Fiscal year 2012 reemployment and eligibility assessment grants

uipl_10_12_acc.pdf (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/UIPL/2012/uipl_10_12_acc.pdf)

                                                           CLASSIFICATION
                                                           UI – Reemployment
   EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION
                                                           CORRESPONDENCE SYMBOL
               ADVISORY SYSTEM                             OUI/DUIO
          U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR                         DATE
             Washington, D.C. 20210                        February 16, 2012



ADVISORY:          UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 10-12

TO:                STATE WORKFORCE AGENCIES

FROM:              JANE OATES /s/
                   Assistant Secretary

SUBJECT:           Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment and
                   Eligibility Assessment (REA) Grants

1. Purpose. To invite state workforce agencies to submit proposals and funding requests to
continue a UI REA program funded by a UI REA grant or to implement a UI REA program in a
state, and to provide revised guidelines for UI REA programs for FY 2012 grants, including
criteria governing the use of UI REA grant funds.

2. References.
    • Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) No. 10-11, Fiscal Year (FY) 2011
       Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment (REA) Grants;
    • Information Collection Request for the ETA 9128, Reemployment and Eligibility
       Assessment Workloads Report, and the ETA 9129, Reemployment and Eligibility
       Assessments Outcomes Report: Extension Without Change, Comment Request, 73
       Federal Register 73957 (December 4, 2008);
    • Employment and Training (ET) Handbook No. 401, 4th Edition, Revised ET Handbook
       No. 401, Unemployment Insurance Reports Handbook;
    • ET Handbook No. 402, 5th Edition, Revised ET Handbook No.402, Unemployment
       Insurance Reports (UIR) User Manual – Web Version;
    • Training and Employment Notice No. 31-09, Cross-Program Collaboration for
       Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment (REA) Grants.

3. Background. The UI REA program is designed to address the reemployment needs of UI
claimants, and to prevent and detect UI improper payments, both of which are high priorities for
the U.S. Department of Labor’s (Department’s) Employment and Training Administration
(ETA). ETA is focused on connecting UI claimants with reemployment and training services
through the workforce investment system, specifically by linking them to services through the
One-Stop Career Center system. The workforce system, which includes the UI program, is a
single, comprehensive, integrated entity in which UI provides a core service. The UI REA
program in a state provides claimants a full array of services available at One-Stop Career
Centers and also ensures that claimants comply with all UI eligibility requirements. For many
individuals, the UI program provides an entry point into the service delivery system. Individuals

 RESCISSIONS                                              EXPIRATION DATE
  None                                                     Continuing

filing UI claims are active job seekers who, through the state’s UI REA program, are made aware
of the variety of available reemployment services and referred to those that are appropriate for
them. In FY 2011, forty-two states operated UI REA programs.

The Department’s UI REA program guidelines, including four new requirements beginning in
FY 2012, are provided in this UIPL. The changes continue to move state UI REA programs
toward a more uniform UI REA delivery model. Data is collected on state UI REA workloads
and activities, and on outcomes. ETA will continue working with states to improve the quality of
UI REA data reported on two reports that are required for administration of the program. The
collection of timely and accurate data on the effectiveness of the UI REA program in a state
provides critical documentation to assess the value of the UI REA program in that state and
nationally.

4. FY 2012 Funding. Funds are available to continue the UI REA program in FY 2012. States
with current UI REA programs may apply to ETA for grants to continue or expand their
programs to additional areas within the state, and/or to provide assessments to a larger number of
claimants, as described below. States interested in implementing a UI REA program are also
encouraged to apply for this funding.

    A. Continuing UI REA Programs. The timetable in state proposals for a FY 2011 UI REA
       grant provided for all obligations to occur by March 31, 2012. The timetable in state
       proposals for FY 2012 UI REA grants should provide for obligations to begin on April 1,
       2012 and end on March 31, 2012. Therefore, all estimated cost figures for proposals for
       FY 2012 UI REA grants by states continuing a UI REA program should be based on the
       time period beginning on April 1, 2012, and extending through March 31, 2013. In
       accordance with the award letter for FY 2011 UI REA grants, the obligation date
       specified by the Grant Officer on the Notice of Obligation for these FY 2011 funds is
       September 30, 2012. Therefore, any funds remaining unobligated after March 31, 2012,
       should be applied to the FY 2012 UI REA grant to reduce the amount the state requests
       to meet estimated costs to continue the UI REA program through FY 2012. States must
       determine if any FY 2011 UI REA funds will remain unobligated by March 31, 2011,
       provide this information in their FY 2012 UI REA grant application, and then ensure that
       all FY 2011 UI REA funds are obligated before obligating FY 2012 UI REA funds.

        Proposals from states currently operating a UI REA program should provide the
        information requested in the “Unemployment Insurance Reemployment and Eligibility
        Assessment (REA) Proposal Outline for Continuing States” (Attachment C), and an
        abstract of the proposal with the elements listed on Attachment B, “Elements of an
        Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment (REA) Grant
        Proposal Abstract.” “The Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment and Eligibility
        Assessment (REA) Data Concerns” (Attachment D) provides information on common
        data problems, which may help states currently operating a UI REA program address and
        write about the accuracy of their UI REA data. States must review their UI REA data
        with a focus on identifying inaccurate data. The state’s proposal should identify the
        errors in the data that the state has provided on quarterly ETA 9128 reports, describe the



       state’s plans to correct the data, and provide a timeline and schedule of actions the state
       is prepared to take to correct the data. In addition, states must identify errors in outcomes
       data reported on the state’s ETA 9129 submissions, describe steps that the state will take
       to address any negative outcomes, and provide a schedule for corrective action. States
       experiencing ongoing difficulties in reaching the workload and/or minimum comparison
       group level projected in their UI REA proposals for FY 2011 should request a lower
       level of funding in FY 2012 than was provided in FY 2011.

    B. New UI REA Programs. States seeking to initiate a UI REA program should submit a
       proposal providing the information requested in the “Unemployment Insurance (UI)
       Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment (REA) Proposal Outline for First Year UI
       REA Grants" (Attachment A) and provide an abstract of the proposal with the elements
       listed on Attachment B. Such states should include in the proposal start-up costs, and
       costs related to the development of programs to produce the UI Required Reports,
       Reemployment and Eligibility Assessments Activities, ETA 9128, and Reemployment
       and Eligibility Assessments Outcomes, ETA 9129 (OMB approval No. 1205-0456 (for
       both reports)).

