Iowa unemployment calculator
Estimate your Iowa unemployment benefit: 1/23 of your highest quarter of wages, from $96 to $644 a week for up to 16 weeks. July 2026 rules.
- ๐บ๐ธ US federal & state rules
- DOL state law summary, July 2026
- See sources
Estimated Iowa weekly benefit
$521.74
your highest quarter ร 1/23
- Maximum weeks
- 16
- Total over the claim
- $8,348
- Per month
- $2,259
This is an example. Enter your numbers above and press the button to see your own result.
Iowa rules
| Minimum weekly benefit | $96 |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $644 ($790 with dependents) |
| Weeks | 10 to 16 |
| Waiting week | none |
| Dependents allowance | yes |
- Iowa adds an allowance for dependents, which is not included. The state's maximum with dependents is $790.
- Duration in Iowa ranges from 10 to 16 weeks depending on your base period wages. The total shown uses the maximum.
- Based on the U.S. Department of Labor summary of state laws, July 2026. Benefits are taxable income, and eligibility depends on why you left the job and whether you are looking for work.
Show the math
| Highest quarter | $12,000 |
|---|---|
| Second highest quarter | $11,000 |
| Base period total | $43,000 |
| Formula | your highest quarter ร 1/23 |
| Before limits | $521.74 |
| Weekly benefit | $521.74 |
What to do next
How it works
Iowa sets the weekly benefit as 1/23 of your highest quarter of wages. The result is limited to a minimum of $96 and a maximum of $644 and paid for up to 16 weeks. Enter the wages from your base period quarters and the calculator applies that formula. Iowa also pays an allowance for dependents, which is not included in the estimate.
Things to keep in mind
The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Your highest quarter drives most formulas, so check your pay stubs for the quarter where you earned the most.
Figures come from the U.S. Department of Labor's summary of state laws, July 2026. The Iowa agency makes the actual determination, and benefits are taxable income.
Sources
Rules applied as of 2026-07-01. See the sources below for details.
- Significant Provisions of State UI Laws, Effective July 2026Checked 2026-10-19
Frequently asked questions
How much is unemployment in Iowa?
The weekly benefit is 1/23 of your highest quarter of wages, with a minimum of $96 and a maximum of $644 ($790 with dependents). Benefits last up to 16 weeks.
How long does unemployment last in Iowa?
Between 10 and 16 weeks. The number depends on your base period earnings.
Can I work part time and still collect in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa ignores earnings up to 25% of your weekly benefit and reduces the benefit dollar for dollar above that.
Is there a waiting week in Iowa?
No. Iowa pays from the first eligible week.