SCSEP Senior Employment: The PAID Job Training Program for Adults 55+ Budget Seniors, December 28, 2025February 5, 2026 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About SCSEP 📋 ❓ Your Question✅ Quick AnswerWhat age do I need to be?Program participants must be at least 55 New York State Office for the AgingHow much can I earn?Households at or below 125% of the federal poverty levelDo I get PAID?Participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid the highest of the federal, state, or local minimum wageWho gets priority?Veterans and qualified spouses, then individuals who are over 65, have a disability, have low literacy skills or limited English proficiency ScHow long can I participate?Individual SCSEP participation is limited to 48 monthsWhere do I train?Local nonprofits and public agencies—day care centers, senior centers, schools, and hospitals AARP 💵 Yes, You Get PAID While Training—Here’s How Much Program participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid the highest of the federal, state, or local minimum wage. 💰 Payment DetailsWhat You Get💡 Why It MattersWage RateHighest federal, state, or local minimum wageYou get the BEST rate availableHours Per WeekAn average of 19 hours per weekPart-time, flexible schedulePayment SchedulePaid the minimum wage in their area on a bi-weekly basisRegular paychecksWho Pays YouParticipants are not employed by the Host Agency as they are paid through the SCSEPSCSEP pays your wages directlyBenefits ProtectionCongress has exempted SCSEP wages from income eligibility for Federal housing programs and food stampsWon’t lose your benefits “If it wasn’t for SCSEP, I wouldn’t be where I’m at; I’d still be on disability,” Joyce says. “It shows that getting older doesn’t mean you are through living. There is still so much to offer.” 📊 2025 Income Limits: Do You Qualify at 125% Federal Poverty Level? To qualify, they must be able to work in the United States and earn 125 percent or less of the federal poverty level each year. 2025 SCSEP Income Guidelines (125% FPL): 👥 Household Size💵 Annual Maximum📅 Monthly Maximum💡 Weekly1 person$19,563$1,630$3762 people$26,500$2,208$5103 people$33,438$2,787$6434 people$40,375$3,365$7765 people$47,313$3,943$910Each additional+$6,938+$578+$133 CRITICAL INCOME EXCLUSIONS: Income that is excluded for purposes of the SCSEP program includes: Social Security Disability Income; 25% of Social Security Income; unemployment benefits; SNAP (food stamp) benefits; housing benefits and certain payments to veterans. Persons who have a documented disability, are considered to be a family of one, even if they live with several people in a household. 🎯 Priority Enrollment: Veterans and These 9 Groups Jump the Line Enrollment priority is given to veterans and qualified spouses, then to individuals who are over 65, have a disability, have low literacy skills or limited English proficiency, reside in a rural area, are homeless or at risk of homelessness, have low employment prospects, or have failed to find employment after using services. Sc 🏆 Priority LevelWho QualifiesDocumentation Needed#1 FIRST PRIORITYVeterans and their eligible spouses, as long as their discharge was not dishonorableDD-214#2 Age 65+Age 65 years or olderPhoto ID with birthdate#3 DisabilityHave a disabilitySSI/SSDI documentation#4 Limited EnglishLimited English proficiencySelf-certification#5 Low LiteracyLow literacy skillsSelf-certification#6 Rural ResidentsReside in a rural areaAddress verification#7 Homeless/At-RiskAre homeless or at risk of homelessnessSelf-certification#8 Low Employment ProspectsHave low employment prospectsAssessment by staff#9 Formerly IncarceratedHad been incarcerated in the past five yearsSelf-disclosure#10 Failed Job CenterHave failed to find employment after using services provided through the One-Stop delivery systemJob center documentation 🏢 Where Will You Train? Real Host Agency Placements SCSEP participants are placed in a wide variety of community service activities at nonprofit and public facilities, allowing these agencies to enhance and provide needed services and older workers to gain job skills. 🏛️ Host Agency TypeExample Positions💡 Skills You’ll LearnSenior CentersReceptionist, activity coordinatorCustomer service, event planningSchoolsOffice assistant, library aideAdministrative, computer skillsHospitalsPatient transport, information deskHealthcare environment, communicationDay Care CentersClassroom aide, kitchen helperChildcare, food serviceLibrariesBook processing, patron assistanceTechnology, organizationGovernment OfficesClerical support, data entryOffice skills, government processesFood BanksInventory, distributionLogistics, volunteer coordinationVeteran Service OrgsCase management support, outreachSocial services, advocacy Participants are assessed for aptitude, areas of interest, and skill gaps, or barriers to employment. Host agency training locations are then based on those factors. 