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 change impacts both individuals and employers. IWD is providing several resources to help Iowans prepare for this update.
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.
