Program Year 2026 Senior Community Service Employment Program State, Territorial, and National Grantees
Can you apply?
This grant is for current Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) state, territorial, and national grantees only. Applicants must hold an existing SCSEP award from prior program years. New applicants are not eligible.
The program operates nationwide, covering all U.S. states and territories. Eligible grantees submit applications to renew or modify their funding allocations for Program Year 2026.
Funded activities serve low-income workers age 55 and older through community service employment and training. Grantees must serve their designated service areas with approved program components.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Program description
This Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) provides Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) state, territorial, and national grantees with Program Year (PY) 2026 SCSEP allotments and the application instructions for PY 2026 grant submissions.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- TEGL-required forms and templates
- Current grant documentation and compliance records
- Service area and target population descriptions
- Budget narrative and allotment justification
- Authorized official certification
Program contact
- 👤 Employment and Training Administration
- 📧 SCSEP.OGM@dol.gov
- 📞 202-693-2606
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 17.235 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$46,972,581
-
$46,459,821
-
$46,214,325
-
$46,043,123
-
$45,826,615
-
$45,795,282
-
$45,449,319
-
$36,482,971
-
$34,820,118
-
$34,588,791
Top States by Funding
- MD 10 awards $312.0M
- DC 10 awards $281.8M
- VA 6 awards $172.9M
- TX 10 awards $127.3M
- IL 8 awards $101.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 17.235). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $423,398,330 | |
| 2025 | $395,916,856 | |
| 2026 est. | $389,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only current SCSEP state, territorial, and national grantees with existing awards may apply. New applicants are not eligible.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 20, 2026. This is a fixed annual deadline tied to the program year cycle.
What activities does this grant fund?
SCSEP funds community service employment and training for low-income workers age 55 and older. Grantees manage job training and subsidized employment in community service roles.
How competitive is this grant?
Funding is based on allotments using a statutory formula. Continuation of funding depends on maintaining compliance and performance standards from your prior award.
What is the typical award range?
Awards vary significantly by state and territory. Total program funding is approximately $380 million, distributed to existing grantees through formula allocation.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Verify your organization's grantee status before investing application effort. Only current SCSEP awardees can compete.
- Review the prior year's TEGL and allotment tables to understand your baseline allocation and any changes for PY 2026.
- Ensure compliance documentation from your current grant is current and complete before submitting.
- Include any updates to your service area, target population demographics, or program partners in your application.
- Submit 2-3 weeks early to allow time for internal review and to avoid last-minute technical submission issues.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying when your organization is not an active SCSEP state or territorial grantee. Submitting incomplete compliance documentation from your current award. Failing to address changes in service area, staff capacity, or partner organizations since your last grant cycle.
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