SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota is receiving more than $260,000 from the federal government to provide re-employment and eligibility assessments for those who receive unemployment benefits.

The funding from the U.S. Department of Labor aims to help the newly unemployed reduce the time between jobs and help prevent improper payments from the federal Unemployment Insurance program.

The services funded will help people develop re-employment plans and give them referrals to re-employment services or training. The money will also fund eligibility reviews for benefit recipients.

Nationwide, the federal government has awarded $80 million to workforce agencies in 44 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.

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