Unemployment Information & Updates
Provided below is a list of unemployment information for Johnson County Area businesses during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. We will continue to update this page as more resources become available.
File a Claim for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Most claimants can receive unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for up to 26 weeks, and in some cases 39 weeks. To receive payments after filing for Unemployment Insurance benefits, a claimant must confirm eligibility every week using the claims reporting system.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits Q&A
Question 1: Can I get unemployment benefits if I am laid off due to issues related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Yes. Iowa unemployment benefits (“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 and the federal weekly eligibility criteria of being able and available to work, and seeking work.
Question 2: If an employer lays off employees due to the loss of production caused by the Coronavirus, will the employees be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits?
Yes. Benefits are available to any individual who is unemployed through no fault of his/her own. If an employer must lay off employees due to the loss of production caused by the Coronavirus, individuals may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they meet the monetary criteria and the federal weekly eligibility criteria.
Question 3: If an 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?
Yes. Iowa law allows for an employee to be on temporary layoff when work is not available.
Question 4: If an asymptomatic employee imposes a self-quarantine because of the COVID-19, will they be eligible for unemployment benefits?
Maybe. If the employer allowed this individual to telework, they would not qualify for benefits because they would not be unemployed. Employees should first see if the employer will offer paid time off to cover the time the employee must be out of work. If the employer does not have teleworking options, the employee will be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
Question 5: Can an employer require a worker to stay home for the COVID-19 incubation period?
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 unemployment benefits.
