Individual & Family Resources

Unemployment

February 26 Update: Iowa Workforce Development

Beginning March 8, 2021, IowaWORKS centers and satellite offices will be providing limited in-person services to assist customers with work search activities and basic employment assistance.  Services will include assistance with job searches, applications, resume preparation, and other services to help Iowans with their employment needs.  Individuals should telephone their local office first to schedule an appointment as walk-in services may be limited in order to follow social distancing recommendations.

January 11 Update: Iowa Workforce Development

On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2021, reauthorizing and extending the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program.  The CAA also created the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program.  IWD has received the implementing guidance from the United States Department of Labor (USDOL), and is now working on the extensive system programming needed to distribute payments to eligible claimants. 

 There is no need to call or reapply for these programs. Please call customer service only if you have questions about filing for unemployment benefits. Claimants who have questions about their claim status or benefit payments should email uiclaimshelp@iwd.iowa.gov. 

Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate Table Remains the Same for 2021: Iowa Workforce Development announced that the unemployment insurance tax rates for Iowa employers will remain unchanged for 2021.  In June 2020, Gov. Reynolds directed $490 million of the State’s $1.25 billion in CARES Act Coronavirus relief funds to be deposited into the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.  This deposit ensured that Iowa would  remain in Tax Table 7 for 2021.

Childcare

Map for Child Care Programs with Vacancies – The Department of Human Services along with Child Care Resource & Referral are updating this list daily for essential staff to access.

Job Opportunities

View immediate job openings at WorkInAmes.com. Over 1,500 positions are now available in a variety of industries. Create your free account today.

Housing

• CDC Temporarily Halts Evictions Nationwide – On September 1, the CDC issued an emergency public health order to temporarily halt most evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The order will be effective through January 31, 2021. Learn more here.
• City of Ames Mortgage, Rent & Utility Relief Program – This program is designed for low-income households impacted by loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic to assist with their mortgage, rent, and utilities. The program is limited to the City Limits of Ames. Learn more here.
• Alliant Energy - Alliant Energy energy bill resources HERE
• Iowa Housing Recovery Assistance – The Iowa Finance Authority has announced a program designed to assist Iowans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with rental and mortgage assistance.  Applicants must be at or below 80% of the county-wide median income for their household size.  Additional program details can be found HERE.

Healthcare

Iowans who have experienced change in employment status due to COVID-19 may be eligible to enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage through healthcare.gov.