DIRECTIVE	:	UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 26-96
TO	:	ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
FROM	:	MARY ANN WYRSCH Director Unemployment Insurance Service
SUBJECT	:	Unemployment Insurance (UI) Quality Appraisal Results for Fiscal Year (FY) 1996

1. Purpose. To announce the results of the UI Quality Appraisals conducted for FY 1996.

2. Background. Copies of the Quality Appraisal results for FY 1996 are being transmitted under separate cover to all States. This report contains the results of all State Employment Security Agencies (SESAs) for all performance measures in the Quality Appraisal system.

   Measures in the Quality Appraisal system, using data reported by SESAs, include first benefit payment promptness, appeals promptness, cash management and benefit payment control. Measures using results from on-site reviews performed by SESAs or Federal staff include nonmonetary determinations performance and promptness, and appeals performance.

   The quantifiable goals SESAs should achieve in the various measures are designated as Secretary's Standards (SS) and Desired Levels of Achievement (DLAs). Criteria in the Secretary's Standards apply to intrastate and interstate first payment promptness and lower authority appeals promptness.

3. Action Required. SESA Administrators are requested to:

   1. Review the FY 1996 Quality Appraisal report and identify any activities not meeting the designated SS/DLAs; and

   2. For those activities not meeting the SS/DLAs, submit corrective action plans in accordance with the FY 1997 Program and Budget Planning (PBP) instructions.

4. Inquiries. Direct questions to the appropriate Regional Office.

5. Separate Cover. Unemployment Insurance Quality Appraisal Results for FY 1996.

NOTE: UI Quality Appraisal Results for FY 1996 not available to DMS