Iowa Work Search Requirements

You are required to make a minimum of two job contacts each week, unless this requirement is waived. The work search requirement may be waived if you are temporarily unemployed and expect to be recalled by your former employer within a reasonable period of time or if you are in school and approved for Department Approved Training (DAT). Your work search requirement is determined each time a claim is filed.

In order to meet the work search requirements, you must make two job contacts between Sunday and Saturday of the week you are claiming benefits. Contacts may be made in person, online, by mail, email or faxing résumés or applications. Telephone calls are not acceptable. The work search must be a reasonable and honest effort to find suitable work. Failure to perform an honest effort work search may result in the denial of benefits. Participation in reemployment services activities may qualify as a work search.

You must be willing to accept a reasonable wage for the job for which you are applying. You may not apply for the same position with the same employer more than once every six weeks.

You must keep a Work Search Log of all work search contacts for a period of one year after you stop claiming benefits and be ready to provide a copy if requested by IWD. Failure to comply may result in denial of benefits.

The work search record needs to include:

• Date of the contact
• Company name, address and phone number
• Contact name
• Method of contact i.e. in person, online, email, mail
• Results of contact