To initiate the SQSP process and define additional requirements for the FY 2022 SQSP.

This Change 1 to Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) 25-20 announces an increased amount of funding availability of up to $90 million, for the CAREER (Comprehensive and Accessible Reemployment through Equitable Employment Recovery) National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs), with award amounts of up to $3 million. Otherwise, the content in TEGL 25-20 remains the same.

To notify State Workforce Agencies of the availability of up to $260 million for activities that promote equitable access to UC programs, which include eliminating administrative barriers to benefit application, reducing state workload backlogs, improving the timeliness of UC payments to eligible individuals, and ensuring equity in fraud prevention, detection, and recovery activities.

To notify State Workforce Agencies regarding the availability of up to $140 million to support states with fraud detection and prevention, including identity verification and overpayment recovery activities, in all UC programs.

To inform states regarding the availability of a third round of fraud prevention and recovery funding and to provide application instructions. The funding may be used to combat fraud in the PUA and PEUC programs, including to support innovative strategies and solutions to assist with identity verification and combatting identity fraud; strengthen fraud detection and prevention efforts; recover overpayments; and cover administrative expenses related to integrity efforts. Additionally, this Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) provides definitions for different types of fraud and guidance on processes for combatting identity fraud.

This Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL): (1) advises states that they must refer allegations which they reasonably believe constitute UC fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or misconduct to DOL-OIG; (2) rescinds UIPL No. 29-05; (3) provides revised guidance that supersedes Section 5 of UIPL No. 04-17; and (4) requires states to disclose confidential UC information related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, as amended, to the DOL-OIG for the purpose of UC fraud investigations and audits for the entire pandemic relief period.

To update directions for determining whether youth live in a high poverty area for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Youth Program eligibility purposes.

To provide information to states and local areas regarding the role of the public workforce system in addressing the economic and workforce impacts associated with the high rate of opioid addiction and other substance use disorders.

To advise states of the operational requirements after the temporary unemployment benefit programs authorized under the CARES Act, as amended, end. These operational requirements apply after the temporary programs expire on September 6, 2021, or earlier if a state chooses to end participation before September 6, 2021.

To assist State Workforce Agencies or agencies designated by Governors as "Cooperating State Agencies" (also jointly referred to as "states") by: 1) identifying the FY 2021 Second Distribution of TaOA funding amounts to states; 2) describing the formula methodology used by the Department of Labor (Department) to calculate these amounts; and 3) providing the process for states to request TAA Program reserve funds for TaOA. TaOA includes training, job search allowances, relocation allowances, employment and case management services, and related state administration.