       UI REA program funds for new states should be budgeted for obligation within one year
       of the date of program implementation. The date of program implementation is the date
       that the first UI REA participant in the state is scheduled to report to a One-Stop Career
       Center for a UI REA. States should notify the appropriate ETA Regional Office when
       the program has been implemented, as this date is needed for monitoring purposes.

5. New UI REA Guidelines for FY 2012. For FY 2012, there are four additional guidelines for
UI REA programs: 1) a maximum of two hours of staff time may be funded to conduct each UI
REA; 2) all states that operated a UI REA program in FY 2011 must provide a narrative about
their UI REA data in their proposals for FY 2012 UI REA grants; 3) all claimants selected for a
UI REA must attend the UI REA; and 4) each completed UI REA must include a referral to a
reemployment service and/or training.

   A. Funding for each individual UI REA in FY 2012 may not exceed two hours of staff time.
       This time includes all activities that are a part of the delivery of the UI REA and the
      associated documentation of claims records and correspondence. If a portion of the UI
      REA is provided in a group setting, the staff time for that activity should be divided by
      the number of UI REA participants that are likely to be a part of the group activity. For
      example, if two staff members conduct a group orientation session that lasts one and one
      half hours and ten UI REA participants are expected to attend, the staff time devoted to
      each UI REA participant for this activity would be 18 minutes. This is calculated as
      follows:

            90 minutes X 2 staff members = 180 minutes /10 participants = 18 minutes

   B. States currently operating a UI REA program have been submitting the required UI REA
      quarterly reports, and the ETA National Office provides a quarterly summary of the



       reported data to each state UI REA lead with a copy to the appropriate ETA Regional
       Office. UI REA activities are reported on the ETA 9128. The outcomes of the UI REA
       program are measured on the ETA 9129 reports where the outcomes of the comparison
       group are compared to outcomes of the UI REA group. States must review their reported
       data for the most recent four-quarter period and confirm the accuracy of the data in a
       narrative attached to the FY 2012 UI REA grant proposal. The narrative should explain
       the steps the state is taking to correct any errors in the data identified by ETA and the
       state. It should also address results that do not reflect positive outcomes in measurements
       of average duration, benefits per claimant, percent exhausting, and percent reemployed
       over multiple reporting periods. The narrative also should address planned changes that
       will be implemented to improve the data quality. Attachment D has been developed to
       help states identify reporting problems. The quarterly summary of data includes
       comparisons of the workload activities and of the outcomes. States should use these
       summaries in preparing the narratives for their proposals, and the National Office will use
       these summaries to evaluate the state’s proposal for a FY 2012 UI REA grant.

   C. All claimants selected for a UI REA must attend the UI REA. Participation in a UI REA
      is mandatory once the state notifies a claimant that s/he has been selected for a UI REA.
      Therefore, if a claimant fails to report for the UI REA without notifying the state
      beforehand, the state must refer the issue of the claimant’s non-reporting to adjudication
      under state law.

   D. In addition to the required UI REA core activities (see item 6A), each UI REA, including
      subsequent UI REAs for an individual, must include a referral to a reemployment service
      and/or training.

6. Basic UI REA Guidelines. UI REA funds must be used to assess the continued eligibility and
reemployment needs of UI claimants. They are not intended to supplant ongoing UI grant funds
devoted to eligibility reviews for claimants who are not selected for a UI REA. States do not
have to implement the UI REA program statewide. Assessments are to be conducted only for UI
claimants who do not have a definite return-to-work date. Claimants who are selected for
participation in the Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services Program should be excluded
from the UI REA treatment group consisting of claimants selected for a UI REA and the
comparison group, as discussed in Attachment A and Attachment B.

The requirement that reemployment services be provided to UI REA participants through the
One-Stop Career Center and the actions to be taken when claimants fail to report as directed are
explained below. By applying for UI REA funding, states are agreeing to meet this requirement
for the provision of reemployment services. Reemployment services such as resume writing or
interviewing techniques workshops and job placement activities should be an extension of the UI
REA program, but they must be funded through other sources such as Workforce Investment Act
(WIA) funds. These costs must not be included in the state’s proposed use of UI REA grant
funds.





UI REA programs should be an integral part of states’ strategies for delivering reemployment
services. ETA has encouraged states to develop a comprehensive and integrated service delivery
model to ensure that UI claimants receive an enhanced level of services. The following
guidelines also apply:

   A. Each UI REA must include the following minimum core components:

       •   UI eligibility assessment and referral to adjudication, as appropriate, if a potential
           issue is identified;
       •   Requirement for the claimant to report to the One-Stop Career Center to receive the
           services identified in section C below;
       •   The provision of Labor Market Information; and
       •   Development or review of a reemployment plan that includes work search activities,
           accessing services provided through the One-Stop Career Center, and/or approved
           training.

   B. UI claimants must be required to report in person to the One-Stop Career Center for
      staff-assisted services as a part of the initial UI REA. Subsequent UI REAs for the same
      individual may be conducted by telephone, if appropriate. If a telephone UI REA is
      conducted, state UI REA staff should ensure that both they and the claimant have access
      to the claimant’s reemployment plan for review. The claimant’s activities must be
      reviewed, and any proposed changes along with the concurrence of the claimant must be
      documented.

   C. States are required to establish or renew an agreement or Memorandum of Understanding
      (MOU) to address the requirements of the UI REA program in FY 2012. The MOU must
      identify reemployment service needs and provide, at a minimum, the following services:

       •   Orientation to help claimants access self-service core services offered in One-Stop
           Career Centers through the resource room or virtually, with particular emphasis on
           accessing available labor market and career information;
       •   Registration with the state’s job bank;
       •   Referrals to appropriate services offered through One-Stop Career Centers such as
           self assessments, education and training information, interviewing techniques,
           networking, career exploration, and on-line job and occupations resources; and
       •   Support in the development of the claimant’s reemployment plan that must include
           work search activities, appropriate workshops on topics such as resume writing and
           job search strategies and/or approved training.

       Each state workforce agency provides a plethora of reemployment services which change
       as new services are offered and others are discontinued. The MOU should be written so
       as to ensure that UI REA participants do not receive only minimal services but can be
       referred to any reemployment service that is deemed necessary to help the claimant return
       to suitable employment. Such services may include referrals to job clubs, career
       counseling, interviewing techniques workshops, and many other valuable services.



