Can I Continue to Get Unemployment While Being Hospitalized

Frequently Asked Questions: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and Unemployment Insurance Benefits for Workers

Questions and Answers

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Question 1: Can I get unemployment benefits if I am laid off due to issues related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Answer: Yes. Iowa unemployment benefits are available to individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own. If an employer must shut down operations and no work is available, its employees would be eligible for unemployment benefits if they meet the monetary criteria.

Question 2: If my employer permanently lays off employees due to the loss of production caused by COVID-19, will the employees be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits?

Answer: Yes. Benefits are available to any individual who is unemployed through no fault of their own. If an employer must lay off employees due to the loss of production caused by COVID-19, individuals may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they meet the monetary criteria.

Question 3: If my employer temporarily lays off employees due to any loss or lack of work due to COVID-19, will the employees be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits?

Answer: Yes. Iowa law allows for an employee to be on temporary layoff when work is not available.

Question 4: Can my employer require me to stay home for the COVID-19 incubation period? Answer: Yes. Your employer can require you to stay at home for 14 days if you have traveled abroad or had contact with someone who visited an affected region. Please contact your employer regarding potential telecommuting, sick leave, paid time off ("PTO"), Family & Medical Leave Act ("FMLA"), Disability and other options they may be offering. If paid time off is not available, you may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance ("PUA").

More information and instructions on how to apply for PUA are available at: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/pua-information.

Question 5: If my employer requires me to stay home due to traveling to or being in contact with someone who visited an affected region, am I eligible for unemployment?

Answer: Yes. Your employer can require you to stay at home for 14 days if you have traveled to or had contact with someone who visited an affected region. Please contact your employer regarding potential telecommuting, sick leave, PTO, FMLA, Disability and other options they may be offering. If paid time off is not available, you may be eligible for PUA.

Question 6: If I am in mandatory quarantine because of suspicion of having COVID-19, will I be eligible for unemployment benefits?

Answer: Eligibility will be determined on a case by case situation. If the suspicion of having COVID-19 is legitimate and the facts show there is a high likelihood of being infected, you may be eligible for benefits for the incubation period of the virus. Please contact your employer regarding potential telecommuting, sick leave, PTO, FMLA, Disability and other options they may be offering.

Question 7: If I am ill because of COVID-19 and unable to work, will I be eligible for unemployment benefits?

Answer: Not for state or regular unemployment benefits.  Please contact your employer regarding potential telecommuting, sick leave, PTO, FMLA, Disability and other options they may be offering..

Question 8: If my employer shuts down the business operations because another employee is sick with COVID-19, would I be eligible for benefits?

Answer: Yes, you would be eligible for benefits.

Question 9: If I am unable to work due to my employer shutting down due to health concerns related to the COVID-19, do I need to complete work searches?

Answer:  The work search requirement will be reinstated on September 8, 2020 for all claimants except as noted below.  The work search must be a reasonable and honest effort to find suitable work and claimants must complete a minimum of two job contacts a week unless the work search requirement is waived. By conducting work searches, claimants are likely to find employment quicker. If claimants refuse a job offer, they may lose their unemployment benefits. IWD had previously waived the work search requirement for those impacted by layoffs and reductions in work hours since the beginning of the pandemic.  We have also posted updates on our website regarding work search requirements.  There are currently over 58,000 job openings at https://www.iowaworks.gov.

Question 10: What if my employer reduces the hours of work because business has slowed down, will I still be eligible for benefits?

Answer: Maybe. Iowa allows for partial unemployment benefits. You need to report your gross wages earned each week when making your weekly claim for benefits.  This type of income includes: wages; holiday pay; sick leave; stand-by pay; tips, gratuities, commission, and incentive pay; and, any compensation other than cash (i.e. room and board, cell phone). You may earn up to 25 percent of your weekly benefit amount ("WBA") before the benefit payment is reduced, but there is still a requirement to report all earnings even if under 25 percent. Earnings higher than 25 percent will reduce your benefit payment.   If you earn $15 or more over your WBA, you will not receive a benefit payment for that week.  For example:

Your WBA is $400 and you earn $370.

25% of $400 is $100. $100 is not deducted from the WBA.

$370 - $100 = $270. The remaining $270 is deducted from the WBA.

$400 - $270 = $130.

$130 is the payment amount for the week.

Question 11: I was laid off due to COVID-19. I used some vacation time during this layoff; do I need to report this if I file for unemployment?

