Gov. Whitmer to Help Michiganders Get Back to Work Through Greater Michigan Works! Investment

Gov. Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to announce an approximately $3.8 million investment awarded to the state's Michigan Works! network to provide reemployment services to help eligible unemployed Michiganders return to work.

"This $3.8 million investment is yet another boost to the hardworking people of Michigan as we emerge from the pandemic," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "We are focused on getting things done that will make a difference in people's lives right now - that includes supporting Michiganders with the services and support they need to get back to work with better jobs and bigger paychecks."

This investment allows?Michigan Works! agencies to administer support services to Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) claimants deemed most likely to exhaust their unemployment insurance benefits. This support is provided through Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), an evidence-based program focused on individualized assessments, reemployment services and referrals to support individuals receiving unemployment benefits so they can return to work quickly.

This collaborative effort helps ensure claimants who most need RESEA services will receive them. In 2020, more than 13,000 claimants participated in the RESEA program.

"The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program has a proven track record of helping unemployed Michiganders return to work quicker," said Susan Corbin, LEO acting director. "Helping workers who are struggling to recover from the economic effects of the pandemic is essential - at the same time, we are helping Michigan employers get the talent they need to grow and thrive."

Employment services, including the RESEA program, are provided through the Michigan Works! Network.

"RESEA services provide increased career support and guidance to unemployment insurance claimants, resulting in quicker transitions back to employment," said Jennifer Llewellyn, director of Oakland County Michigan Works!. "Many RESEA customers also choose to enroll in postsecondary education with financial support from Michigan Works!."

Claimants must be referred by UIA to receive services through the RESEA program. Funding is provided through an award from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL). More information about RESEA and individualized reemployment services is available on the USDOL's website, DOL.gov.

To contact the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit MichiganWorks.org.