The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has issued its Program Year 2026 Veteran Employment Program (VEP) Notice of Grant Availability, released October 6, 2026. This is a competitive financial-assistance grant to expand employment services and remove barriers for Pennsylvania veterans, including veterans with disabilities, and eligible military spouses.
Funding and award basis
Approximately $200,000 in total program funding is available, with one award anticipated. The notice does not guarantee an individual award amount or establish a separate fixed applicant ceiling; L&I may approve only part of a proposal. Funding is 100% state Reemployment funds. Costs are reimbursed after documented expenditure and monthly invoicing; grants are not unrestricted advances.
Applicant eligibility
Eligible organizations include local workforce development boards, nonprofits and other nongovernmental entities, community-based organizations, education and postsecondary organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic-development organizations able to serve veterans and spouses. A consortium must name one lead applicant. An organization holding a current VEP grant cannot apply or serve as the primary recipient under another lead applicant. A Pennsylvania SAP vendor identification number and federal EIN are required for an executed award; applications may be submitted before the vendor number arrives.
Allowable services and restrictions
Proposals must offer at least one employment-related supportive service, such as job-search and interview assistance, readiness coaching, occupational or apprenticeship training, credentials and testing, or necessary transportation, childcare, or work-related items. Program participants must meet the notice’s veteran or spouse documentation requirements and be seeking employment. Administrative costs cannot exceed 10% of the requested grant. Pre-award costs, construction, lobbying services, food, and expenditures not directly associated with the award are ineligible. Indirect costs require an approved rate or documented de minimis justification. A mandatory cash match is not stated; applicants report leveraged or matching funds if applicable.
Application and deadline
Deadline: November 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants email the full submission to RA-LI-BWDA-GS@pa.gov with subject NGA Application – VEP PY 2026. Required items include the application form, project summary, project narrative (maximum 10 pages), at least two distinct support letters, the Excel grant budget and PDF justification, worker-protection certification, grant action plan, and the applicable local workforce board notification. Follow the notice’s file-format and submission rules. The anticipated project period is April 1, 2027–November 30, 2028, plus retention tracking through May 31, 2029.
Official Pennsylvania L&I VEP PY2026 controlling Notice of Grant Availability (PDF). Source verified October 13, 2026.