D. UI REA claimants are required to participate fully in all components of the UI REA.
   Failure to report or failure to participate in any aspect of the UI REA should result in
   referral of the issues to adjudication of these issues under applicable state law. Claimants
   who contact the appropriate agency before their UI REA appointment and request to
   change the scheduled UI REA date or time for reasons such as scheduled job interviews
   may be accommodated. They should be counted on the ETA 9128 as a “scheduled UI
   REA” rather than as a “rescheduled UI REA,” as explained in ET Handbook No. 401.
   States must include in their proposals, as explained in Attachment A and Attachment B,
   the processes for:

   •   A feedback loop to the UI system as to whether the claimants reported to the
       One-Stop Career Center as directed and participated in the minimum activities
       outlined in their reemployment plan; and
   •   A process for referring to adjudication UI claimants selected for UI REAs who fail to
       report for them without contacting the agency.

E. A measure of program effectiveness is derived by comparing outcomes of UI REA
   program participants with outcomes from a similar group of claimants who did not
   participate in the UI REA program. Therefore, states receiving UI REA grant funds must
   develop a statistically valid methodology for identifying a comparison group, such as a
   random assignment methodology. A description of the methodology to be used is not
   required to be included in the state’s UI REA proposal. As needed, ETA will provide
   states with technical assistance in developing an appropriate comparison group
   methodology to ensure that the comparison group will provide an accurate population for
   assessing the results of the state’s UI REA program. States may contact their ETA
   Regional Office to request that a conference call be conducted with ETA National Office
   staff for assistance. Once the design has been identified, new states should submit a
   description of the process to the ETA Regional and National offices.

F. The state must submit timely UI REA required reports, ETA 9128 and ETA 9129 (OMB
   approval No. 1205-0456). These reports are due on the 20th day of the second month
   following the end of the reporting quarter. Schedules for the submission of each report
   are provided in ET Handbook No. 401. These reports capture specific data about the UI
   REA program participants and the comparison group. States are expected to create
   methods that provide the necessary cross-program coordination that ensures data quality.
   States submitting UI REA proposals for the first time should request funds to develop
   these required reports. States that currently operate a UI REA program have previously
   received funds for the development of these reports.

G. The state must agree to participate in any ETA funded studies of the effectiveness of the
   UI REA program. Results may be used for a report(s) to Congress. States are also
   expected to participate in periodic UI REA conference calls and webinars to facilitate
   information sharing and technical assistance.




   Furthermore, in FY 2011, ETA initiated several significant changes in the UI REA
   program to require that states fully integrate their UI REA program with WIA-funded
   workforce investment services and to move towards a more uniform UI REA program
   nationally, as explained in UIPL No. 10-11. These additional guidelines are:

H. States must provide each UI REA participant one-on-one service in the initial UI REA
   and any subsequent UI REA for the eligibility review and the development of an
   individual reemployment plan.

I. States must provide a breakout of all proposed UI REA activities by either group or
   individual service and must designate any activities that will be conducted by telephone.

J. States must contact UI REA participants no later than the fifth week of the claim and
   promptly schedule them for a UI REA. The fifth week in the claim series means the
   fourth week after the week in which the claimant files an initial claim. If the claimant has
   not yet established monetary eligibility for benefits or is not yet eligible because, for
   example, a nonmonetary issue is pending adjudication, the claimant should be selected
   during the first week that s/he claims benefits after being determined eligible for benefits.

K. After completing an initial UI REA in person at the One-Stop Career Center, states that
   conduct subsequent UI REAs for the same individual(s) may conduct these subsequent UI
   REAs by telephone, if appropriate. The proposal must identify activities that are
   conducted by telephone and provide the associated costs.

L. Up to three UI REAs for each individual claimant may be funded by the UI REA grant.
   Multiple UI REAs that exceed the initial UI REA and two subsequent UI REAs per
   individual may not be funded.

M. States must address the new ETA vision of reemploying UI claimants through an
   integrated/interconnected workforce system in their UI REA grant proposals.

N. States must submit a copy of the MOU or other agreement that is developed with service
   partners for the UI REA program. The agreement or MOU must confirm that the UI and
   workforce service providers, including state and local service partners, have agreed to
   collaborate to ensure that the requirements of the UI REA program have been met.

O. States must include cost estimates for completed UI REAs and for scheduled UI REAs
   that are not completed, for example, as when claimants fail to report for scheduled UI
   REAs.

P. If a UI REA is not completed, claimants may be rescheduled. Eligibility issues must be
   adjudicated if the claimant fails to report and claims UI payment for the week in which
   the UI REA was scheduled.





   Q. States that conduct multiple UI REAs for the same individual(s) must include all of the
      required UI REA activities in each UI REA and must provide cost estimates for both the
      initial and the subsequent UI REAs. In general, subsequent UI REAs are expected to
      require less time and resources to complete as it is not necessary to repeat the orientation
      session. Subsequent UI REAs must include an eligibility review, review and updating of
      the claimant’s individual reemployment plan, the provision of labor market information if
      changes so dictate, and referral to reemployment services or training.

7. UI REA Required Reports. Accurate reporting is critical to the success of the UI REA
program. Funding is based upon the number of UI REAs scheduled; activities related to these UI
REAs are reported on the ETA 9128. The outcomes report measures the results of both the UI
REA treatment group and the comparison group and the outcomes are reported on the ETA 9129.
 This measurement quantifies the differences between claimants who have been selected to
participate in a UI REA and a group of claimants who have similar characteristics but have not
been selected to participate. This crucial data is used for reports to Congress on the UI REA
program and for budgeting purposes. States submit both reports on a quarterly basis and are
responsible for ensuring that the data reported is accurate and the reports are submitted timely.
These data are entered into the UI Web-based reporting system. Reporting instructions for both
reports are contained in ET Handbook No. 401, and the edits for these reports are contained in
ET Handbook No. 402.

8. Proposal Format and Instructions. The format and instructions for preparing the UI REA
grant proposals are provided in the attachments to this UIPL. Attachment A provides the
guidance for states that have not received a UI REA grant before this fiscal year. Attachment B
contains the elements that must be included in an abstract that must accompany all proposals.
Attachment C is the information required from states currently operating a UI REA program. All
pages in the state’s proposal should be numbered.

