Deadline: 28-Aug-2026
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Funding Allotments and Operating Guidance for Unemployment Insurance Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA) provides FY 2026 funding and operational requirements for state workforce agencies. The programme supports unemployment insurance claimants through reemployment services, evidence-based interventions, performance reporting, and evaluation activities.
About the RESEA Program FY 2026
The Unemployment Insurance Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA) Program provides guidance and funding support to help states improve reemployment outcomes for unemployment insurance (UI) claimants.
The FY 2026 guidance outlines programme requirements related to:
- Funding allocations
- Programme implementation
- State planning
- Performance reporting
- Evidence-based service delivery
- Evaluation requirements
The programme aims to connect eligible unemployment insurance recipients with employment services that improve their chances of returning to work.
Purpose of the RESEA Program
The RESEA programme supports states in providing targeted reemployment assistance to unemployment insurance claimants who may benefit from additional employment services.
Key objectives include:
- Improving claimant access to employment services
- Supporting faster return to employment
- Reducing long-term unemployment
- Strengthening coordination between unemployment insurance systems and workforce development programmes
- Using evidence-based approaches to improve employment outcomes
Funding Details
The estimated total funding available for FY 2026 is:
- Total Programme Funding: USD 415.63 million
- Award Ceiling: USD 84,623,334
- Award Floor: USD 498,400
Funding supports state-level RESEA activities, including programme operations, service delivery, reporting, and evaluation.
Funding Components
The RESEA funding structure includes:
Base Funding Formula
State grants are allocated through a base-funding formula designed to support implementation of RESEA activities across eligible states.
Outcome Payments
The programme includes outcome-based payments linked to performance achievements and successful reemployment outcomes.
Evaluation Set-Aside Costs
A portion of funding supports required programme evaluation activities to measure effectiveness and improve future implementation.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- State Workforce Agencies (SWAs)
- States
- District of Columbia
- Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
- Virgin Islands
Only eligible state workforce entities may apply for RESEA programme funding.
Programme Design Requirements
States receiving RESEA funding must design programmes that meet federal requirements.
Programme designs should include:
- Effective reemployment services
- Eligibility assessment activities
- Employment-focused interventions
- Coordination between UI agencies and workforce systems
- Evidence-based approaches to improving claimant outcomes
Programme Operations
RESEA implementation requires active involvement from state workforce systems.
Operational requirements include:
- Participation of Unemployment Insurance (UI) agency staff
- Delivery of required claimant services
- Tracking participant progress
- Maintaining accurate programme records
- Submitting required performance reports
Evidence-Based Interventions and Evaluation
The RESEA programme encourages states to use evidence-based strategies that demonstrate positive employment outcomes.
Supported approaches may include:
- Career planning assistance
- Employment counselling
- Labour market information services
- Skills assessments
- Referrals to workforce training programmes
- Job search assistance
States must also participate in evaluation activities to assess programme effectiveness.
Evaluation activities help measure:
- Employment outcomes
- Service effectiveness
- Participant progress
- Long-term programme impact
State Plan Submission Process
States must prepare and submit a RESEA State Plan according to federal guidance requirements.
The State Plan should describe:
- Programme design
- Service delivery approach
- Staffing structure
- Performance measurement methods
- Evaluation plans
- Use of allocated funds
State Workforce Agencies must ensure that submitted plans comply with all programme requirements.
How the Programme Works
The RESEA implementation process generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Identify Eligible UI Claimants
States identify unemployment insurance recipients who may benefit from reemployment services.
Step 2: Provide Employment Services
Participants receive support such as:
- Employment assessments
- Career guidance
- Job search assistance
- Referrals to workforce resources
Step 3: Monitor Progress
State agencies track participation, service delivery, and employment outcomes.
Step 4: Report Performance
States submit required reports detailing programme activities and results.
Step 5: Evaluate Effectiveness
Programme data is reviewed to improve service delivery and measure impact.
Why the RESEA Program Matters
Unemployment insurance provides temporary financial support, but many claimants also need assistance returning to work.
The RESEA programme helps address this challenge by connecting job seekers with targeted employment services, improving workforce participation, and supporting stronger labour market outcomes.
Common Challenges and Tips for Applicants
Common Challenges
States should avoid:
- Incomplete State Plan submissions
- Failure to meet reporting requirements
- Weak coordination between UI and workforce agencies
- Lack of evidence-based programme strategies
- Poor tracking of participant outcomes
Best Practices
Successful implementation should include:
- Strong collaboration between workforce agencies
- Clear programme goals
- Effective data collection systems
- Evidence-based service models
- Regular performance monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the RESEA Program?
The RESEA Program provides reemployment services and eligibility assessments to unemployment insurance claimants to help them return to work more quickly.
2. Who can apply for FY 2026 RESEA funding?
Eligible applicants are State Workforce Agencies, including states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
3. How much funding is available under the programme?
The estimated total programme funding for FY 2026 is USD 415.63 million.
4. What activities does RESEA funding support?
Funding supports programme operations, claimant services, evidence-based interventions, reporting, and evaluation activities.
5. Are private organisations eligible to apply?
No. RESEA funding is available only to eligible state workforce entities.
6. What is the purpose of RESEA evaluations?
Evaluations measure programme effectiveness, employment outcomes, and the impact of reemployment services.
7. What must states submit to participate?
States must submit a RESEA State Plan explaining programme design, operations, funding use, reporting methods, and evaluation strategies.
Conclusion
The FY 2026 Funding Allotments and Operating Guidance for the RESEA Program provides states with financial and operational direction to deliver effective unemployment insurance reemployment services. By supporting evidence-based interventions, strong workforce coordination, and performance evaluation, the programme helps unemployment insurance claimants transition successfully back into employment.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.