Since 2005, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) has funded State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) to provide Reemployment and Eligibility Assessments (REAs) to individuals claiming Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. Currently implemented in 40 states, this program is designed to enhance the rapid reemployment of unemployed workers, identify existing and eliminate potential overpayments, and realize cost savings for UI trust funds.   REAs can help states preserve their UI trust fund accounts by paying benefits only to claimants who are eligible and meeting their obligations, and by assisting claimants in finding reemployment faster. 

Between 2005 and 2009, the components of the REA initiative have remained largely the same.  In its short history, there have, however, been some adjustments to reflect increased emphasis on connecting claimants to reemployment services offered at participating One-Stop Career Centers. 

This paper presents REA implementation in Florida, Illinois, and Idaho between July 2009 and March 2011. During this period, there was a growing emphasis on improving the integration and connection of UI services with services delivered through the local offices. This presentation will also provide a detailed description of the implementation of REA in Nevada and the state's observed best practices related to strengthening the connection between UI and reemployment services.