Each proposal should contain the name and telephone number of the state Administrator who is
to be notified of approval of the grant. Proposals should also include the name, telephone
number and e-mail address of the individual who can respond to questions about the proposal.

Standard Form (SF)-424 (OMB 4040-0004) and SF-424A (OMB 4040-006) must be submitted
for all UI REA grants. The SF-424A requires a breakout of object class categories in item 6 of
section B - Budget Categories. The breakouts must match the proposed expenditures.

9. Funding Priority. Funds will be awarded in the following sequence:

   A. Fund new states at the minimum level (see Attachment A, Section 2.A.),
   B. Fund ongoing states at 10,000 or below to expand to a higher level in increments of
      10,000, and
   C. Fund new states to implement at a level greater than 10,000 in increments of 10,000.





Expansions will be based upon the state’s percentage of the national initial claims workload.
States may be denied an expansion of funding if they have:

   A. Not implemented the program as required,
   B. Significant reporting errors and/or an incorrect control group, or
   C. Not demonstrated positive results for multiple reporting periods.

10. UI REA Grant Scoring Criteria for New UI REA Programs. The UI REA scoring criteria
are explained in Attachment A and apply to states that have not previously operated a UI REA
program. The highest scoring proposal will be funded first followed in sequence by those with
lower scores until all available funds are exhausted. States must follow the proposal outline in
Attachment A and submit an abstract containing the information in Attachment B. Each element
of the proposal is important and should be addressed completely. Proposals should explain how
the proposed program will work and include complete names and titles rather than acronyms and
form numbers. Proposals scoring fewer than 80 points will not be funded.
11. UI REA Grant Awards to States to Continue UI REA Programs. As described in section
4, states currently operating a UI REA program should submit an abstract containing the
information in Attachment B and provide the information requested in Attachment C. These
proposals will not be scored but will be evaluated under the guidelines provided and funded after
review and consultations with the states, if needed.

12. UI REA Proposal Procedures. States are encouraged to work with ETA Regional Office
staff while they are developing their proposals and should ensure that:

   A. The UI REA program design meets the needs of UI claimants;

   B. UI and One-Stop Career Center staff work cooperatively in planning, developing, testing,
      and implementing this program;

   C. The proposed expenditures are justified and appropriate; and

   D. The state is prepared to develop systems for collecting data for the required reports.

13. Timelines.

   A. States must submit proposals to the National Office by March 19, 2012.

   B. Award notifications will be issued by April 13, 2012.

   C. States must submit an SF-424 signed by the Agency Administrator and a SF-424A with
      the proposal. If any changes are required after review of the proposal, revised forms or
      proposals will be required before award of the grant funds.





14. Action Requested. State Administrators are requested to:

   A. Provide information contained in this UIPL to appropriate staff.

   B. Send, via e-mail, an electronic copy of the proposal and a summary of the UI REA Grant
      proposal to [email protected].

15. Inquiries. Questions should be directed to the appropriate Regional Office.

16. Attachments.

    1. Attachment A - Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment
      (REA) Proposal Outline for First Year UI REA Grants

    2. Attachment B - Elements of an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment and Eligibility
      Assessment (REA) Grant Proposal Abstract

    3. Attachment C - Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment
      (REA) Proposal Outline for Continuing States

    4. Attachment D – The Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment and Eligibility
      Assessment (REA) Data Concerns

uipl_10_12_acc_att_a.pdf (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/UIPL/2012/uipl_10_12_acc_att_a.pdf)

                                                                                       Attachment A

   UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI) REEMPLOYMENT AND ELIGIBILITY
  ASSESSMENT (REA) PROPOSAL OUTLINE FOR FIRST YEAR UI REA GRANTS


1. UI REA Grant Project Summary. States must use this outline to develop their proposal to
implement the UI REA program. All proposals must include an abstract of the UI REA grant
proposal containing the elements described in Attachment B, “Elements of an Unemployment
Insurance (UI) Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment (REA) Grant Proposal Abstract.”

2. Project Costs. Proposals must include a description of all proposed expenditures and a
projected schedule for significant project activities. The costs should be identified separately as
start-up costs and the projected costs for one year of operation. The expenditures for the startup
activities are part of the grant and are subject to its rules. Start-up costs would include the costs
of staff training, program implementation, automation costs related to the delivery and records
keeping necessary for the UI REA program, and the costs of completing the ETA 9128 and the
ETA 9129 (OMB approval No. 1205-0456). ETA will not fund any proposal until the state has
provided all of the required cost information to support its proposed expenditures.

   A. Fixed Minimum Costs: The proposal should include fixed minimum costs. As a part of
      the fixed minimum costs, the proposal should describe the costs to implement the UI
      REA program and to conduct the first 10,000 assessments. States may propose to
      conduct fewer than 10,000 assessments and should calculate costs accordingly. Fixed
      costs should also include the projected costs for programming the ETA 9128 and ETA
      9129 reports as a one-time cost. Reporting instructions can be found in Employment and
      Training (ET) Handbook No. 401, 4th Edition and edits for these two reports can be found
      in ET Handbook No. 402, 5th Edition. These instructions should assist in determining the
      approximate programming time needed to develop these required reports. The costs for
      programming these reports should be clearly identified in the project costs.

   B. Incremental Costs: If the state proposes to conduct more than 10,000 UI REAs, the
      proposal should also include incremental costs. These costs should be expressed as costs
      per 10,000 UI REAs. States that do not wish to perform more than 10,000 UI REAs do
      not need to submit this information. Incremental costs consist primarily of costs related
      to conducting the UI REA rather than costs such as development of management
      information systems. Regardless of the total number of proposed UI REAs, states should
      ensure that costs are provided in increments of 10,000 UI REAs or less. It may be
      possible to fund a partial increase but not possible to fund a very large increase in the
      number of UI REAs. For example, a state proposing to raise the number of UI REAs
      from 10,000 to 40,000 in Fiscal Year 2012, must provide costs associated with providing
      10,000, 20,000, 30,000 and 40,000 UI REAs.

   C. Initial and Subsequent UI REAs: The total projected number of individual initial and
      subsequent (if any) UI REAs should be provided along with the projected cost for each
      type of UI REA. In addition, states should provide the number of projected UI REAs for
      which the claimant does not report along with the cost of rescheduling the UI REA.
      Claimants who do not report as scheduled must be referred to adjudication and they may
      be rescheduled for a UI REA.

