Section 871.24.39. Department-approved training or retraining program.

The intent of department-approved training is to exempt the individual from the work search requirement for continued eligibility for benefits so individuals may pursue training that will upgrade necessary skills in order to return to the labor forces. In order to be eligible for department-approved training programs and to maintain continuing participation therein, the individual shall meet the following requirements:

       24.39(1) Any claimant for benefits who desires to receive benefits while attending school for training or retraining purposes shall make a written application to the department setting out the following:

        a.           The educational establishment at which the claimant would receive training.

        b.           The estimated time required for such training.

        c.           The occupation which the training is allowing the claimant to maintain or pursue.

       24.39(2) A claimant may receive unemployment insurance while attending a training course approved by the department. While attending the approved training course, the claimant need not be available for work or actively seeking work. After completion of department-approved training the claimant must, in order to continue to be eligible for unemployment insurance, place no restriction on employability. The claimant must be able to work, available for work and be actively searching for work. In addition, the claimant may be subject to disqualification for any refusal of work without good cause after the claimant has completed the training.

       24.39(3) The claimant must show satisfactory attendance and progress in the training course and must demonstrate that such claimant has the necessary finances to complete the training to substantiate the expenditure of unemployment insurance funds.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 96.4(6).