A new unemployment system is coming soon! Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is modernizing its system to make applying for unemployment benefits easier, faster, and more secure.

For the first time, Iowans will complete the unemployment process from one central location, iowaworks.gov. This system change will take place on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. 

This update also impacts employers. While businesses will still manage their UI tax accounts in MyIowaUI, iowaworks.gov will become the central system for handling the claims themselves. IWD is providing several resources to help employers prepare for the new system. You can find the details below.  

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Preparing for the New System

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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.  Employers will also have more tools to manage the unemployment insurance claims for their business.

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Important Dates

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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 centers across the state.

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Resources and Videos

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IWD has created several videos, resources, and instructions to help you prepare for this change. If you have any questions, contact us.

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