Answer: Vacation pay is reportable for unemployment insurance purposes. Please refer to the answer above.

Question 12: How will Iowa Workforce Development ("IWD") know if I have correctly reported my wages?

Answer: Any claim filed is subject to audit or investigation.  Your employer reports wages paid to each employee every quarter.  IWD has a computer program that cross matches wages paid and wages reported when a claim is filed.  If IWD determines that you fraudulently reported wages, you will be overpaid benefits and will be subject to a 15% penalty, ineligibility for future benefits, and criminal prosecution.

Question 13: I am eligible for state benefits due to a layoff with my regular employer but also have self-employment income.  What do I need to report on my weekly claim?

Answer:   You only need to report gross wages you receive from an employer.  You do not need to report your self-employment income.

Question 14: I accidentally misreported my earnings and received unemployment benefits that I shouldn't have.  How can I repay the money?

Answer: If you haven't already, you will need to report the error to IWD.  We will need to know which weeks were reported incorrectly and how much money should have been reported for each week.  Upon receiving this information, we will send you an overpayment decision letter indicating the amount owed.  Once you receive this decision letter, you will be able to repay the overpayment.  For details on how to repay the overpayment, visit: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/unemployment-insurance-overpayment-and-recovery.

Question 15: I am self-employed and receiving PUA benefits. It will take time before my business will build back to pre-pandemic levels.  Am I still eligible for benefits?

Answer: Maybe.  Partial benefits are available under PUA.  So long as the reduced income is still related to a COVID-19 reason, you would still qualify. If you have income of $15 or more over your WBA, you will not receive a benefit payment for that week. You should report any gross income earned or that you expect to earn for services performed that week and gross income received that week for services provided prior to filing for unemployment insurance benefits.

Gross income, for a self-employed individual, is the income received that week as described above minus normal business expenses.  To determine your business expenses on a weekly basis, take the business expenses identified on your 2019 Schedule C and divide that number by 52, which gives you the average weekly business expenses.  For purposes of reporting income on your weekly claim for PUA, the average weekly business expense is deductible from the income received.

Question 16: I am self-employed and receiving PUA benefits, how will IWD know if I have correctly reported my income?

Answer: IWD will be auditing and investigating claims that have been filed.  You certify on each claim you file that you are providing accurate and truthful information.  If you are found to have fraudulently claimed unemployment benefits you could be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

Question 17: I am a substitute, on-call, or as needed (PRN) employee.  Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?

Answer:  You are probably not eligible for state unemployment benefits.  If your base period consists only of substitute, on-call, or PRN employment, you cannot meet the definitions of totally, partially, or temporarily unemployed under Iowa law. However, you may be eligible for state benefits if you have other wage credits in your base period earned from full or part-time employment.

Question 18: Is COVID-19 considered a disaster, and can I receive Disaster Unemployment Assistance ("DUA") if I am not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits?

Answer: A disaster has not been declared by the President for individual assistance. If the president of the United States declares the COVID-19 a national disaster, and if you experience a loss of work in Iowa as a result, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits and/or DUA.

Question 19: What if I contract COVID-19 while on the job; would I be eligible for benefits? Answer: Please contact your employer regarding potential telecommuting, sick leave, PTO, FMLA, Disability, Worker's Compensation and other options they may be offering.

Question 20: What if I have COVID-19 and have to quit, am I eligible for benefits?

Answer: Each situation will be handled based on the facts of the separation. You can file for unemployment insurance benefits if you are laid off or separated from your employer and you are not currently working. A determination will be made based on the reason for separation.

Question 21: I have returned to work but think my work environment is unsafe, can I quit and still get unemployment benefits?  I do not have a pre-existing medical condition or any COVID-19 related illness.

Answer:   You should first talk with your employer about your concerns and, if necessary, your doctor.  If your employer is taking steps to create a safer workplace, for example, providing extra wash stations, additional sanitation, PPE such as masks or gloves, or following social distancing recommendations, you probably will not be eligible for unemployment benefits if you choose to quit employment.  If your employer is refusing to follow safety measures and OSHA guidelines recommended by state or federal governments for your industry, then you may be able to receive unemployment benefits.  However, whether you are eligible for unemployment benefits is very fact specific and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.  Your eligibility will be determined with a fact-finding interview regardless of the benefit for which you may be eligible.

Question 22:  What if I believe my workplace is unsafe and I have a pre-existing or underlying medical condition that makes me high risk for COVID-19?  Can I quit then and still get unemployment benefits?

