Throughout the pandemic, it’s been easy to lose track of all the changes, new requirements, and emergency administrative rule changes related to various employment matters, including unemployment compensation through Iowa Workforce Development (IWD). 

As part of IWD’s compliance with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and as a precursor to obtaining federal funds on an emergency basis, IWD changed Iowa Administrative Code Section 871-22.19. The change requires all employers to provide a notice of the availability of IWD benefits to employees who were terminated due to COVID-19 issues and employees who become “unemployed,” such as those on furlough.

The employer notification provides some basic information to employees including how they can contact IWD and a listing of the type of information IWD will collect as part of any unemployment insurance claim, including addresses, Social Security number, start and end dates of employment, and similar data.

The Big Picture

When you terminate employment or transition an employee to furlough, there are numerous forms and notices to give to your employees.  Make sure this new notice from IWD is on your checklist.

The standard form published by IWD in June of 2020 is available at www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov.  Given the type of rule, it seems unlikely that IWD will rescind this requirement even once we work our way through the pandemic.