Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About SCSEP 📋
| ❓ Your Question | ✅ Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| What age do I need to be? | Program participants must be at least 55 New York State Office for the Aging |
| How much can I earn? | Households at or below 125% of the federal poverty level |
| Do I get PAID? | Participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid the highest of the federal, state, or local minimum wage |
| Who gets priority? | Veterans and qualified spouses, then individuals who are over 65, have a disability, have low literacy skills or limited English proficiency Sc |
| How long can I participate? | Individual SCSEP participation is limited to 48 months |
| Where 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 Details | What You Get | 💡 Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Wage Rate | Highest federal, state, or local minimum wage | You get the BEST rate available |
| Hours Per Week | An average of 19 hours per week | Part-time, flexible schedule |
| Payment Schedule | Paid the minimum wage in their area on a bi-weekly basis | Regular paychecks |
| Who Pays You | Participants are not employed by the Host Agency as they are paid through the SCSEP | SCSEP pays your wages directly |
| Benefits Protection | Congress has exempted SCSEP wages from income eligibility for Federal housing programs and food stamps | Won’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 | 💡 Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $19,563 | $1,630 | $376 |
| 2 people | $26,500 | $2,208 | $510 |
| 3 people | $33,438 | $2,787 | $643 |
| 4 people | $40,375 | $3,365 | $776 |
| 5 people | $47,313 | $3,943 | $910 |
| Each 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 Level | Who Qualifies | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| #1 FIRST PRIORITY | Veterans and their eligible spouses, as long as their discharge was not dishonorable | DD-214 |
| #2 Age 65+ | Age 65 years or older | Photo ID with birthdate |
| #3 Disability | Have a disability | SSI/SSDI documentation |
| #4 Limited English | Limited English proficiency | Self-certification |
| #5 Low Literacy | Low literacy skills | Self-certification |
| #6 Rural Residents | Reside in a rural area | Address verification |
| #7 Homeless/At-Risk | Are homeless or at risk of homelessness | Self-certification |
| #8 Low Employment Prospects | Have low employment prospects | Assessment by staff |
| #9 Formerly Incarcerated | Had been incarcerated in the past five years | Self-disclosure |
| #10 Failed Job Center | Have failed to find employment after using services provided through the One-Stop delivery system | Job 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 Type | Example Positions | 💡 Skills You’ll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Centers | Receptionist, activity coordinator | Customer service, event planning |
| Schools | Office assistant, library aide | Administrative, computer skills |
| Hospitals | Patient transport, information desk | Healthcare environment, communication |
| Day Care Centers | Classroom aide, kitchen helper | Childcare, food service |
| Libraries | Book processing, patron assistance | Technology, organization |
| Government Offices | Clerical support, data entry | Office skills, government processes |
| Food Banks | Inventory, distribution | Logistics, volunteer coordination |
| Veteran Service Orgs | Case management support, outreach | Social 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.
