How to apply for Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Who it's for

SCSEP places low-income job seekers age 55 and older into paid part-time community service assignments at nonprofits and public agencies — schools, libraries, food pantries, senior centers, parks departments, and similar host sites. Participants typically work 20 hours per week and earn at least the federal, state, or local minimum wage, whichever is highest. The placement is paired with skills training, computer literacy, resume help, and one-on-one coaching aimed at moving the participant into unsubsidized employment within the broader job market. SCSEP is administered nationally by the Department of Labor and locally by AARP Foundation, the National Council on Aging, Goodwill, the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, and state agencies; coverage exists in every state, though slot availability and the host-site mix vary by grantee.

What you'll need

• Government-issued photo ID and proof of age 55+
• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or similar)
• Documentation of family income for the prior 6 or 12 months (Social Security award letter, pension statements, prior-year tax return, unemployment statements)
• Documentation of work authorization in the United States (Social Security card, passport, naturalization certificate)
• Resume or work history summary, if available

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need government-issued photo ID and proof of age 55+, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or similar), documentation of family income for the prior 6 or 12 months (Social Security award letter, pension statements, prior-year tax return, unemployment statements) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check that the program fits your needs. SCSEP helps low-income job seekers age 55 and older find paid part-time community service work and build skills for other jobs.
2. Gather your documents. Get a government-issued photo ID and proof that you are age 55 or older.
3. Collect proof of where you live. Use a utility bill, lease, or a similar document.
4. Collect proof of family income for the prior 6 or 12 months. This may include a Social Security award letter, pension statements, a prior-year tax return, or unemployment statements.
5. Gather proof that you are authorized to work in the United States. This may include a Social Security card, passport, or naturalization certificate.
6. Prepare a resume or work history summary if you have one.
7. Apply online or apply by phone at 1-877-872-5627. Be ready to share your documents and answer questions about your work history and eligibility.

What to expect: After you apply, the program will review your information and documents and may contact you if more information is needed. If you are accepted, you may be placed in a paid part-time community service assignment and receive training and job search help. Processing times and openings can vary, so ask for an estimate when you apply. If you join the program, you will need to re-certify your income and continued participation each year.

Renewals

annual (re-certification of income and continued participation)