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.
List items for Preparing for the New System (Individuals)
Iowans currently use multiple websites (and separate accounts) to complete the steps required by their unemployment claims. Going forward, all claim-filing steps now will take place on iowaworks.gov, simplifying this process.
Existing System
Modernized System
To file for unemployment, Iowans first visit one of two webpages at uiclaims.iwd.iowa.gov to filetheir 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).
Moving from two systems into a single, central location.
You will now be able to complete every step in the unemployment process and access all information about your claim from a single location, using one account.
Replacing outdated technology with a more efficient system.
Overall, the unemployment process has been simplified and moved to improved technology. As part of this, several behind-the-scenes steps that previously were done manually now will take place automatically, making processing more efficient.
Improving both the user experience and overall security.
Having the unemployment system in IowaWORKS means your personal information is stored in a single, secure place. A new central hub helps you manage everything about your claim from this single starting point.
List items for Schedule for Unemployment System Change
The new unemployment system in IowaWORKS is replacing a decades-old system. In order to make this historic update, a one-time system pause will take place during the week before launch (May 28-June 2). Iowans will not be able to file for unemployment during this time, but they will still be able to receive career-related services from IowaWORKS centersacross the state.
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 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.
IowaWORKS centers will remain open and available to serve customers.
Services that will remain available include:
Resume and interview coaching
One-on-one assistance from career planners
Virtual workshops
Job search help – additional resources will be utilized during this period, which include the National Labor Exchange (https://usnlx.com/) as well as several microsites that include targeted job openings in Iowa for adults, Veterans, youth and those with disabilities.
IowaWORKS operations, staffing levels, and hours will remain the same during this period (Open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday)
Iowans filing an initial or weekly claim are highly encouraged to file on Sunday, May 25 (first day of the filing week), or any day before Wednesday, May 28, when the claims system will become temporarily unavailable.
If Iowans are unable to file a claim while the system isdown, they will still be able to file a claim on Tuesday, June 3, as soon as the new system goes live. (At this time, they will be able to claim benefits for the current week and/or the prior week, if necessary.)
IowaWORKS office locations and related information can be found at: IowaWORKS Offices
Unemployment insurance Customer Service is available between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday Through Friday, to help answer any unemployment questions.
IWD has created several videos, resources, and instructions to help you prepare for this change. If you have any questions, contact us.
After the update at iowaworks.gov on June 3,Iowans will handle all actions related to unemployment claims from one central system. The steps you need to follow when logging into the new system on iowaworks.gov will depend on whether or not you have used the IowaWORKS website in the past.