Answer:   You should talk with your doctor and your employer about your concerns.  If your employer denies you an objectively reasonable accommodation required by your doctor due to a preexisting medical condition, or if is unable to provide you a safe working environment (such as working from home), you probably will be eligible for unemployment benefits if you choose to quit employment should your employer refuse to continue your furlough.

Question 23: What if I have a fear of work, or doing my job because I fear that I may come into contact with COVID-19. I don't have an underlying medical condition; I just don't want to work while this is going on. If I leave work or refuse to work would I be eligible for benefits?

Answer: Should you choose not to attend work, or return to work, this would be considered a voluntary quit, job abandonment, or refusal to return to work. Please contact your employer regarding potential telecommuting, sick leave, PTO, FMLA, Disability and other options they may be offering. If you do not qualify for paid leave, you will be required to work and if you quit instead, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Question 24: What does it mean to be caring for a family member or member of my household who is sick with COVID-19?

Answer: With regard to PUA eligibility, it means the care they need requires such ongoing and constant attention that your ability to perform other work functions is severely limited.  If you are assisting a family member or member of your household who is able to adequately care for them self, you are not providing care to an extent that would make you eligible for PUA. The last payable week for PUA is June 12, 2021.

Question 25: My child is unable to go to school or daycare.  There is another family member or member of the household who can care for the child.  Can I choose to stay home and still be eligible for unemployment benefits?

Answer: No.  You would not be considered able to and available for work under state benefits.  In order to be eligible for PUA benefits, you must lack necessary childcare.  If you have other child care options available, then you do not meet the PUA eligibility qualifications.  The last payable week for PUA is June 12, 2021.

Question 26: I was unable to work because my child's school closed.  The school year has ended and their normal daycare has reopened.  Can I keep them out of daycare and continue to receive benefits?

Answer: No. You are no longer unemployed due to a COVID-19 related reason because your child would not be in school regardless of the pandemic.  You need to rely on your normal summer child care.  If your normal summer child care provider has not reopened, you may still be eligible for PUA.  The last payable week for PUA is June 12, 2021.

Question 27: I am off work for one of the COVID-19-related reasons and I had a fact-finding interview.  Why am I receiving a decision denying benefits because I am not able to and available for work?

Answer: If the decision does not mention Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or PUA, it's a decision about whether you are eligible for state or regular unemployment benefits.  State benefits require you to be able to and available for work.  Under PUA, you need to be able to and available for work but for one of the COVID-19 related reasons.

You are only eligible for PUA if you are not eligible for state benefits.  We have to determine your eligibility for state benefits before we can consider your eligibility for PUA. You have the right to appeal the decision you received.  However, you only need to appeal the decision if you disagree with the reason for which you were denied benefits.

If you are denied state benefits, please visit: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/pua-information and scroll down to "Submit Proof Here."  You will fill out the questionnaire regarding the reason you are not working, but you are not required to submit additional proof of income.  Your claim will be reviewed for PUA eligibility.  Any overpayment of state benefits will be covered by the back PUA benefits for which you would be eligible.

Question 28: Do I need to appeal the decision denying regular unemployment benefits in order to be eligible for any other CARES Act benefits?

Answer: You have the right to appeal the decision if you disagree with the reason for the denial decision.  However, you do not need to appeal the decision to apply for additional CARES Act benefits.

Question 29: I believe that I may make more money on unemployment benefits than I would working, can I decide to go on unemployment?

Answer: No. You must be laid off, temporarily laid off, or have reduced hours from your employer to qualify for benefits. Should you walk off the job, refuse to work, or refuse to return to work without being eligible for paid leave; you will be disqualified for benefits. Leaving employment solely to collect unemployment benefits is fraud and could result in a loss of benefits as well as criminal and civil penalties.

Question 30: I am called back to work and my employer wants to make changes to the way I do my job.  Can I quit and receive unemployment insurance benefits?

Answer: You may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if there is a substantial change in the contract of hire and you quit your position.  For example, if the employer reduces your pay by 25 to 30%, permanently changes your assigned shift without your agreement, moves you to a new facility with a substantially longer commute, or other drastic modification to the type of work for which you were hired, it would constitute a substantial change in your contract of hire.  However, minor changes, for example, moving to a new line, working one or two extra hours a day, or changing your work location in the same facility, etc., likely would not constitute a change in the contract of hire and you would not be eligible for unemployment benefits.  The issue of what is substantial is very fact specific and is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Question 31: If I am paid unemployment insurance benefits, and later it is determined that I am disqualified from those benefits, will I need to pay back the benefits I received?

