Funding to Support Ongoing Administration of Certain Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Programs – Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
Can you apply?
This grant is for administering Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) under the CARES Act. Only state workforce agencies are eligible: all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. The funding covers ongoing administrative costs for processing and distributing unemployment benefits. This is not open to local governments, nonprofits, or individuals.
This grant is for administering Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) under the CARES Act. Only state workforce agencies are eligible: all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. The funding covers ongoing administrative costs for processing and distributing unemployment benefits. This is not open to local governments, nonprofits, or individuals.
Program description
This Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) announces the availability of funding to pay for the ongoing costs of administering the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program. Questions regarding this Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) may be emailed to Chanta Ferrell (ferrell.chanta@dol.gov).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for administering Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) under the CARES Act. Only state workforce agencies are eligible: all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. The funding covers ongoing administrative costs for processing and distributing unemployment benefits. This is not open to local governments, nonprofits, or individuals.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Budget and budget narrative justifying administrative costs
- Statement of Work describing program administration activities
- Documentation of cost allocation methodology
- Organizational capacity statement for state workforce agency
Program contact
- 👤 Employment and Training Administration
- 📧 Ferrell.Chanta@dol.gov
- 📞 202-693-2606
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 17.225 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,030,386,094
-
$674,229,080
-
$446,782,232
-
$412,618,934
-
$388,131,117
-
$382,430,402
-
$366,144,556
-
$364,387,662
-
$336,483,160
-
$324,473,452
Top States by Funding
- CA 6 awards $2,622.1M
- NY 7 awards $1,679.7M
- TX 7 awards $1,273.3M
- MI 7 awards $1,084.9M
- GU 1 awards $1,030.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 17.225). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $40,585,402,473 | |
| 2025 | $41,800,607,770 | |
| 2026 est. | $44,516,634,991 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only state workforce agencies (or equivalent state bodies) administering unemployment insurance programs. All 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands are eligible.
What is this funding for?
Paying administrative costs to operate the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program under the CARES Act.
What is the typical funding amount?
Amounts vary by state based on administrative needs. The total program pool is $53 million.
Can nonprofits or local governments apply?
No. Only state-level workforce agencies can apply.
What is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is June 22, 2026.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Submit through your state's official workforce agency or designated fiscal agent. Do not apply as an individual entity.
- Focus your justification on documented administrative costs: staff time, systems, training, compliance.
- Coordinate with your state labor department to ensure alignment with unemployment insurance program structure.
- Include detailed cost breakdowns by functional area (eligibility, payment processing, audits, fraud prevention).
- Track actual program administration expenses throughout the year to support your funding request.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying as a local government or nonprofit instead of the state workforce agency. Requesting funds for non-administrative costs (benefits payments themselves are not eligible). Submitting vague or unsupported cost estimates without documentation of actual administrative needs.
Similar grants
- ROLLING RTAP Grant Program (Rolling) — Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
- OPEN 2026 JAG/SCIP Innovation — Iowa Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy
- OPEN 2025-2026 WBL-LIFT (Work-Based Learning Leadership & Investment for Field Training) — Iowa Education
- OPEN FY27 Credentials to Careers Grant – Aligning Career & Technical Education Programs with Industry-Recognized Credentials — Iowa Education
- OPEN FY27 RFP COAEEAP27007 for TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE for NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) GRANT PROPOSAL — Iowa Department of Health and Human Services