The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has issued Unemployment Insurance Program Letter No. 12-25 to provide fiscal year 2025 guidance for the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA) Grants. This funding supports state workforce agencies in administering RESEA programs to improve employment outcomes for unemployment compensation (UC) claimants, enhance program integrity, reduce improper payments, and integrate services with broader workforce development systems. These efforts align with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), especially its employment service and dislocated worker programs.
States are eligible to apply for RESEA funding to either continue or initiate RESEA programs in FY 2025. Each applicant must submit a comprehensive RESEA State Plan that includes all required documentation by July 10, 2025, through Grants.gov. The application must include the RESEA State Plan Template, SF-424, SF-424A, and documentation of indirect cost rates if applicable. States are encouraged to submit complete and accurate applications, as incomplete or unclear plans may be returned for revision. Approved RESEA State Plans will serve as the final grant agreement.
The total funding available for FY 2025 is $388 million. Of this, $345.3 million is allocated through a base-funding formula, $38.8 million is set aside for outcome payments, and $3.88 million is reserved for research and technical assistance. Funding allocations are determined using a formula based on each state’s insured unemployment rate and civilian labor force size. Additionally, states must use at least 40% of their grant on evidence-based interventions with high or moderate causal ratings and may dedicate up to 10% of funds to program evaluations.
RESEA programs are required to schedule an initial RESEA session for each selected participant, with optional subsequent sessions based on state design. These sessions must include individual UC eligibility reviews, labor market information dissemination, co-enrollment in Wagner-Peyser-funded employment services, individualized reemployment planning, and referrals to other relevant services. States must ensure that RESEA funds supplement rather than supplant existing federal, state, or local resources and cannot be used for training services or assessment tool licenses.
The performance period for FY 2025 grants is from January 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, with liquidation by December 31, 2026. Applications must align with statutory purposes outlined in the Social Security Act, and required performance data must be reported quarterly. States are encouraged to engage UI staff in planning and administering RESEA programs and to use remote and virtual technologies to expand access and improve efficiency. Contact information for technical support is provided for grant submissions, evaluation assistance, and general inquiries.
Start early due to complex documentation requirements
Use the correct and current forms on Grants.gov
Ensure co-enrollment requirements and integration with WIOA services are documented
Maintain accurate and timely performance reporting