| 🛠️ Service | What You Get | 💡 Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Employment Plan (IEP) | All participants are provided an Individual Employment Plan to define their employment goals and the steps needed to reach those goals | Personalized roadmap |
| Skills Assessment | Assessment of skills, experience, education, interests and any added help you need | Know your strengths |
| Paid Training Assignment | 20 hours/week at minimum wage | Earn while you learn |
| Annual Physical | Health screening included | Stay healthy |
| Supportive Services | Help with things that make it hard for someone to get a job, like transportation, housing and getting proper work clothes | Remove barriers |
| Job Search Assistance | Resume help, interview coaching | Land permanent job |
| Computer Training | All participants engage in computer training | Modern skills |
| Certifications | Many also earn industry-recognized certifications while enrolled | Credentials |
| American Job Center Access | Full workforce services | Additional 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 Element | Details | 💡 Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Duration | 48 months (4 years) lifetime | Use time wisely |
| Average Assignment | Participant assignments average 18-20 months | Most don’t need full 4 years |
| Program Goal | The program helps participants learn the skills they need and access other resources so they can find a job in one or two years | Bridge to permanent work |
| Recertification | Annual eligibility verification | Keep documents current |
| Extensions | Based on statutory requirements | Ask 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 Type | Impact | 💡 Details |
|---|---|---|
| HUD Housing | SCSEP does not affect HUD housing | Protected |
| SNAP/Food Stamps | SCSEP does not affect eligibility in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (i.e., food stamps) | Protected |
| Medicaid (AHCCCS) | SCSEP training wages may affect certain benefits, such as AHCCCS | Check with your state |
| Social Security | May affect if under full retirement age | Check 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 Advantage | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Priority #3 Enrollment | Jump ahead on waitlist |
| “Family of One” Option | Your income only—not household |
| SSDI Exclusion | Social Security Disability Income is excluded |
| Accommodations | Host 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 Grantees | Focus/Specialty | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| AARP Foundation | AARP Foundation SCSEP is funded by a $46,889,529 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor | aarp.org/aarp-foundation |
| National Council on Aging (NCOA) | NCOA manages 24 SCSEP offices throughout the United States and Puerto Rico | ncoa.org |
| Goodwill Industries | Goodwill Industries International, Inc. | goodwill.org |
| National Urban League | Urban communities | nul.org |
| National Caucus on Black Aged (NCBA) | National Caucus and Center on Black Aged (NCBA) | ncba-aged.org |
| SER Jobs for Progress | Service, Employment, and Redevelopment (SER) Jobs for Progress National, Inc. | ser-national.org |
| National Indian Council on Aging | Native American communities | nicoa.org |
| National Asian Pacific Center on Aging | Asian/Pacific communities | napca.org |
| Easter Seals | Disability services | easterseals.com |
| CWI Works | More than 7,000 older job seekers participate in our SCSEP program annually | cwiworks.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 Employment | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Direct Hire | Host agency offers permanent position |
| Trial Employment | Trial 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 wages |
| On-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 trained |
| Job Search Support | Participants are required to look for unsubsidized employment during their training and provide job search documentation |
| Wage Reimbursement | If 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 Status | Reality | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| Program Eliminated? | SCSEP has not been eliminated and continues to operate in many communities | Still accepting applications |
| Funding Delays | Some organizations experienced pauses or slowdowns in 2025, while others received funding later and resumed services | Check local status |
| Local Variation | Local availability may vary. Participation and start times can depend on your location and current funding levels | Call your local provider |
| Apply Now? | Applying is still worthwhile. Getting connected now can open doors as funding cycles shift and positions become available | YES—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
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Find Providers | Contact your local One-Stop Career Center through 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627) | National hotline |
| 2️⃣ Contact State Agency | Visit your State Department on Aging | State-run programs |
| 3️⃣ Try National Grantees | Contact AARP, NCOA, Goodwill, etc. | Multiple options |
| 4️⃣ Gather Documents | Provide proof of annual household income for last 6-12 months. Benefit statements from Social Security, SSI and SSDI | Income verification |
| 5️⃣ Complete Assessment | While in training, participants receive an assessment to find individual needs for training, supportive services and their potential for unsubsidized employment | Skills evaluation |
| 6️⃣ Get Matched | Host agency assignment based on your goals | Start training |
📞 Essential Contact Information by State
| 🗺️ State | Contact | Phone/Website |
|---|---|---|
| National Hotline | CareerOneStop | 1-877-872-5627 |
| AARP Foundation | National | aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/income/scsep |
| NCOA | National | ncoa.org/article/about-the-senior-community-service-employment-program-scsep |
| Arizona | DES | Email [email protected] |
| Colorado | CDHS | cdhs.colorado.gov |
| Florida | DOEA | elderaffairs.org |
| Hawaii | Oahu: (808) 786-5701, Hilo: (808) 981-2860 | labor.hawaii.gov |
| Indiana | DWD | Call 765-830-WORK |
| Louisiana | GOEA | goea.louisiana.gov |
| Maryland | MD Labor | 410-767-2160, [email protected] |
| Missouri | DHSS | 573-526-4542, [email protected] |
| New York | Office for the Aging | aging.ny.gov |
| Texas | TWC | twc.texas.gov |
| Virginia | DARS | 804.662.7000, 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 💚