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Program Overview
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides training and employment services to help low-income Texans who are ages 55 and older gain the skills needed to secure jobs and become financially self-sufficient. SCSEP participants work roughly 20 hours per week for nonprofit organizations, school districts, or government agencies. Through such assignments, participants receive work-based training and provide valuable services to their communities.
The types of organizations that offer SCSEP participants work-based training include:
- schools and libraries, recycling centers, senior centers, local housing authorities, historic sites, museums, and Workforce Solutions Offices;
- government agencies such as Texas Health and Human Services and the US Social Security Administration; and
- nonprofit organizations such as food pantries, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, community action agencies, and Goodwill.
Eligibility
You are eligible for SCSEP if you meet the following criteria:
- Are at least 55 years of age
- Are eligible to work in the United States
- Are unemployed
- Earned a limited income for your family size during the last year, as defined by the federal income eligibility guidelines
Income Eligibility
| Number of People in Household | Maximum Yearly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $13,590 |
| 2 | $18,310 |
| 3 | $23,030 |
| 4 | $27,750 |
| 5 | $32,470 |
| 6 | $37,190 |
| 7 | $41,910 |
| 8 | $46,630 |
| More than 8 | For families/households with more than 8 people, add $4,720 for each additional person |
If you have a documented disability, you are considered to be a family of one, even if you live with several people in your household.
Some income is not included in the income eligibility calculations, such as disability benefits and unemployment benefits. Please reach out to your county SCSEP representative, which you can find on the SCSEP Contact Directory
, to see if you meet the program’s income eligibility requirements.
Priority Groups
Priority for program enrollment is given to those who fall under the following categories:
- Are 65 years of age or older
- Have a disability
- Have limited English proficiency or low literacy skills
- Live in a rural area
- Are a veteran
- Have low employment prospects
- Did not find employment after receiving services under the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014
- Are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness
- Were formerly incarcerated or under supervision from release from prison or jail within five years of the date of initial eligibility determination
Services
SCSEP offers the following services and benefits:
- An assessment of your skills, experience, education, interests and any added help to complete your training and find the type of job you want
- A training plan for the job you choose
- A half-time, work-based training assignment for you to develop the skills for your job goal
- A free annual health checkup
- Training on how to look for jobs, how to talk to a prospective employer, and how to be successful in your job
- Instruction in English, reading, writing, arithmetic, or General Education Development (GED) preparation
- Training for other job skills, such as typing and computer skills or home health aide skills
- Help with your job search
- Connection to support services you need to successfully complete your training, find a job and keep your job
Your work-based training assignment will be based on your employment goals and personal interests. You will learn new skills and expand on existing skills. The following are examples of work-based training assignments:
- Customer service representative
- Maintenance worker
- Teacher’s assistant
- Child care worker
- Food preparation worker
- Retail salesperson
- Shipping and receiving clerk
Time Limits
SCSEP is a temporary job training program designed to help participants find jobs. The program takes one to two years, though some participants may take longer to complete their training. An extension may be given on a case-by-case basis.
