Image courtesy of Iowa Workforce Development website

Anyone needing to file for unemployment due to the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic can do so with a more relaxed procedure through an Iowa agency.

Iowa Workforce Development has updated its policy for individuals to receive unemployment insurance benefits following the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability (CARES) Act. Employees who have been or will be laid off, or are unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19, will no longer be required to use paid leave prior to being eligible for unemployment. The new benefit program expands the eligibility groups for unemployment benefits to include self-employed, independent contractors, nonprofit employees, and gig economy workers as well as workers who have used up their company’s benefits.

The CARES Act was effective March 29th, and so claims will be not retroactive or backdated prior to March 29th for new or existing claims by individuals who work for employers. IWD stresses that with a new program it will take time to work through the process, and so they ask everyone for their patience. For more information go to IowaWorkforceDevelopment.com.