3. Scoring Elements. The following elements are used to score the proposal. Proposals must
have a score of 80 points or more to be recommended for funding. Therefore, each element is
important and should be addressed fully in the proposal. Proposals should use the following
format.

   A. Project Costs (15 percent of total score):

       a. Staff Costs. The proposal should identify both state staffing needs (in excess of base
          staff) and any contract staff needs. Staff needs should include the type of position, the
          expected number of staff hours, and the projected hourly cost. Staff cost estimates
          should reflect only actual hours to be worked. Staff costs for new UI REA programs
          may include costs to conduct the UI REA, staff training, and development of
          procedures. States should identify, separately, all staff costs for developing UI REA
          reports and programming requirements separate from the costs for providing UI REAs
          to claimants. States should include information in the following format for all staff
          requests.

                 Position Title         # Hours Cost Per Hour Total Cost
                 UI REA Interviewer       120            $50           $6,000

          States must charge all staff time used for the UI REA program to a UI REA project
          code. Both management and other staff may be working on the UI REA program on a
          part-time basis while assuming other duties. Only the portion of work that accrues to
          the UI REA initiative may be funded under this grant. Thus, the proposal should
          identify only the project time that will be devoted solely to the UI REA project for all
          staff hours for which funding is requested.

          If contract staff is requested, documentation should include the type of position,
          estimated contract staff hours, anticipated costs per hour, and total cost.

       b. Other. The proposal should include costs for other activities and/or equipment not
          identified above. Each cost should be broken down to the specific cost item with a
          description of each cost and the associated costs for each item requested. All costs
          must be related to providing UI REAs to claimants.

       c. Total Costs. The proposal should include the total funding request. Spreadsheets
          used to calculate and total these costs should be included.




B. Project Design (45 percent of total score):

   The description of the UI REA program should address in detail the processes that will be
   put in place to ensure that all core components described in the Guidelines (section 5 and
   6 of this Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL)) are met. Proposals should
   include a narrative that is responsive to the following project design elements:

   a. A description of the collaborative process used to develop the UI REA design and/or
      to adapt the design to meet the new requirements and the types of partners engaged.

   b. The geographic locations where the UI REA program will be implemented.

   c. The process for selecting UI claimants to be assessed. The proposal should identify
      the target group for the UI REA program. For example, states have tried various
      methods including focusing on those claimants most likely to exhaust their benefits,
      focusing on claimants with a lower profiling score who might be likely to return to
      work more quickly, and focusing on claimants who have job skills that are in high
      demand.

   d. The point(s) in time in the claims series when the claimants will be notified of their
      scheduled UI REA(s).

   e. A description of whether the state will conduct single or multiple UI REAs for
      individual claimants. If multiple UI REAs are conducted for claimants, provide the
      projected schedule and the number of UI REAs the state anticipates scheduling for
      each claimant who remains unemployed.

   f. An explanation of how claimants from the target group will be assigned to the UI
      REA treatment group and how they will be assigned to the comparison group.

   g. A description of how the various UI REA components will be staffed. States should
      ensure that proposed staffing arrangements have been agreed upon by all parties
      before submitting the UI REA proposal.

   h. A description of how the state will leverage UI REA funds with funding under the
      Workforce Investment Act (WIA) to better serve the UI claimants.

   i. An explanation of how One-Stop Career Centers will provide the services identified
      in the Guidelines section (Section 5 of this UIPL), including triage to identify
      reemployment needs, orientation to help claimants access self-service core services
      offered through the One-Stop (including labor market and career information), ensure
      registration in the state’s job bank, make other referrals to One-Stop services, and
      support the development of the claimant’s reemployment plan.




   j. An explanation of how the state will secure a written agreement or Memorandum of
      Understanding (MOU) with participating One-Stop Career Centers. A copy of the
      agreement or MOU must be submitted with the proposal. In the event that the MOU
      is under development and has not yet been finalized, states should provide the
      anticipated date of completion and should submit a copy of the MOU soon after that
      date. The requirements for MOUs are discussed in more detail in paragraph F below.

   k. A description of how eligibility issues will be referred to UI adjudication staff.

   l. A description of how eligibility assessments will be structured.

   m. A description of how information will be shared among UI, Wagner-Peyser, and WIA
      staff and workforce staff and how the work search plan and related activities will be
      documented.

   n. A description of the processes that will make up the feedback loop that will provide
      information to the UI program staff about the results of referrals to reemployment
      services.

   o. A description of any additional factors not covered in this list that will be a part of the
      project.

In addition, states are asked to provide brief answers to the elements below. This information
will be shared with states seeking assistance to implement or change a UI REA project. It
will also be used to provide information, as needed, for UI management staff. The
information will be compiled and will be available to all states. This information is not used
for scoring purposes and an extensive narrative is not needed.

Identify which staff will conduct each of the UI REA key components on the initial UI REA,
whether UI REAs will be conducted on an individual basis or in a group setting, and the
average time required for each activity. Staff identification should contain the program office
in which the staff works such as UI, Employment Service (ES), or other. Any additional
activities should be included in the table. The sum of the average time for each activity
below should be equal to the time for the complete initial UI REA.

                                                                     Individual/
                   Activity                               Staff        Group
            Eligibility Review
            Labor Market Information
            Individual Service Plan
            Orientation
            Referral to Reemployment Services





If the state plans to conduct multiple UI REAs for individual claimants it should provide the
activities, type of staff involved, whether an individual or group service(s), and the average
time for a subsequent UI REA(s). Staff identification should contain the program office in
which the staff works such as UI, ES, or other. Any additional activities should be included
in the table. The sum of the average time for each activity below should be equal to the time
needed to complete a subsequent UI REA.

                                                        Individual or      Check if by
           Activity                   Staff                Group           Telephone
   Eligibility Review
   Labor Market
   Information
   Individual Service Plan
   Orientation
   Referral to
   Reemployment Services

C. Performance Accountability and Reporting (15 percent of total score):

   The proposal should identify areas in which UI program performance is expected to
   improve as a result of the UI REA program, such as increasing the numbers of UI
   claimants receiving workforce services, improved employment outcomes, reductions in
   average benefit duration, and reductions in improper payments. The proposal should also
   explain how expected performance improvements will be measured. In addition, the
   narrative should contain an affirmation that the state will comply with the UI REA
   reporting requirements as described in section 7 of this UIPL (See Handbook No. 401, 4th
   Edition).

