Funding to Support Ongoing Administration of Certain Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Programs – Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Can you apply?
This grant is for administering the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program established under the CARES Act. States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands can apply. Awards cover ongoing administrative costs for this federal unemployment insurance program. Applicants must be state workforce agencies or designated administrators of the PUA program.
This grant is for administering the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program established under the CARES Act. States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands can apply. Awards cover ongoing administrative costs for this federal unemployment insurance program. Applicants must be state workforce agencies or designated administrators of the PUA program.
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 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) 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 the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program established under the CARES Act. States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands can apply. Awards cover ongoing administrative costs for this federal unemployment insurance program. Applicants must be state workforce agencies or designated administrators of the PUA program.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Detailed budget narrative with itemized administrative costs
- Cost allocation methodology documentation
- State workforce agency certification
- PUA program operational plan or summary
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 is eligible to apply for this grant?
States, DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands can apply. Your state must administer the PUA program.
What does this funding cover?
Funding pays for administrative costs of running the PUA program. This includes staffing, systems, and operational expenses.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is June 22, 2026.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards vary based on state needs and program requirements. Specific amounts depend on your state's administrative cost submissions.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, this is a fully federally-funded program. No matching funds are required.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Document your state's actual administrative costs for PUA with detail and specificity. Include staffing, technology, and operational expenses.
- Build relationships with your state's U.S. Department of Labor regional office. They can clarify funding expectations before you submit.
- Track pandemic-related expenses separately. The DOL wants to understand which costs resulted directly from PUA administration.
- Submit budget narratives that explain how funding directly supports program integrity and claimant services.
- Plan ahead for the June 2026 deadline. Gather financial records and cost documentation early in the application process.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting vague cost allocations instead of itemized administrative expenses tied to specific PUA functions. Failing to distinguish between one-time pandemic startup costs and ongoing operational expenses. Not coordinating with your state's DOL office before submission to ensure compliance with federal administrative cost guidelines.
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