Here's How to Avoid Losing Your Unemployment Benefits As Iowa Reo

As the state of Iowa gradually opens businesses, be aware if you refuse to return to work because of COVID-19 concerns, it will be considered a 'voluntary quit' except in certain circumstances which could lead to your losing unemployment benefits.

According to the state's workforce development department, Iowans may continue to collect unemployment benefits while choosing to remain home only if he or she:

has tested positive for COVID-19 or experienced symptoms
has a household member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
does not have child care or transportation for COVID-19-related reasons
has recovered from COVID-19 but suffered from medical complications that caused an inability to perform essential job duties.

[WATCH] Here's what Governor Kim Reynolds said during her news conference yesterday.

Employees experiencing any of those circumstances should work with their employer, the department recommended.

The department says, refusing to work for any other reason would be considered a “voluntary quit” and the individual would no longer be eligible for unemployment benefits, including newly created federal assistance.

For more information, visit the department’s website, iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov.