US Labor Department announces $48.7 million to fund re-employment, eligibility assessments for unemployment insurance in 37 states and D.C.

Funding to help speed job seekers return to work, prevent improper payments

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced $48.7 million in funding for 37 states and the District of Columbia to implement re-employment and eligibility assessments for beneficiaries of unemployment insurance.

Two states, Kentucky and South Dakota, are receiving grants for the first time, while 35 states and the District of Columbia are being awarded additional funds to continue their initiatives. The funds will be used to conduct in-person assessments in One-Stop Career Centers.

"These grants are part of the Labor Department's commitment to help America get back to work by ensuring that unemployment insurance beneficiaries have access to the individualized tools they need to land their next jobs," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "At the same time, these eligibility reviews enhance the integrity of unemployment insurance payments, resulting in a system that works better for both job seekers and the employers that help pay for benefits."

The in-person assessment includes an eligibility review, a provision of labor market information, the development of a re-employment plan for beneficiaries and referral to re-employment services or training, as appropriate.

This year marks the seventh that the labor department has awarded re-employment and eligibility assessment grants.

Separate from these new grants, New Mexico, Montana and Puerto Rico will continue to operate re-employment and eligibility assessment programs using funds from fiscal 2010.

For more information on the range of Department of Labor employment and training programs, visit http://www.doleta.gov.

Editor's Note: A chart listing the states receiving new awards and grant amounts follows this news release.

Re-employment and Eligibility Assessment Grants