Funding to Support Ongoing Administration of Certain Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Programs Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation

The Funding to Support Ongoing Administration of Certain Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Programs – Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor through its Employment and Training Administration. This funding opportunity is part of a broader federal effort to support state-level administration of unemployment insurance programs that were originally established under the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program expired in 2021, state workforce agencies continue to manage residual administrative responsibilities tied to claims processing, fraud mitigation, reporting, and financial reconciliation. This grant provides targeted funding to ensure those ongoing obligations can be completed effectively. The purpose of this funding is to reimburse and support state workforce agencies for administrative costs associated with continued oversight of the PEUC program. These activities include resolving outstanding claims, addressing fraud and improper payments, maintaining accurate program data, and completing required reporting and audit processes. The funding recognizes that administrative burdens persist even after benefit programs end, particularly given the scale and complexity of pandemic-era unemployment systems. As such, the grant emphasizes program integrity, data accuracy, and compliance with federal oversight requirements. Allowable uses of funds are strictly limited to administrative activities related to the PEUC program. These include program integrity efforts such as investigating fraud, recovering overpayments, and resolving appeals; data integrity and reporting activities including reconciliation of financial reports and retention of program records; and audit-related or oversight activities involving coordination with federal entities such as the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General or the Government Accountability Office. States may also propose additional administrative costs, provided they can demonstrate that such costs are necessary, reasonable, and allowable under federal cost principles. All expenditures must comply with applicable federal regulations, including Uniform Administrative Requirements under 2 CFR Parts 200 and 2900. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to state workforce agencies, including those representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These agencies must have previously administered CARES Act unemployment programs and continue to carry responsibilities related to those programs. Each eligible entity may submit only one application for PEUC administrative funding. The application must clearly justify the requested funding amount and describe the specific administrative activities to be supported over the grant period. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms and supporting documentation. Applicants must submit the SF-424 and SF-424A forms through Grants.gov, along with a complete application package sent via email to the Department of Labor. This package includes a UI Grant Application detailing planned activities and a comprehensive budget narrative explaining projected costs. Applications must be submitted electronically by the specified deadline, and failure to provide all required materials may result in ineligibility for funding. The Department reviews applications on a rolling basis during the application window, allowing for earlier funding decisions for timely submissions. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 18, 2026 according to the official program letter, although the Grants.gov listing reflects a closing date of June 22, 2026. Applicants are advised to adhere to the earlier deadline to ensure compliance with submission requirements. Once awarded, funds are available for use during the period of performance from January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. During this period, recipients must submit quarterly financial and progress reports documenting the use of funds and progress on administrative activities. Oversight and evaluation of funded activities are conducted through required reporting mechanisms, including the ETA 9130 Quarterly Financial Report and the ETA 9178 Quarterly Progress Report. These reports allow the Department of Labor to monitor compliance, assess effectiveness, and ensure that funds are used appropriately. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the designated program officer via email. This funding opportunity reflects the federal government’s continued commitment to ensuring accountability and closure of pandemic-related unemployment programs through sustained administrative support.

Submit early to allow for rolling review and ensure budget narrative clearly aligns with requested activities and allowable administrative costs