📋 What Services Do You ACTUALLY Receive? SCSEP participants also receive a variety of services including Individual Employment Plan development, orientation, community service placement, training specific to an individual’s community service assignment, and other training, as necessary. Supportive services, annual physicals, assistance in securing unsubsidized employment, and access to local American Job Centers are also available. 🛠️ ServiceWhat You Get💡 BenefitIndividual Employment Plan (IEP)All participants are provided an Individual Employment Plan to define their employment goals and the steps needed to reach those goalsPersonalized roadmapSkills AssessmentAssessment of skills, experience, education, interests and any added help you needKnow your strengthsPaid Training Assignment20 hours/week at minimum wageEarn while you learnAnnual PhysicalHealth screening includedStay healthySupportive ServicesHelp with things that make it hard for someone to get a job, like transportation, housing and getting proper work clothesRemove barriersJob Search AssistanceResume help, interview coachingLand permanent jobComputer TrainingAll participants engage in computer trainingModern skillsCertificationsMany also earn industry-recognized certifications while enrolledCredentialsAmerican Job Center AccessFull workforce servicesAdditional resources ⏰ The 48-Month Limit: Understanding Your Time in the Program Individual SCSEP participation is limited to 48 months, unless an extension is authorized based on statutory requirements. ⏱️ Time ElementDetails💡 StrategyMaximum Duration48 months (4 years) lifetimeUse time wiselyAverage AssignmentParticipant assignments average 18-20 monthsMost don’t need full 4 yearsProgram GoalThe program helps participants learn the skills they need and access other resources so they can find a job in one or two yearsBridge to permanent workRecertificationAnnual eligibility verificationKeep documents currentExtensionsBased on statutory requirementsAsk your coordinator 💬 Comment 1: “Will SCSEP Wages Affect My Benefits?” Short Answer: 🛡️ SCSEP wages are PROTECTED from most benefit calculations! Congress has exempted SCSEP wages from income eligibility for Federal housing programs and food stamps. 💰 Benefit TypeImpact💡 DetailsHUD HousingSCSEP does not affect HUD housingProtectedSNAP/Food StampsSCSEP does not affect eligibility in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (i.e., food stamps)ProtectedMedicaid (AHCCCS)SCSEP training wages may affect certain benefits, such as AHCCCSCheck with your stateSocial SecurityMay affect if under full retirement ageCheck earnings limits Applicants are encouraged to contact their benefit source to verify how SCSEP wages will affect their benefit income. 💬 Comment 2: “What If I’m a Person with a Disability?” Short Answer: 🎯 You get BOTH priority enrollment AND special income calculation! A person with a disability may be treated as a ‘family of one’ for income eligibility determination purposes at the option of the applicant. This is huge. If you have a documented disability and live with family members who have higher incomes, you can choose to have ONLY your income counted—not theirs. This dramatically increases your chances of qualifying. 🔑 Disability AdvantageWhat It MeansPriority #3 EnrollmentJump ahead on waitlist“Family of One” OptionYour income only—not householdSSDI ExclusionSocial Security Disability Income is excludedAccommodationsHost agencies must accommodate 💬 Comment 3: “What’s the Difference Between SCSEP Grantees?” Short Answer: 🏢 Multiple organizations run SCSEP in your area—find all of them! There are 18 national nonprofit organizations which the SCSEP Program is administered through along with multiple State organizations. 🏛️ National GranteesFocus/SpecialtyContactAARP FoundationAARP Foundation SCSEP is funded by a $46,889,529 grant from the U.S. Department of Laboraarp.org/aarp-foundationNational Council on Aging (NCOA)NCOA manages 24 SCSEP offices throughout the United States and Puerto Riconcoa.orgGoodwill IndustriesGoodwill Industries International, Inc.goodwill.orgNational Urban LeagueUrban communitiesnul.orgNational Caucus on Black Aged (NCBA)National Caucus and Center on Black Aged (NCBA)ncba-aged.orgSER Jobs for ProgressService, Employment, and Redevelopment (SER) Jobs for Progress National, Inc.ser-national.orgNational Indian Council on AgingNative American communitiesnicoa.orgNational Asian Pacific Center on AgingAsian/Pacific communitiesnapca.orgEaster SealsDisability serviceseasterseals.comCWI WorksMore than 7,000 older job seekers participate in our SCSEP program annuallycwiworks.org PRO TIP: Multiple grantees may serve your county. If one has a waitlist, try another! 💬 Comment 4: “Can the Host Agency Hire Me Permanently?” Short Answer: ✅ YES—and that’s the ultimate goal! In some cases, participants have been permanently hired by their host agency, depending on their employment needs at the time. 