US Labor Department awards $112M in grants for reemployment services, eligibility assessments in 50 states, territories

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded $112 million to 50 state and territorial workforce agencies, including those in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia, to operate reemployment services and eligibility assessments programs for those receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Estimates based on the budgets in the past 10 years show that the program has reduced individual use of UI services by approximately one-and-a-half weeks, saving on average $3 for every dollar spent in costs.

This is the 12th year that the department has awarded grants through this initiative. Recipients prioritize RESEA services to transitioning, honorably discharged veterans and individuals likely to exhaust their UI benefits. 

“As our nation continues to enjoy a period of sustained economic growth, with 14.4 million jobs added in the past 73 months, the U.S. Department of Labor remains focused on modernizing and improving the UI system, and helping those who are still looking for jobs to support themselves and their families,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Portia Wu. “Today’s grant awards will ensure unemployed individuals have a wide array of workforce services available and can continue to be eligible for UI services.”      

The funds will be used to connect participants with in-person assessments and re-employment services  through their local their local American Job Centers including developing an individual re-employment plan; providing relevant and timely labor market information, identifying job skills and employment prospects; and reviewing claimant’s continued eligibility for UI benefits.

2016 Re-employment Services and Eligibility Assessment Grants

For more information on the effectiveness of these services, visit http://1.usa.gov/1XWiNsu.