D. Estimated Time and Cost for Each Assessment (15 percent of total score):

   The proposal must include an estimate of the time and the cost requirements for each UI
   REA. The total time funded for an individual UI REA cannot exceed two hours. If
   appropriate, varying levels of service may be specified in conjunction with varying costs,
   e.g., it may cost less to serve claimants who are determined to be "job ready." Sufficient
   information should be provided to illustrate how the state determined the projected staff
   costs and projected staff time for the various components of the assessment that were
   used to determine the maximum number of UI REAs that could be accomplished based
   upon the grant amount requested.

E. Project Timeline (10 percent of total score):

   A timeline of the project must be included that identifies significant milestones in
   implementing the program, including project design, and any staff training. The timeline
   should include a projected date for completion of programming the selection of
   participants and tracking of participants. It should also include the projected completion



   date of the UI REA required reports (the ETA 9128 and the ETA 9129), and the date that
   the first UI REAs will be offered. Scoring will be based upon the timeline provided by
   the state.

F. Collaboration with Service Providers: An agreement or MOU must be developed by
   UI and appropriate service providers who partner with UI for the UI REA program. This
   ensures that the necessary partners commit to providing reemployment services as
   required by the grant. In addition, states in which the UI partner has entered into an
   agreement with One-Stop Career Center staff to provide the UI REA must gain a
   commitment of staff to perform the necessary tasks. States must submit a copy of the
   agreement or MOU. If the agreement/MOU has not been finalized, the state must provide
   the estimated date of submission. In addition, the agreement or MOU must contain:

       •   Names of all parties to the agreement;
       •   A brief description of the collaborative process jointly developed;
       •   Identification of those who will provide the specific services;
       •   Description(s) of how feedback will be provided; and
       •   Description(s) of the role of the service providers.

G. Supporting Materials: States may attach additional materials that will support the
   proposal.

uipl_10_12_acc_att_b.pdf (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/UIPL/2012/uipl_10_12_acc_att_b.pdf)

                                                                         Attachment B


           ELEMENTS of an UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI)
   REEMPLOYMENT and ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT (REA) GRANT PROPOSAL
                            ABSTRACT


State Name:

Name and Title of the State Agency Administrator:
      Name:
      Title:
     Address:
UI REA Program Lead/Contact                                 Name:
      The person who can answer questions about the
      UI REA proposal.                                      Telephone:

                                                            E-mail:

Total UI REA Funds Projected to Remain after March 31,      $
2011
        The total amount of funds projected to remain
        from FY 2011 (if applicable).
Total UI REA Project Cost                                   $
        The total amount of funds requested.
Total Service Delivery Staff Cost                           $
        The total amount of funds requested for staff to
        conduct the UI REAs excluding management costs.
Total Management Costs                                      $
        The total amount of funds requested for
        administrative/management costs excluding cost of
        staff who will conduct the UI REAs.
Staff and Management Costs for a Single Initial UI REA      $
        The sum of service delivery staff costs and
        management costs divided by the number of
        planned initial UI REAs.
Staff and Management Costs for a Single Subsequent UI       $
REA
      The sum of service delivery staff costs and
      management costs divided by the number of planned
      subsequent UI REAs, not to exceed 2 subsequent UI
      REAs per claimant.

Staff Training Costs                                       $
        The total amount of funds requested for staff
        training to conduct UI REAs.
Projected Time for a Single Initial UI REA, Including
Paperwork
        The total time spent preparing for and conducting
        a single initial UI REA, recording results and
        other documentation. The funded time cannot
        exceed 2 hours.
Projected Time for a Single Subsequent UI REA,
Including Paperwork
        The total time spent preparing for and conducting
        a single subsequent UI REA, recording results and
        other documentation.
Projected Costs for a Single UI REA for which the
Claimant Fails to Report
        The total costs spent preparing for a single UI
        REA for which the claimant subsequently fails to
        report. This estimate should not include the costs
        of adjudication which are separately funded.
Total Number of UI REAs
       The total number of UI REAs the state will schedule
        during the grant period.
Total Number of UI REA Sites
        The total number of sites where UI REAs will be
        conducted. States requesting funds to expand the
        numbers of UI REAs should provide the number of
        sites at both the current and the expanded levels.
Type of Staff Conducting UI REAs
        Description of the staff that will conduct the UI
        REAs (e.g., UI, One-Stop, Contract, or a
        combination).
Memorandum of Understanding
        Is the document attached? (Yes or No)
        If no, provide the estimated date of submittal.
UI REA Required Reports
        If a state does not include a narrative regarding
        how it will address any data problems, the SBR
        will not be funded. Please confirm that this was
        done by indicating “yes.”

uipl_10_12_acc_att_c.pdf (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/UIPL/2012/uipl_10_12_acc_att_c.pdf)

                                                                                    Attachment C


   UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI) REEMPLOYMENT AND ELIGIBILITY
 ASSESSMENT (REA) PROPOSAL OUTLINE FOR STATES CONTINUING A UI REA
                            PROGRAM


1. UI REA Grant Project Summary. States should follow this outline to develop proposals to
continue the UI REA program. All proposals must include an abstract of the UI REA grant
proposal containing the elements listed in Attachment B, “Elements of the Unemployment
Insurance (UI) Reemployment and Eligibility Assessments Proposal Abstract.” The project
summary should describe how the state will change its current service delivery design and
processes to implement the new requirements outlined in this Unemployment Insurance Program
Letter (UIPL). In addition, the state should include a transition timeline.

Proposals from continuing UI REA states are not scored. Requests to expand a state’s UI REA
program will be subject to funding availability.

2. Project Costs. Proposals must include a description of all proposed expenditures and a
projected schedule for significant project activities. States may elect to provide UI REAs at the
same level as the prior year or they may elect to expand the UI REA program. If the state is
implementing at the current level, incremental costs are not needed.

   A. Fixed Costs: Include fixed costs related to conducting an equal number of UI REAs as
      funded in Fiscal Year 2011.

   B. Incremental Costs: If the state proposes to increase the number of UI REAs, the
      proposal should also include incremental costs. These costs should be expressed as costs
      per 10,000 assessments or less.

