(Des Moines) 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 August 1, 2020. The additional weekly payments were authorized by President Trump on Aug. 8, 2020, and are designed to provide support after the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program that in Iowa on July 25, 2020.
Iowa Workforce Development submitted the FEMA Application for additional federal funding on Aug. 13, 2020, and the application was one of the first three approved for funds on August 14th, 2020. 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 August 1st.
“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. I applaud President Trump and his administration for working so quickly to grant this request. The president and his team are committed to helping Iowans at this critical time.”
More information will be available about the Lost Wages Assistance program, eligibility requirements, and application process as it becomes available at www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov.
