Governor Reynolds To End Federal Unemployment Benefits For Iowans

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced Tuesday morning that she'll be ending the state's federal unemployment benefits program soon, due to a recovering economy and strong labor market in the state. The move comes to deal with what's called the "State of Iowa's severe workforce shortage."

When Will The Specific Benefits End?

According to a Tuesday morning press release, the State of Iowa will continue to pay normal unemployment claims but will be ending its involvement in pandemic-related unemployment benefits on Saturday, June 12.

Exactly What Will Be Coming To An End?

• Iowa will no longer pay the additional $300 weekly unemployment payments that are part of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program. The last check that will include this payment will be for the week ending on June 12.
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will also be discontinued the week ending on June 12. That benefit has been provided to the self-employed and underemployed as well as independent contractors and people unable to work due to their health or for reasons related to COVID-19.
• Those who have exhausted the normal half-year (26 weeks) of benefits and are getting benefits from Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation will no longer receive those payments after June 12.
• Iowa will discontinue its involvement in Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation. That provides additional payments to those who had both self-employment and regular W-2 income.

In the press release, Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend said,

The overwhelming message we receive from employers these days is the lack of workforce that is adversely affecting their ability to recover from the pandemic...  Our field offices are open and ready to help. We are very excited to return to providing the support and help we love to provide – helping Iowans find their next great job or new career pathway and helping employers find their next great employee.

Where Can You Get Information On Jobs Available in Iowa?

Townsend says there are 66,000 jobs listed on the Iowa Works website HERE.

How Will You Know If The Changes Affect You?

If you're impacted by the changes above, you will be getting additional information from Iowa Workforce Development about how these will impact you. You can get additional information HERE or email UIClaimsHelp@Iwd.iowa.gov.