Reemployment (RESEA) interviews help people get back to work.

This blog was updated July 5, 2024Action plan graphic

What is a Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA)? 

A Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment is a required assessment designed to provide people who are unemployed with the support, tools and resources to help them return to work as quickly as possible.  Claimants who are selected are required to attend a mandatory appointment at their nearest Idaho Department of Labor office. Labor’s workforce consultants are experts at helping people find work by providing: 

  • individualized feedback.
  • resume help.
  • a work search plan.
  • free access to tools like Big Interview.
  • labor market information via JobScape.
  • ideas for seeking work and workshop information.

Why was I selected for the interview?  

Don’t worry — a RESEA interview does not mean you did anything wrong. You were randomly selected to take part in the process. It is designed to be collaborative and help you get back to work. However, this interview is required. If you do not attend, you could be denied benefits until you do.

Index:

Why is the interview required?

To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you must seek work and do certain work search actions. Required work search actions include an in-person interview if you are selected. The end goal is for you to get back to work, and this interview will help.

Is it a group meeting?

Your orientation may be one-on-one or in a group meeting, depending on your local office. Your workforce consultant will let you know what type of orientation you will have when you arrive.

The orientation will introduce the:

    • IdahoWorks website and other work search tools.
    • Individualized services and classes.
    • Reemployment and training programs.

How long is the interview?

You can expect the orientation and one-on-one meeting to take up to 2 hours.

What should I bring to the interview?

Please bring a copy of your current resume or a list of skills and employment information.

Does the RESEA interview count as a required work search action?

Yes. Your RESEA interview will count as a valid work search action for the week you attend the interview. Your workforce consultant will show you how to document your interview as an action on your weekly certification for unemployment benefits.

What do I have to do after the interview?

Your workforce consultant may ask you to apply for a position(s) that aligns with your skills and experience, attend a job fair, or practice your interview skills by using our Big Interview tool.

You must follow these instructions within two business days. If you do not follow these instructions, you may become ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Your workforce consultant will tell you more about your required task in the interview.

I am job attached. Do I still need to attend the interview?

Contact a claims representative at (208) 332-8942 to make sure you can be coded as job attached. If you are coded as job attached, we may be able cancel your appointment.

I’ve returned to work full time and I can’t attend the interview. Do I still need to go?

The purpose of the interview is to help you find full-time work. If you have returned to full-time work, contact your local office to be taken off the schedule and prevent future unemployment insurance issues.

Can I reschedule my interview?

Yes. You may reschedule your interview by contacting the office listed on your letter. Keep in mind that you are required to be available for work and continue to complete work search activities to qualify for unemployment insurance.

If you reschedule your appointment, we may have to review your availability for the week. We address availability and make eligibility determinations based on state and federal laws and rules, and your individual circumstances.

I was denied benefits for missing my interview this past week. Will I get paid for the week I missed if I reschedule my RESEA interview for this week?

No. You were denied benefits for the week you missed your appointment and will not be eligible for benefits that week. You may reschedule your appointment. Once you attend your interview, you will be eligible for benefits again.

How do I start receiving benefits again if I miss my appointment?

Once you attend your interview with your workforce consultant, you will be eligible for benefits the week of the interview. You may contact a claim specialist at (208) 332-8942 after you have completed your interview. A claim specialist will end the disqualification from your claim once they confirm you attended the interview.

When will I receive payment after I attend my RESEA interview?

You will be eligible for payment during the week you attend your interview. We will end the disqualification once you complete your interview.

Once the week is over, you may submit your weekly certification for the week (normally on Sunday). If there are no other issues, payment will be issued and available three business days after you submit your weekly certification.

Why didn’t I get an interview notice in the mail?

Your mailing address could be outdated. Please check the Claimant Portal at labor.idaho.gov/claimantportal to make sure your mailing address is up to date. Interview notices are mailed on Mondays for interviews beginning the following Monday.

You were also sent an email regarding the interview. Please check the inbox of the email you provided when filing for benefits.

What if I am denied benefits because I didn’t receive the RESEA letter?

If you wish to appeal the determination, follow the protest instructions on the determination letter that was mailed to you. You may reschedule your appointment. Once you attend your RESEA interview, you may be eligible for benefits again.

– The Idaho Department of Labor

The Idaho Department of Labor’s unemployment insurance program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY24 as part of the Employment and Training Administration Grant (80%) and state/nonfederal funds (20%) totaling $20,717,534.