Older adults who are looking for additional work or training are eligible for free programs that can help them stay active, continue to work, or otherwise fulfill work requirement rules for some federal benefits.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a federal program that supports both community service and job training for adults 55 and older. There are also several other federal and local programs you can explore to find opportunities in your community.
Many of these programs are available to adults regardless of citizenship status or income.
What is the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)?
SCSEP provides employment assistance and training for older workers to gain job experience and self-sufficiency at nonprofit organizations and public agencies, while also connecting businesses with a trained, qualified, and reliable workforce.
An applicant accepted for the program will be enrolled for four years, unless an extension is authorized based on statutory requirements or you are accepted to a job.
Participants typically train about 20 hours per week and are paid the highest applicable minimum wage — federal, state, or local — which in New York City is $17.00 an hour.
As part of the federal SCSEP, New York City offers the Older Adult Employment Program, which does not ask for citizenship status. For more than 50 years, the program has supported senior residents in finding job opportunities across the five boroughs. Last year, 372 individuals participated in the program.
What’s the requirement for enrollment for the Older Adult Employment Program?
Applicants must be a resident of New York City, at least 55 years old, currently unemployed, and have a family income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Enrollment priority is given to individuals who:
- Are 65 years of age or older;
- Have a disability;
- Have limited English proficiency or low literacy skills;
- Live in a rural area;
- Are veterans (or in some cases, spouses of veterans);
- Have low employment prospects; or
- Are homeless or at risk for homelessness;
- Have not found a job after using services from the One-Stop system
- Were previously incarcerated or are within five years of release from prison or jail
What kind of training can I get from this program?
Participants can find a wide variety of opportunities, including administration, human and social services, customer service, healthcare, security, home care, and food services. They will be placed in internships with nonprofit organizations or New York City agencies, where they can build practical skills and gain hands-on experience.
The program also offers classes in digital and financial literacy, customer service, job hunting strategies, resume writing and interview preparation. In addition, they have opportunities to attend job fairs, workshops and connect directly with potential employers as they work toward securing permanent employment.
According to the National Council on Aging, most participants receive training through SCSEP for around six months before finding a permanent job with support.
If you are interested in attending a virtual session from the city to learn more about this program, please fill out the form here. Or if you prefer an in-person session, please call NYC Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) or complete the online interest form. For any other questions, email jobs@aging.nyc.gov.
Does SCSEP help me fulfill the SNAP work requirement?
In short, yes. There are two different SNAP work rules
- A general work requirement
- A stricter rule for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD), which now applies to adults up to age 64
If someone works about 20 hours per week in SCSEP, it can satisfy SNAP work requirements, and this employment must be reported to New York City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA).
According to Nicholas Jacobelli, a spokesperson for the New York City Department of Social Services, most participants at this level are paid at least minimum wage and therefore earn more than $217.50 per week — meaning they are generally not subject to the ABAWD or general SNAP work requirements, as their work and earnings already meet or exceed those thresholds.
However, individual circumstances vary, and the Human Resources Administration has sent notices to some recipients identified as ABAWD requiring them to comply with work requirements.
Read more: New York SNAP Recipients Face Stricter Work Rules Starting in 2026
What are other opportunities I can apply to?
Silver Stars Program: This New York City program offers older New Yorkers the opportunity to work at municipal agencies on part-time, project-based assignments, typically lasting up to one year. Roles generally range from 15 to 29 hours per week, with pay determined by the hiring agency.
For retired, former municipal employees, they can continue to collect their pensions while working. This program allows them to support the next generation of City employees who can benefit from their experience.
To be eligible, applicants must live in New York City, be currently unemployed, and be at least 55 years old.
For retired City employees, additional requirements apply:
- Fully retired from City employment
- Receiving a pension from a City retirement system
- No remaining sick or vacation balance
- New York City residency (unless otherwise specified in the job posting)
To learn more about the Silver Stars program, visit the ReServe website here.
Foster Grandparents Program:Senior citizens who enjoy or have experience with children aged 3 to 12 years old could consider this one-on-one support program.
It’s designed to help children with special needs improve their academic, social, and emotional development through volunteer assignments to serve as mentors, tutors, and caregivers in community organizations such as Head Start, hospitals, public schools, day care centers, and juvenile detention centers.
To become a Foster Grandparent you must be age 55 or older and be able to serve between 15 and 40 hours per week. Volunteers who meet certain income guidelines also receive a small, tax-free stipend.
- To learn more, view the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) One-Pager.
- To apply, please complete the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) Interest Form
