When you file for unemployment insurance benefits, your application also kicks off the reemployment process. To make sure that you’re ready to re-enter the workforce quickly and to help you regain the skillsets you need to be successful, we may require that you participate in certain state and federal reemployment programs.
The entire process now takes place on iowaworks.gov.
Complete at least four work search activities each week and certify them on iowaworks.gov.
File your weekly certification (weekly claim) each week on iowaworks.gov.
Depending on the type of job you left, you may be required to participate in online workshops and one-on-one programs designed to support your work search. Iowa Workforce Development will let you know if you are eligible and/or required to be a part of these programs.
If you file for unemployment and are no longer attached to an employer (there is no joint expectation that you will soon go back to your former job), then you must register for work. You do this as part of filing an initial unemployment claim and submitting a resume on iowaworks.gov.
In addition to being the place for filing unemployment claims, iowaworks.govis a powerful online job and career services system that offers a host of employment tools, including job listings, resume assistance, a virtual recruiter, and much more.
With a few exceptions, you will have to complete work search activities each week to receive unemployment benefits. To receive payments, you must:
Complete at least four work-search activities each week. (Three of these must be job applications.)
Select your non-job application activities from a list of 11 qualifying activities.
Note: IWD may give you a waiver from weekly work search requirements if you meet certain criteria.
Keeping your unemployment claim in good standing requires that you enter your reemployment activities into iowaworks.gov and certifying them each week. You can enter these activities at any time, but you will complete/certify them when you file your weekly claim.
There are 11 valid reemployment activities that can be used to satisfy your requirement to actively search for work each week.
Self-Guided Activities: You can complete these activities on your own.
Apply for a job by submitting a résumé or application online, in-person, by email, or through fax/mail.
Take a civil service exam. (Select "Proficiency Testing” when entering this activity in IowaWORKS.)
Register with a placement facility of a school or college. (Select “Career Planning Interview for a job (virtually, in person or at a job fair).
Interview for a job virtually, in-person, or at a job fair.
Attend any IowaWORKS workshop.
Select from this list of workshops when entering this activity:
Workshop - Résumé
Workshop - Job Search
Workshop - Financial Literacy
Workshop - Interviewing
Workshop - Employer Led
Workshop - Career Interest
Workshop - Digital Literacy
Workshop - Personal Growth
Workshop - Work Readiness
Workshop - Labor Market Information
Workshop - Unemployment Information
Workshop - Other
Workshop - Job Finding Club
Attend job fair sponsored by IowaWORKS or partners. (Keep a flyer or advertisement and select “Workshop – Employer Led” when entering it in IowaWORKS.)
Attend a scheduled career networking meeting hosted by IowaWORKS. (Select “Workshop - Job Finding Club” when reporting in IowaWORKS.”)
Staff-Assisted Activities : You can get help to complete these through IowaWORKS.gov or from staff at your local IowaWORKS center.
Create a work search plan.
Have an appointment with an IowaWORKS career planner.
Have an appointment with a core WIOA partner including Vocational Rehabilitation, Adult Basic Education, Wagner-Peyser or Title I partners.
List items for Participation in Reemployment Programs
If you file for unemployment, you will typically be required to participate in state and federal reemployment programs that have been designed to speed your return to work.
Return to work programs are a tool that IWD uses to help you find a new job. These programs offer one-on-one support, resume and interview assistance, and connections to training and skill programs.
You may be automatically placed into a program like Reemployment Case Management (RCM) or Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) while you’re unemployed. If chosen, you must complete the RESEA workshop or work with an RCM case manager.
Reemployment Case Management (RCM) is designed to help you get back to work as soon as possible.
RCM provides one-on-one help at the beginning of your unemployment claim process and helps you find a job by matching your skills with skills local companies need.
RCM helps most people who file for unemployment benefits. The process begins the first week you file a claim.
Iowa Workforce Development is here to assist you with the reemployment process – whether that means one-on-one support, helpful documentation, or job-ready resources.
