ADVISORY:	UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 29-04
TO:	STATE WORKFORCE AGENCIES

FROM:	CHERYL ATKINSON  /s/ Administrator       Office of Workforce Security

SUBJECT:

Study of the Measure of Nonmonetary Determination Quality

1. Purpose.To distribute the recommendations of a federal/state workgroup regarding changes to the Benefits Timeliness and Quality (BTQ) Nonmonetary Determination Quality Review and to solicit states' comments on those recommendations.

2. Reference. Employment and Training (ET) Handbook No. 301, "UI PERFORMS: Benefits Timeliness and Quality Nonmonetary Determinations Quality Review Handbook" (March 10, 1998) and Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) No. 21-04, "Proposed Changes to UI Performs" (May 18, 2004).

3. Background.As part of the UI Performs five-year review, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) convened a federal/state team to study the BTQ Nonmonetary Determination Quality Review. The group reviewed the data collection instrument (DCI), instructions used in the quality review of nonmonetary determinations, operational guidance given by ETA regarding claim determination requirements, and other matters concerning the adjudicatory process. Twelve state nonmonetary determination experts, four staff from the National Office, and staff from each of the six ETA Regional Offices participated.

4. Recommended Changes.The workgroup made recommendations affecting factfinding requirements, automated nonmonetary determinations, disposition of cases without factfinding, consistency of reviews, streamlining of the DCI, changes in the scoring system, and general clarifications to ET Handbook No. 301. These recommended changes are detailed in the attached "Report: Study of the Measure of Nonmonetary Determination Quality."

5. Action. State Workforce Agency Administrators are requested to review and comment on the recommended changes by August 21, 2004. For each comment:

• Identify the section of the study report being commented on by topic or by section number;


• Include supporting data or rationale along with the comment;
  
• Recommend a course of action, with rationale; and,
  
• Provide the name, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address for the person who can answer questions or provide further information about the comments and recommendation(s).

In addition to comments about specific recommended changes, we would also appreciate suggestions for alternatives to the current scoring system, including analyses and/or other documentation that demonstrate the effectiveness of the alternative scoring system.

Address mailed or faxed comments to:

Cheryl Atkinson, Administrator
Office of Workforce Security
U.S. Department of Labor
Room S4231
Washington, DC 20210
Attention: Leslie Thompson
Telephone: 202-693-3182 (not a toll-free number)
Fax Number: 202-693-3975


E-mail comments are welcome and should be directed to: Thompson.Leslie@dol.gov, and parker.ericka@dol.gov.

6. Inquiries. Direct all inquiries to the appropriate regional office.

7. Attachments. Report: Study of the Measure of Nonmonetary Determination Quality.

RESCISSIONS	EXPIRATION DATE
None	July 31, 2005