims can be filed in IWD’s existing system. |
| Wednesday, May 28–Monday, June 2 | Scheduled downtime begins. No new or weekly claims will be accepted in the current system as IWD prepares to switch systems. |
| Tuesday, June 3 | New unemployment system goes live on iowaworks.gov, allowing Iowans to once again file their claims – now in a much more efficient and improved system. Anyone with claims they were unable to file during the system downtime (for the week beginning May 25 and/or the week beginning June 1) will be able to file them and claim benefits as soon as the new system is running. |
How Do I Prepare for the New System?
| Status | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| I am currently receiving unemployment benefits. | Continue to file your weekly claim as usual until the system pause. If you already have an IowaWORKS account and are completing your reemployment activities on iowaworks.gov, no other steps are required. If you're unemployed during the week beginning May 25, 2025, you should file your claim before 6:30 p.m. on May 27, if at all possible. |
| I am not currently receiving unemployment benefits but expect to in the near future. | Visit iowaworks.gov and select Register, then register as an Individual. Registering in IowaWORKS takes just a few minutes and will help prepare you for the changeover. It also will give you immediate access to a number of resources that will support your search for a new job. |
| I'm an employer. | Visit this page: Preparing for Modernization (For Employers) |
Additional Resources to Help You Prepare:
- Video resources, along with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the new system, will be available soon. This information will also be distributed to IWD's full list of current claimants.
- Stay turned to this webpage for more information.