Iowans who’re out of work for the first time now have a new way to file for unemployment benefits. If you’re filing for unemployment for the first time you can now do it by phone from anywhere in the state. Iowa Workforce Development spokesperson JoAnn Callison says calling in to sign up makes the process more convenient and efficient. She also says it takes some of the stigma out of filing for unemployment benefits. Callison says they’re encouraging all first-time filers to call in instead of driving to a Workforce Development office. She says filing via the phone isn’t a lot different from going to an officeCallison says you need some basic information, such as your social security number and your past work history, to file.The toll-free number to call and file for unemployment is 1-877-891-5344.
