PY2025 Planning Instruction and Allotments for Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) State and Territorial Grantees

The Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 16-24 from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) provides detailed guidance and funding instructions for the Program Year (PY) 2025 Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This program serves older adults with low incomes by providing part-time, community service-based training to promote employment. The TEGL is addressed to SCSEP grantees including state and territorial workforce administrators and liaisons. Its purpose is to offer planning and allotment instructions aligned with the PY 2025 Federal budget, as authorized by the Older Americans Act and subsequent appropriations laws. The program seeks to reduce poverty and unemployment among older workers while providing needed services to local communities. Funding for the SCSEP under PY 2025 is drawn from the FY 2024 appropriations act (Public Law 118-47) and includes $85,869,039 for state, territorial, and national grantees. State and territory grantees receive $39,985,000 while national grantees will receive the remaining $307,078,026. These funds are distributed by formula to each eligible entity, with authorized positions and dollar amounts detailed in Attachment I of the TEGL. Administrative costs are capped at 13.5% of total award, though grantees may request approval for up to 15% with sufficient justification. Funding must be used in accordance with federal cost principles and program guidelines as outlined in 2 CFR 200 and 20 CFR Part 641. Eligible applicants are restricted to current SCSEP grantees, specifically state and territorial agencies. The program is not open to the general public or non-governmental organizations. Required documentation for application submission includes a completed SF-424 and SF-424A, a budget narrative, a program narrative that includes updates on minority services and organizational structure, and a signed programmatic assurance form. Optional attachments such as training and supportive services proposals, and waiver requests may be submitted as applicable. Applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov, and grantees are advised to begin the process early to avoid technical issues. Adobe digital signatures are permitted. Grant recipients must allocate at least 75% of the federal funds toward participant wages and fringe benefits, with the remaining 25% used for administrative and supportive services. The guidance strictly prohibits the use of funds for construction or capital improvements. In-kind contributions may be counted toward the required non-federal cost share, calculated using a formula outlined in 2 CFR Part 200. If the grantee fails to meet the required match, they may need to reimburse ETA. Budget narratives must adhere to specific formatting and include detailed justifications for each line item, especially for personnel and indirect costs. Applications for the PY 2025 cycle are due through Grants.gov, though the TEGL does not specify a hard close date. The open date for submission is July 1, 2025. The grant is recurring, with the next anticipated cycle occurring in July 2026. Applicants must also ensure compliance with data collection and reporting guidelines, maintain files for three years after the program year, and meet all privacy and administrative systems requirements. Contact information for technical issues during application submission includes email support@grants.gov and phone numbers 800-518-4726 or 606-545-5035. All grant-related questions must be directed to the SCSEP email address at scsep@dol.gov. The TEGL also includes multiple attachments with further instructions on budget narratives, funding restrictions, programmatic assurances, and optional waiver processes. Notably, optional requests include items such as increased duration limits for participants, cross-border agreements, and changes in equitable distribution of participant positions. These requests must be submitted separately and include a clear rationale for proposed changes. Overall, TEGL 16-24 offers comprehensive guidance for the upcoming fiscal year to support older workers through employment training and community service.

Begin submission process early to avoid technical issues; use Adobe digital signatures if necessary; ensure cost categories are aligned with federal regulations