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Iowa Unemployment Insurance

What to expect if you file for unemployment benefits in Iowa

Max weekly benefit

$695

Max duration

26 weeks

Max total benefit

$18,070

How benefit is calculated1/23 of two highest quarters
Waiting weekNo waiting week
StateIowa (IA)
File for unemployment in Iowa
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About Iowa unemployment insurance

In Iowa, the maximum weekly unemployment benefit is $695 and benefits can last up to 26 weeks. Your actual benefit amount depends on your wage history — 1/23 of two highest quarters.

To qualify, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own (layoffs qualify; quitting or being fired for cause typically does not). You must be actively searching for work each week you claim benefits.

File as soon as possible after your last day — there is typically a 2–4 week processing delay between filing and receiving your first payment.