Impact of the Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment (REA) Initiative in Nevada.

摘要

The Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment (REA) initiative is an approach that combines: (1) in-person unemployment insurance (UI) eligibility reviews, (2) labor market information (LMI,) (3) development of an individual reemployment plan and (4) referral to reemployment services (RES) and/or training. It is designed to ensure claimants are meeting the eligibility provisions of state laws and are exposed to reemployment services, including job search assistance and placement services, so they may return to employment as quickly as possible. While the REA initiative began in 2005, its features are grounded in past research findings and proven methods of administration that have been shown to be efficient and cost-effective. Research conducted by IMPAQ International in 2011 found evidence that the REA program was effective in achieving the programs goals of reducing UI duration and generating savings to the UI Trust Fund. The study showed that the Nevada REA program was more effective in reducing claimant UI duration and generating greater savings for the UI Trust Fund than the REA program in other states examined. Nevada's REA program was found to differ from REA programs in other states. In Nevada, the same staff provided both REA and reemployment services (RES), charging their time to the appropriate work activities, while in other study states, different staff administered REA and RES. It appears that providing REA and RES services by the same staff in a single interview may be a key factor that led to greater program impacts in Nevada.