2026 National Unemployment Insurance Convening Reimbursement Instructions

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has issued Unemployment Insurance Program Letter No. 08-26 to provide official reimbursement guidance for the 2026 National Unemployment Insurance (UI) Convening. This convening, scheduled for March 10–11, 2026, will take place at the Frances Perkins Building in Washington, D.C. The initiative is part of a broader federal commitment to enhance program integrity, performance, and data quality in the national UI system, following funding provisions from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and subsequent legislation. With performance metrics under increasing scrutiny, the Department is prioritizing direct engagement with state UI agencies, including via strategic sessions like this convening. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to cover travel expenses for up to two representatives from each state workforce agency to attend the 2026 National UI Convening. This effort is designed to support collaboration and performance improvement in UI program delivery. In particular, the convening aims to align efforts around meeting key national performance goals, including reducing improper payment rates, improving first payment timeliness, and ensuring nonmonetary determination timelines are met. The event will also foster feedback loops between the Department and states, informed by recent data validation communications and state performance summaries. Funds may be used for direct travel-related costs only. Eligible reimbursable expenses include transportation (airfare, train, or mileage via privately owned vehicle), lodging (up to $276/night per federal per diem rates), and per diem for meals and incidentals (up to $92 for full days, $69 for travel days). Reimbursement is limited to three hotel nights and four per diem days. Allowable miscellaneous costs such as parking or baggage fees may be covered if deemed necessary and reasonable. The reimbursement does not draw from regular UI administrative funds, and is instead provided under a separate grant process. To access the reimbursement, states must submit a grant application through Grants.gov using Form SF-424 (OMB Approval No. 4040-0004). The application must include both the SF-424 form and a detailed travel reimbursement document (provided as Attachment II of the UIPL), with actual cost documentation. Applications must clearly note “UIPL No. 08-26 2026 National UI Convening” in the designated form section. Submission is due within 30 days of the publication of the UIPL, placing the deadline at April 4, 2026. States that fail to submit a complete application package, including the reimbursement documentation, will not be eligible for funding. No pre-application steps, such as letters of intent or concept papers, are required. The grant is intended solely for travel reimbursement and is limited in scope and application. Evaluation is binary—applications either meet the submission criteria with supporting documentation and are processed for reimbursement, or they are not accepted. Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] with a copy sent to the appropriate ETA regional office. The official deadline is firm, and reimbursement will be provided only after submission and review. This opportunity is a one-time reimbursement grant connected to a scheduled federal convening. There is no indication of recurrence or future application rounds, and the scope is strictly limited to the March 2026 convening. Any questions should be directed to the applicant’s respective ETA regional office. More information, including the travel reimbursement worksheet and instructions for completing Form SF-424, is included as attachments to UIPL No. 08-26.