   C. Initial and Subsequent UI REAs: The total projected number of individual initial and
      subsequent (if any) UI REAs should be provided along with the projected cost for each
      type of UI REA. In addition, states should provide the number of projected UI REAs for
      which the claimant does not report along with the estimated cost of rescheduling the UI
      REA. Claimants who do not report as scheduled must be referred to UI adjudication.
      They may also be rescheduled, as appropriate.

       a. Staff Costs. The proposal should identify both state staffing needs (in excess of base
          staff) and any contract staff needs. Staff needs should include the type of position, the
          expected number of staff hours, and the projected hourly cost. Staff cost estimates
          should reflect only actual hours to be worked. Staff costs for continuing states should
          primarily include costs for conducting the UI REA and should not exceed two hours
          for an individual UI REA. States should include information in the following format
          for all staff requests:

                 Position Title        # Hours Cost Per Hour Total Cost
                 UI REA Interviewer       120           $50           $6,000

          States must charge all staff time used for the UI REA program to a UI REA project
          code. Both management and other staff may be working on the UI REA program on a
          part-time basis while assuming other duties. Only the portion of work that accrues to
          the UI REA initiative may be funded under this grant. Thus, the proposal should
          identify only the project time that will be devoted solely to the UI REA project for all
          staff hours for which funding is requested.

          If contract staff is involved, documentation should include the type of position,
          estimated contract staff hours, anticipated costs per hour, and total cost.

       b. Other. The proposal should include costs for other activities and/or equipment, not
          identified above. Each cost should be broken down to the specific cost item with a
          description of each cost and the associated costs for each item requested. All costs
          must be related to conducting UI REAs for UI claimants.

       c. Total Costs. The proposal should include the total funding request. Spreadsheets
          used to calculate and total these costs should be included.

3. Information about the UI REA program. States should provide brief answers to the
   elements below. This information will be shared with states seeking assistance to implement
   or change a UI REA program. It will also be used to provide information, as needed, for UI
   management staff. The information will be compiled and will be available to all states. An
   extensive narrative is not needed.

   A. UI REA Staffing and Time. Identify the following: 1) which staff conducts each of the
      UI REA key components for the initial UI REA; 2) whether the UI REA is conducted on
      an individual basis or in a group setting; and 3) the average time required for each UI
      REA activity. Staff identification should contain the name of the program office for these
      staff such as UI, the Employment Service (ES), or other. Any additional key activities
      should be included in the table. The sum of the average time for each activity below
      should be equal to the time required to complete the initial UI REA.

                                                                       Individual/
                        Activity                            Staff        Group
              Eligibility Review
              Labor Market Information
              Individual Service Plan
              Orientation
              Referral to Reemployment Services





   If the state conducts multiple UI REAs for individual claimants provide the following: 1)
   staff conducting the subsequent UI REA; 2) whether it is conducted on an individual
   basis or in a group setting; and 3) the average time required for each UI REA activity.
   Staff identification should contain the name of the program office for these staff such as
   UI, the ES, or other. Any additional key activities should be included in the table. The
   sum of the average time for each activity below should be equal to the time required to
   complete the subsequent UI REA.

                                                       Individual/       Check if by
           Activity                   Staff              Group           Telephone
   Eligibility Review
   Labor Market
   Information
   Individual Service Plan
   Orientation
   Referral to
   Reemployment Services


B. Service Delivery Staff. Provide information about the type of staff conducting the UI
   REA; e.g., UI staff, Wagner-Peyser staff, Workforce Investment Act (WIA) staff, or some
   combination. If Wagner-Peyser or WIA One-Stop Career Center staff members conduct
   the UI REA, briefly describe how they are trained to conduct the UI eligibility review.

C. Selection of UI REA Participants. Identify the pool from which both UI REA
   participants and the comparison group are selected. Describe how claimants are assigned
   to these two groups and at what point in the claims series these selections are made. If
   the Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services (WPRS) program is utilized, states
   must explain which claimants in the WPRS pool are selected for the UI REA treatment
   group and comparison groups. Note that claimants selected for the WPRS program
   cannot be selected for the UI REA treatment group or the comparison group for the UI
   REA program.

D. Description of a UI REA. Provide a brief description of the state’s UI REA, including
   the elements of the UI REA and how the key components identified in section 5 of this
   UIPL are implemented. In addition, please describe the type of staff that will provide
   each of the components of the UI REA (provision of labor market information,
   development of the reemployment plan) and what format is used (group or individual).

E. Scheduling the UI REA in the Claims Series. Claimants must be contacted and
   notification must be sent to the claimant advising of a scheduled UI REA by the fifth
   week in the individual’s claim series. The fifth week in the claim series means the fourth
   week after the week in which the claimant files an initial claim. If the claimant has not
   yet established monetary eligibility for benefits or is not yet eligible because a




   nonmonetary issue is pending adjudication, the claimant should be selected during the
   first week that s/he claims after being determined eligible for benefits.

F. Single or Multiple UI REAs. Identify whether the state plans to conduct single or
   multiple UI REAs for each claimant and indicate the timing within the claim series when
   the UI REA and any subsequent UI REA(s) will be conducted. Multiple UI REAs that
   exceed one initial UI REA and two subsequent UI REAs per individual claimant will not
   be funded.

G. Failure to Report for a UI REA. Describe actions taken when claimants fail to report
   for UI REAs, including how claimants will be notified of the potential consequences of
   their failure to report as scheduled and/or failure to participate in the UI REA. Also,
   states must describe how it provides claimants information such as a contact number to
   notify the state in advance that s/he will be unable to attend the scheduled UI REA.
   Describe the feedback system that is in place to notify appropriate UI adjudication staff
   when claimants fail to report for scheduled UI REAs. In addition, describe the states
   rescheduling policy and processes.

H. Collaboration with Service Providers. An agreement or Memorandum of
   Understanding (MOU) must be developed or renewed by UI and appropriate service
   providers who partner with UI for the UI REA program. This ensures that the necessary
   partners commit to providing reemployment services as required by the grant. In
   addition, states in which the UI partner has entered into an agreement with One-Stop
   Career Center staff to provide the UI REA must gain a commitment of staff to perform
   the necessary tasks. States must submit a copy of the agreement or MOU. If the
   agreement/MOU has not been finalized, the state must provide the estimated date of
   submission. In addition, the agreement or MOU must contain:

       •   Names of all parties to the agreement;
       •   A brief description of the collaborative process jointly developed;
       •   Identification of those who will provide the specific services;
       •   Description(s) of how feedback will be provided; and
       •   Description(s) of the role of the service providers.

