Hunter
03/30/20
Iowa Workforce Development has updated its leave policies for filing unemployment benefits following the enactment of the CARES Act.
In a news release, IWD says that effective immediately, employees who are or will be laid off, or are unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19, will no longer be required to use all paid leave prior to being eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. This change is not retroactive and claims will not be backdated prior to the week of March 29, 2020, for new or existing claims by individuals who work for employers.
In addition, the CARES Act benefit programs will expand the group of people eligible for unemployment benefits to include the self-employed, independent contractors, nonprofit employees, and gig economy workers as well as workers who have exhausted their benefits.
Workforce Development says that due to the complexity of program requirements, the process to expand benefits will take some time to implement.
Upadates will be available at their website, www.IowaWorkforceDevelopment.gov
