Unemployed in Iowa? Three Options to Help You Through the Tough Times

Starting your own business

According to the Facts About Unemployment Guide 2010-2011 by the Iowa Workforce Center, you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit amount in a part-time job and your benefit will not be reduced. Any earnings over that amount will result in a dollar for dollar reduction in your benefit. Let's say that your weekly benefit amount is 0. You could earn 0 x 25%, or .00 without having any deduction from your unemployment benefit. If you earned 0, your benefit would be reduced by to 0. However, if you have self employment income, it is not considered wages and you could earn an unlimited amount of money with no reduction in your benefit. Even if you earned 00 in one week, you could still draw your full unemployment benefit as long as you met the established requirements.

Application Development

You must remain able and available to accept suitable work and continue to comply with job search requirements. If you don't meet these requirements, you will forfeit your unemployment benefit. However, if you've dreamed of starting your own business and just never had the time, this might be a good time to give it a try. If you turn a profit, you will have a little extra money to help you through this difficult time and taking the time to pursue your dreams may give your confidence a badly needed lift if you've been unemployed for a while. It's also possible that you will make new connections that will help you in your job search. The guide does indicate that you should ask for more information, so check with your local workforce office if you're considering this option.

Go back to school

If you'd like to go back to school for additional training, complete an Application for Department Approved Training. If you enter an approved training program, your job search requirements will be waived. If you stop training for any reason, you must notify Iowa Workforce Development and comply with work search requirements immediately.

You can also apply for Training Extension Benefits. These benefits provide an additional 26 weeks of benefits for people who qualify for unemployment benefits and were laid off or voluntarily separated from employment due to a permanent reduction of operations. There are three types of eligible training:

Working towards a GED in an approved program, Training for an occupation that is considered High Occupational Demand by Iowa Workforce Development, and Training for a high tech occupations

Work part-time to extend your eligibility

A part-time job can provide a little (up to 25% of your weekly benefit amount) extra income. Any earning over 25% of your weekly benefit will be deducted from your benefit. However, working part-time will allow you to draw benefits longer if you are unable to find work quickly. Remember all earnings must be reported the week that they are earned, not when they are paid. You must report employment earnings even if they don't exceed 25% of your weekly benefit. You must continue your job search and remain able and available for suitable work while you are working part-time.

Unemployed in Iowa? Three Options to Help You Through the Tough Times