Answer: Yes. If the final decision is that you are not eligible, you will have to return those benefits.

Question 32: If it is determined that I have committed fraud by withholding relevant facts related to my claim, what happens?

Answer: If you are determined to have committed a fraud to obtain unemployment insurance benefits, you will be referred for criminal prosecution. You will also be unable to apply for benefits again until you have repaid those benefits plus the 15% federally mandated penalty on the fraudulently obtained benefits.

Question 33: If I am currently receiving unemployment benefits and am unable to find a job due to companies not hiring because of COVID-19, am I eligible for an extension?

Answer: The CARES Act includes Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation ("PEUC") which extends benefits for claimants who have exhausted their state unemployment benefits and their claim has not expired. The Continued Assistance Act extended the program and added additional weeks.   For more information, please visit: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/peuc-information.   The last payable week for PEUC is June 12, 2021.

Question 34: I was diagnosed with COVID-19, and I was hospitalized and/or quarantined. My employer fired me for not showing up to work or calling them. Am I eligible for benefits under this scenario?

Answer: This scenario would be treated as a separation and would be adjudicated according to Iowa Unemployment Law. If you were not eligible under state law, you would likely be eligible for benefits under PUA.  The last payable week for PUA is June 12, 2021.

Question 35: I was possibly exposed to COVID-19 and my employer found out and told me not to come to work for 2 weeks. Am I eligible for benefits since my employer won't let me come into work? Answer: You should work with your employer on what leave may be available during the time they will not let you return to work. If paid time off is not available, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Question 36: What if my dependent, family member or child has school cancellations and I have to stay home and care for them, would I be eligible for unemployment?

Answer: Please contact your employer regarding potential telecommuting. You are most likely eligible for paid leave for two weeks under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). You must contact your employer to provide the necessary documentation regarding your situation. If telecommuting or paid leave is not available, you may file for unemployment insurance benefits.  If you are not eligible for state benefits, you may still be eligible for benefits under PUA.  The last payable week for PUA is June 12, 2021.

Question 37: I am not eligible for state unemployment benefits due to a prior separation from employment or because I am not able to and available for work due to a COVID-19 reason, am I still eligible for benefits under the CARES Act?

Answer: Maybe.  If you are not eligible to receive state benefits, you need to apply for PUA.   For more information please visit: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/pua-information.  You will go to Step 3 and fill out the questionnaire when you select to "Submit Proof of Income."

Question 38: If I am eligible, when would I receive my $300 additional payment?

Answer: The $300 payment has started issuing on most eligible claims which includes most unemployment benefits except training extension benefits and business closure benefits.  If you have elected to have taxes withheld from your benefits, your payment will be reduced.  If you believe your claim is eligible for the additional $300 and you have not received it, please contact customer service at uiclaimshelp@iwd.iowa.gov.

Question 39: When is the $300 additional payment going to end?

Answer:  Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) payment of $300 will end in Iowa on June 12, 2021. If you were eligible for the $300 additional payment on any prior weeks, you will still receive those back payments.

Question 40: If I am eligible and receive my $300 benefit, do I still get my full unemployment?

Answer: Yes, the $300 benefit is in addition to unemployment, and it is not deducted from the weekly benefit amount that you would receive. See Question 38 for information regarding the expiration of the FPUC program.

Question 41: If I receive the FPUC additional per week payment or any other federal benefit payment and it is later determined that I should not have received it, do I have to repay the money?

Answer: Yes, if you receive any unemployment insurance benefit payment and it is later determined that you were not eligible to receive it, you will be required to repay.  See Question 38 for information regarding the expiration of the FPUC program.

Question 42: If I am disqualified from receiving state or federal unemployment benefits, will I still receive payment from the federal additional per week payment?

Answer: No. You must be eligible for state or federal unemployment insurance benefits to be eligible to receive the additional payment per week.  See Question 38 for information regarding the expiration of the FPUC program.

Question 43: How did the Continued Assistance Act signed into law on December 27, 2020 impact FPUC benefits?

Answer:  As stated in the answer to Question 39, the $600 payments under the FPUC program authorized by the CARES Act ended on July 25, 2020.  The Continued Assistance Act reauthorized and modified the FPUC program.  It provides $300 per week in supplemental benefits for weeks of unemployment beginning after December 26, 2020 through the week ending on September 4, 2021.  Iowa will be ending the $300 additional payment with the week ending June 12, 2021.

