Evaluating Ohio’s RESEA Program with Administrative Data and a Randomized Controlled Trial Design

• In Event: State Research Partnerships: Using Administrative Data to Build Evidence

Abstract

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is collaborating with The Ohio State University (OSU) to conduct a statewide randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program, which provides job search assistance to Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants. The primary goal of the evaluation is to examine whether the RESEA program can reduce the number of weeks UI claimants receive benefits and improves their labor market outcomes. We are currently in the middle of an 18-month period during which we randomize hundreds of UI claimants each week. We will share how we are leveraging Ohio’s rich administrative data to monitor the ongoing randomization process and ensure it is properly implemented over time. In addition, we explore how linking additional administrative data enables us to provide more comprehensive insights to the state, such as whether RESEA significantly increases participation in Ohio’s workforce programs and whether it is especially beneficial for certain populations.

Author

• Tian Lou, The Ohio State University
  Presenting Author