Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

About This Grant

SCSEP is a community service and work-based training program for older workers authorized in Title V of the Older Americans Act (OAA) and administered by USDOL/ETA. SCSEP is the only federally sponsored employment and training program targeted specifically to low-income older individuals. SCSEP provides subsidized, part-time, community service training for unemployed, low-income persons aged 55 or older who have poor employment prospects. Through this program, older workers have access to SCSEP services and employment training assistance through the One-Stop Career Center System. Program participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid the highest of the federal, state, or local minimum wage. Service priority is given to individuals meeting one or more of the following criteria: Is a veteran or a spouse of a veteran; Is 65 years of age or older; Has a disability; Has limited English proficiency; Has low literacy skills; Resides in a rural area; Has low employment prospects; Has failed to find employment after utilizing services provided under Title I of WIOA; Is homeless or at risk for homelessness; or Are formerly incarcerated or on supervision from release from prison or jail within five years of the date of initial eligibility determination. (Effective March 25, 2021, the 2020 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) added this tenth characteristic category that has priority of service over those individuals who meet only the basic eligibility criteria related to age, income, and employment.)