DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has approved Iowa’s application to participate in the Lost Wages Assistance program. The program provides eligible claimants who are receiving unemployment with additional benefits, starting the week ending Aug. 1. The additional weekly payments were authorized by President Trump on Aug. 8, 2020 and are designed to provide support after Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program that in Iowa on July 25, 2020.
“As we continue to navigate the impact of a global pandemic and historic storm, I am committed to ensuring that Iowans have access to all available resources at the state and federal level,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “Iowa was one of the first states in the country to apply and then receive these additional funds from FEMA.”
Iowa Workforce Development submitted the FEMA Application for additional federal funding on Aug. 13, and the application was one of the first three approved for funds on Aug. 14. Iowans whose unemployment is the result of the pandemic, and who are eligible for at least $100 in benefits per week, will qualify for an additional $300 weekly benefits retroactive to the week ending Aug. 1.
“While we are working every day to secure disaster assistance for this week’s storms, this extra $300 weekly benefit should help families looking to transition back to work or remain on unemployment due to medical or childcare issues,” Gov. Reynolds continued.
Iowa is the second state in the nation to receive FEMA’s approval of Lost Wages Assistance.
More information will be available about the Lost Wages Assistance program, eligibility requirements and application process as it becomes available at www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov.