ATLANTA (AP) _ Federal labor officials have awarded more than $300,000 to fund re-employment programs and eligibility assessments for the unemployed in Georgia.

The U.S. Department of Labor said Tuesday that the money awarded to Georgia is part of more than $68 million that was awarded to 37 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez said in a statement the grants will help states offer training to the jobless and will help Unemployment Insurance agencies ensure that payments are being made to people who actually need the help.

Officials say the funding will support in-person assessments at job centers where unemployment claimants will develop individual re-employment plans and more.