Seniors & Aging · Surprise rank #345
55+ and Unemployed in NYC? Get Paid Work-Based Training While You Look for a Job
NYC’s Older Adult Employment Program, part of the federal Senior Community Service Employment Program, helps eligible adults 55+ build skills and gain paid work-based experience while seeking unsubsidized employment.
Who
New York City residents age 55 or older who are unemployed, meet the SCSEP income limit and are willing to train and actively seek work.
Where: New York City
What to do
Start here: Contact NYC Aging’s Older Adult Employment Program or call 311 and ask for the program to start eligibility screening.
Eligibility: Age 55+, NYC residency, unemployment and family income no more than 125% of the federal poverty level, plus willingness to train and actively seek work.
What you get
Participants receive job-search and skills training plus paid community-service assignments/internships with nonprofit or public agencies, supported by employment counseling.
Benefit: Paid work-based training at least at the applicable minimum wage, plus career counseling, computer/job-search skills and placement support.
Possible value: Earnings depend on training hours and duration; the program’s main value is paid recent work experience and structured help returning to employment.
Good to know
Important: Income limits update with federal poverty guidelines, so use the current program page rather than an old dollar chart. Training assignments are temporary and intended as a bridge to regular employment.
Availability: Active.
Why people miss it: Older job seekers may assume workforce programs are designed only for younger adults or that paid retraining is unavailable after 55.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026