Question 44: What about the gap in the FPUC program between weeks of unemployment ending after July 31, 2020 through weeks of unemployment ending on or before December 26, 2020?

Answer: FPUC is not payable with respect to any week during the gap.

Question 45: If needed, would RESEA and/or Promise Jobs appointments be able to be conducted via phone call?

Answer: We are working through guidance related to programs and the use of technology for service delivery and will update as soon as that is available.

Question 46: If colleges continue to close or go online only, how will that affect the local office as far as partner staff?

Answer: Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs, as well as the Trade Adjustment Assistance ("TAA") program, continue to provide services to Iowans during this unprecedented time.  Services should be provided virtually and over the phone as applicable.

Question 47: With colleges considering closing and moving to all online courses. What will happen if Title I partners follow that order and do not come into the centers?

Answer: Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs, as well as the TAA program, continue to provide services to Iowans during this unprecedented time.  Services should be provided virtually and over the phone as applicable.

Question 48: I am a teacher who is not working during a normally scheduled break. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?

Answer: No, not during a scheduled break, if you have reasonable assurance you will remain employed in the same or similar manner after the break ends. However, if your employer recalls you, you must be able to return to work. If you are not able to return to work upon recall, your eligibility for benefits could be questioned. If you are filing for benefits and do not have reasonable assurance of continued employment following the break, you may be eligible for state benefits, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements.

Question 49: I am a teacher who is off of work due to COVID-19, not a scheduled break. Am I eligible for unemployment insurance benefits during the time my school is closed?

Answer: Maybe. If the school is going to continue paying you then you would need to report your weekly earnings during this time and will likely have too much income to qualify for benefits. If the school district will not be paying you then yes, you could be potentially eligible for benefits. However, if your employer recalls you to work, you must be able to return. Otherwise your eligibility could be questioned.

Question 50: I am a teacher's aide/ para educator and my school is closed. I will not be paid for the time my school is closed. Am I eligible for unemployment insurance benefits?

Answer: If you are on a scheduled school break such as Spring Break week, you will not be eligible for that week. If you are not on a scheduled break then you would be eligible for benefits. However, if your employer recalls you, you must be able to return to work. If you are not able to return to work upon recall your eligibility for benefits could be questioned.

Question 51: The employer I was working for plans to bring me back to work when it reopens.  Do I need to search for another job if I plan to return to my employer?

Answer:  You are required to search for work starting September 8, 2020 unless you are currently receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits due to a medical diagnosis or lack of childcare directly related to COVID-19.  If your employer will not be recalling you back to work by October 8, 2020, you will not be granted an exception to this requirement.

Question 52:  I am working part-time, do I need to search for work?

Answer:  Yes, you are required to look for work.  If you have only worked part-time in the last 18 months you are only required to look for part-time work.  If you have worked full-time in the last 18 months, but you are currently working part-time, you will be required to search for full-time employment.

Questions 53:  I filed for unemployment insurance and I was approved for a low weekly benefit.  I also have self-employment income.  Can I increase my weekly benefit amount with the money I earned from self-employment?

Answer:  No.  Your weekly benefit amount cannot be increased using additional self-employment income you may have earned.

Question 54:  I was approved for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, but I received a decision stating I have been overpaid unemployment insurance benefits. Why?

When the pandemic began, all claimants were paid regular, state-funded unemployment insurance benefits until the federal programs were set up.  After the CARES Act was passed, it took some time for Iowa Workforce Development to set up the program and administer Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits, which are federally funded. The overpayment decision is for the state funds you received before the federal PUA program was set up.  For technical reasons, Iowa Workforce Development must first issue an overpayment decision on the state funds, even if you were eventually approved for PUA benefits that cover the same time period.

Most PUA benefits have now been paid.  However, due to an issue with our computer program, the agency has not been able to release PUA funds for the same time period you received regular state unemployment insurance benefits.  As soon as the computer issue is fixed, Iowa Workforce Development will release PUA payments for the time period you were approved for PUA benefits, but received state benefits.  Please note, the agency can only withhold 50% of your PUA benefits to offset the overpayment.  The balance of the PUA payments you are owed will be disbursed to you and you may voluntarily use the money you receive to repay the remainder of the overpayment to Iowa Workforce Development.

