Getting Started

What to bring to first appointment

Applicants must contact the local SCSEP office, either by phone to make an appointment or in person.

Program staff must first determine your eligibility for enrollment. Eligibility is based on age, residency, and income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Labor. The applicant will be asked for documents that prove age, residence and income. These might include a driver's license, a state ID card, a utility bill, or other document. Once these criteria have been met, enrollment forms are completed and program services begin. These services include:

• An assessment of skills
• A formal program orientation
• The creation of an Individual Employment Plan which will identify barriers to employment and recommended assignments, training and services to overcome these barriers
• Assistance with setting employment goals
• Resume preparation
• Referrals to employment opportunities
• Follow-up meetings, evaluations and reviews to determine your progress and "next steps" in your enrollment

The most important thing you can bring to the SCSEP is your positive attitude. This asset has helped thousands of enrollees to realize their dream of acquiring a job. Remember, your job is to get a job; our job is to help you.

Public Benefits

If you meet age, income, and residency requirements, you may qualify for employment assistance through the AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program. In addition, you may qualify for additional financial assistance through a variety of state and federal programs for older citizens. Many of these programs provide financial, health, information and support services if you qualify.

To become better aware of current programs available to qualified applicants, visit AARP's Public Benefits Outreach(PBO).

For additional information on a variety of public benefits that are available to those who qualify, visit the National Council on Aging Web site. Try its online BenefitsCheckUp, a free tool that is helping thousands of seniors each day to get information about programs that can help them pay for some of their costs related to prescription drugs, health care, utilities and other essential services. It includes program descriptions, local contact information for questions or applications, and a list of documents to file for a variety of programs that provide additional benefits in the form of income, services, and counseling. We urge you to get more information about these programs and how they might help you or someone you know.