I. UI REA Required Reports. States must review both the ETA 9128s and the ETA 9129s
   focusing primarily on the most recent four calendar quarters to address the accuracy of the
   reports. Attachment D, “The Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment and
   Eligibility Assessment (REA) Data Concerns,” provides some guidelines for detecting
   problems and states have been provided a quarterly summary that includes calculations of
   some of the relationships between the data elements and the probable outcomes. In
   addition, the National Office sends a quarterly summary of UI REA data to each state and
   the ETA Regional Offices, which includes some calculations of outcomes and data
   relationships. This quarterly summary will be used during the review of the proposal.





   J. Narrative Description of Data Reporting Problems. In a narrative, states should
      identify problems that they are having with any of the required reports and provide a plan
      to improve their reporting accuracy and timeliness. If in the past the state made
      significant corrections to these required reports, the date the corrections were made and
      the date after which the state’s data was correct/valid as a result of the changes should be
      included.

4. UI REA Activities to Share with Other States. If the state has implemented practices that
   would be helpful to share with other states, the state is requested to provide a brief summary
   of the practice. This information will be compiled and shared with other states.

uipl_10_12_acc_att_d.pdf (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/UIPL/2012/uipl_10_12_acc_att_d.pdf)

                                                                                   Attachment D

 THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI) REEMPLOYMENT AND ELIGIBILITY
              ASSESSMENT (REA) DATA CONCERNS

The list below has been developed to help states in reviewing their Employment and Training
Administration (ETA) UI REA required reports. The list identifies data problems that have
occurred in some states and that must be corrected. Each quarter, the National Office provides
states and Regional Offices a spreadsheet that summarizes the UI REA data. States should use
the spreadsheets and the list below to assess whether they have data problems. Proposals by
states must address in the narrative description of data reporting problems, all problems
identified in these data spreadsheets and the state response to these concerns will be evaluated
before funding UI REA grants for Fiscal Year 2012. States must describe their plans to
implement corrections and include a projected timeline for completion in the supplemental
budget request.

                              ETA 9128 UI REA Workloads Report

   UI REAs Scheduled (Item 2)

       This number should be compared to the number of UI REAs for which the state received
       funding. States should be scheduling quarterly UI REAs at a sufficient level to ensure
       that they will reach their funded level at the end of the year.

       UI REAs Scheduled should be approximately the sum of item #3 UI REAs Completed and
       item #15 No-shows. Note: Although there is some variation between quarters, this
       difference should even out over the year.

   Reemployment Services or Training (Item 4)

       All UI REAs must include referral to a reemployment service. If the count in this item
       (item #4) is significantly less than the count in item #3 (UI REAs Completed), claimants
       may not be reporting as directed, they may not be referred as required, or the
       reemployment service providers may not be providing the appropriate workload count.

   Disqualifications or Overpayments (Item 7)

       If this number is large compared to the number of UI REAs completed it is possible that
       the state is counting disqualifications or overpayments that are not a part of the UI REA.
       Both disqualifications and overpayments must be based on issues that were discovered as
       a result of the UI REA.

Separation Issues (Item 8)

   If this number is large compared to the number of UI REAs completed, it is possible that
   the state is counting disqualifications that are not a part of the UI REA. If the number is
   correct the state should evaluate the initial claims process to determine if questions asked
   are not sufficient to identify separation issues.

Other Disqualifications (Item 12)

   If this number is large compared to the number of UI REAs completed, the state should
   review the disqualification codes to ensure that these issues should not instead be counted
   in items 8, 9, 10 or 11. The category Other should be used only when the disqualification
   does not fit in these other categories.

No-Shows (Item 15)

   Each claimant who fails to report for a UI REA should be referred to adjudication to
   determine if they had good cause for failing to report and if they were able and available
   for work. This item should be approximately equal to the sum of items 16, 17, 18 and 21.

Disqualifications for Failure to Report (Item 17)

   If the count is significantly lower than the number of no-shows, the state should ensure
   that those claimants who fail to report are being referred to adjudication.

No Disqualification (Item 21)

   All claimants who both failed to report and were not disqualified and not rescheduled
   should be counted.

Returned to Work (Item 22)

   The Social Security Number of claimants counted in #21 should be matched to the
   National Directory of New Hires to determine if they have returned to work.

                             ETA 9129 UI REA Outcomes Report

Establishing a Comparison Group of Sufficient Size

The number of claimants who established a UI benefit year in the report quarter is provided
for the Comparison Group in item 1a and for the UI REA group in item 2a. The number in
Item 1a should not be less than 10 percent of the number in item 2a, as the comparison group
must, at a minimum, be 10 percent of the UI REA treatment group to provide a reasonable
measurement.





The average duration is calculated by dividing the Total Weeks Compensated by the Number
Who Established a UI Benefit Year in the Report Quarter. These elements are located in
items 1a and 1b for the Comparison Group and in items 2a and 2b for the UI REA Treatment
Group. The exhaustion rate is calculated by dividing the Number Exhausting Benefits by the
Number Who Established a Benefit Year in the Report Quarter. These elements are located
in items 1a and 1e for the Comparison Group and in items 2a and 2e for the UI REA
Treatment Group. Both the average duration and exhaustion rate should be reasonably
similar to the state’s average duration and exhaustion rate for the report quarter. If the
duration is higher than the maximum number of regular UI weeks, the program may be
incorrectly including Extended Benefit payments. If the duration and exhaustion rate are very
low, the program may be incorrectly including only one calendar quarter rather than the
complete benefit year. If the difference of the average duration between the Comparison
Group and the UI REA treatment group is two weeks or greater there may be programming
problems, as on average it is anticipated that the UI REA program may reduce benefit
duration by up to one week.

There should be some correlation between the average duration and the benefits per claimant.
For example, if the average duration differs between the two groups by one week, then the
benefits per claimant should differ by an amount approximately equal to the average weekly
benefit amount for the state. If not, it is likely that there are programming problems.

If there are very large variances in the percentages between quarters, it is likely that there are
programming problems.