For example, your weekly benefit amount for regular unemployment insurance benefits is $100 and you received 10 weeks of payments beginning March 29, 2020.  You were later found ineligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits, so you applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.  You were approved for PUA benefits effective March 29, 2020, and your weekly benefit amount for PUA benefits is $100.  You received an overpayment for regular unemployment insurance benefits for $1,000 for the 10 weeks of state benefits you received at the beginning of the pandemic.  When the computer issues are resolved, Iowa Workforce Development will withhold $500 in PUA benefits to offset the overpayment and will release the remaining $500 directly to you.  You can use that money to pay off the remainder of your overpayment.

Question 55:  I received a notice that my benefit year is expiring, do I need to file a new claim even if I am still receiving benefits from a federal program.

Answer: Yes.  States are required to determine eligibility for state benefits when a claim year expires.

Second Benefit Year

To be eligible for a second claim year, individuals must have worked since the effective date of their previous unemployment claim and earned wages of at least eight times the benefit amount.   Second benefit year claims can still be filed even if eight times the weekly benefit has not yet been earned.  After eight times the weekly benefit amount of the previous claim year has been earned, individuals should contact IWD Customer Service.

Question 56:  I received a green sheet that says I am monetarily eligible for benefits.  Why isn't this enough?

Answer: When the new claim is filed, there may be remaining wages from a former employer that were not used on your prior claim in Iowa or in another state.  Those wages can be used to create a monetary valid claim. (As of 7-5-20 this means at least $850 in one quarter and at least $1,700 in a different quarter of the base period).  Iowa law also requires that you earn eight (8) times your prior weekly benefit amount on your second claim year before payment can be issued on a second claim.

Question 57: Do I need to earn Eight (8) times my salary?

Answer: No.  You have to earn eight (8) times the weekly benefit amount (WBA) you received during your previous benefit year in order to qualify for a new benefit year.

Question 58:  What type of wages are accepted as part of the eight (8) times qualification?

Answer: Work performed for an employer who is subject to the Iowa Employment Security Law and who pays unemployment insurance (UI) taxes.  It is also known as 'insured' or 'covered' employment.  (This does not include self-employment, non-profits, farms, religious institutions, etc.)  These wages can be earned from more than one employer.

Question 59:  Does this mean I have to earn eight (8) times after my first claim expires?  During what time frame do I need to earn this money?

Answer: No.  The wages need to be earned after the effective date of the previous claim year.  The wages can be earned during the original claim year or after that original claim has expired.

Question 60:  I received a notice that I was overpaid benefits.  Do I need to repay?

Answer:  Per Sections 2104 (F) (2), 2107 (E) (2), and 201(d) of the CARES Act, you may request an overpayment waiver for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). State unemployment insurance payments are not eligible to be waived by law.  Additional information on the overpayment waiver process can be found here:  https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/federal-unemployment-insurance-overpayment-recovery.  Your waiver will be reviewed to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements to waive an overpayment.  Any fraudulent overpayment is not eligible for an overpayment waiver.

Question 61: I was receiving PEUC and I saw the program was ending effective June 12, 2021.  Am I eligible to receive any other benefits?

Answer:  If you have a monetarily eligible claim and you were switched over to PEUC due to the PEUC claim having a higher benefit amount, you may be eligible to receive state unemployment insurance benefits.  IWD will automatically switch your claim back to regular state unemployment insurance if you are eligible.

Question 62:  I am receiving PUA and have not returned to work, what am I supposed to do?

Answer: As of May 2021, we show over 66,000 job openings on the IowaWorks website.  There are also many options available for remote working. IWD is here to help you increase your job skills and help you return to work. More information on job opportunities is available at Iowaworks.gov

UPDATE: IWD will resume charging employers for COVID-related unemployment insurance claims filed June 13, 2021 or later.

Additional information can be found at iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov. Please check our page daily as we are updating all information as we receive it.

The above Questions and Answers are designed to assist in answering basic questions that we have received. Nothing within this guidance is legal advice; nor intended to be used for the same. Should you have questions, please refer to the Iowa Employment Security Law found at Iowa Code § 96. Further guidance and information is also available on the Federal Department of Labor which can be found at www.dol.gov/coronavirus.

Updated May 11, 2021

The above Questions and Answers are designed to assist in answering basic questions that we have received. Nothing within this guidance is legal advice; nor intended to be used for the same. Should you have questions, please refer to the Iowa Employment Security Law found at Iowa Code § 96. Further guidance and information is also available on the Federal Department of Labor which can be found at www.dol.gov/coronavirus.

Updated March 29, 2021

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Source: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/covid19-information-workers

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