🎯 Path to EmploymentHow It WorksDirect HireHost agency offers permanent positionTrial EmploymentTrial employment is a true “Try-Before-You-Hire” opportunity for older job seekers to work for an agreed upon period of time without any risk to you. During that time, Nebraska SCSEP pays the job seeker’s wagesOn-the-Job Experience (OJE)Through OJE, the local SCSEP project agrees to pay all or part of a mature worker’s wages while he or she is being trainedJob Search SupportParticipants are required to look for unsubsidized employment during their training and provide job search documentationWage ReimbursementIf you hire the participant after the trial period, your business might qualify for wage reimbursement ⚠️ 2025 Funding Situation: What You Need to Know While DOL has indicated that SCSEP is expected to be funded through June 30, 2026, the absence of official documentation and the delay in the release of funds has already prevented many grantees from continuing operations beyond June 30, 2025. 📊 Current StatusRealityYour ActionProgram Eliminated?SCSEP has not been eliminated and continues to operate in many communitiesStill accepting applicationsFunding DelaysSome organizations experienced pauses or slowdowns in 2025, while others received funding later and resumed servicesCheck local statusLocal VariationLocal availability may vary. Participation and start times can depend on your location and current funding levelsCall your local providerApply Now?Applying is still worthwhile. Getting connected now can open doors as funding cycles shift and positions become availableYES—apply immediately The Senior Community Service Employment Program has just been approved for funding after President Trump’s anti-DEI policies stalled its budget for four months. 📝 How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process StepActionDetails1️⃣ Find ProvidersContact your local One-Stop Career Center through 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627)National hotline2️⃣ Contact State AgencyVisit your State Department on AgingState-run programs3️⃣ Try National GranteesContact AARP, NCOA, Goodwill, etc.Multiple options4️⃣ Gather DocumentsProvide proof of annual household income for last 6-12 months. Benefit statements from Social Security, SSI and SSDIIncome verification5️⃣ Complete AssessmentWhile in training, participants receive an assessment to find individual needs for training, supportive services and their potential for unsubsidized employmentSkills evaluation6️⃣ Get MatchedHost agency assignment based on your goalsStart training 📞 Essential Contact Information by State 🗺️ StateContactPhone/WebsiteNational HotlineCareerOneStop1-877-872-5627AARP FoundationNationalaarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/income/scsepNCOANationalncoa.org/article/about-the-senior-community-service-employment-program-scsepArizonaDESEmail [email protected]ColoradoCDHScdhs.colorado.govFloridaDOEAelderaffairs.orgHawaiiOahu: (808) 786-5701, Hilo: (808) 981-2860labor.hawaii.govIndianaDWDCall 765-830-WORKLouisianaGOEAgoea.louisiana.govMarylandMD Labor410-767-2160, [email protected]MissouriDHSS573-526-4542, [email protected]New YorkOffice for the Agingaging.ny.govTexasTWCtwc.texas.govVirginiaDARS804.662.7000, Toll Free: 800.552.5019 📊 Quick Recap: Why SCSEP Matters for You 📝 Age 55+ Only 👴: The nation’s oldest program designed to help low-income, unemployed adults age 55 and older find work NCOA PAID Training 💵: Participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid the highest federal, state, or local minimum wage Sc 125% FPL Income Limit 📊: $19,563/year for 1 person, $26,500 for 2 people Veterans First 🎖️: First priority for program enrollment is given to veterans and their eligible spouses Louisiana Disability “Family of One” ♿: A person with a disability may be treated as a ‘family of one’ for income eligibility Policy and Manual Management System (PAMMS) Benefits Protected 🛡️: Congress has exempted SCSEP wages from income eligibility for Federal housing programs and food stamps Maryland Department of Labor 48-Month Maximum ⏰: Individual SCSEP participation is limited to 48 months New York State Office for the Aging Skills + Certifications 📜: Many also earn industry-recognized certifications while enrolled A4TD 40+ Million Service Hours 🏛️: The program provides more than 40 million community service hours to public and non-profit agencies Leads to Jobs 🎯: For most, their SCSEP experience leads to permanent employment “Without SCSEP I wouldn’t be able to support myself while I get more training to be able to get a good job. This program has become a life saver for me. I can’t begin to tell you how important it is to me and my quality of life. Although we’re older, all we need is a chance to prove ourselves that we can still work hard and SCSEP gives us that chance, our foot in the door to prove ourselves.” Start Here: Call 1-877-872-5627 (CareerOneStop) or visit your local American Job Center 💚 Government & Housing Assistance