On Sept. 30, the Department of Labor (DOL) finally authorized the release of more than $300 million in funding for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), after holding out for several months and leaving thousands of low-income seniors at risk of losing jobs many rely on to survive.
Tens of thousands of older workers had been furloughed from the program, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), after funding that was expected starting July 1 didn’t materialize.
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The DOL indicated the freeze was prompted by a review of a portion of the program’s funds. It didn’t explain the nature of the review, however, a White House spending proposal back in May criticized the $405 million program as ineffective, accusing it of funneling funds to “leftist, DEI-promoting entities.”
Although the DOL said the remaining funds were made available following the completion of its review, the decision was also made on the heels of a class-action lawsuit from Democracy Forward — a group that advocates for social progress through litigation — filed on Sept. 18.
What does this mean for low-income seniors?
Created in 1965, the SCSEP was designed to help low-income, out-of-work people aged 55 and older find work by providing paid on-the-job training at nonprofit and public facilities. This includes working at schools, hospitals and day care centers.
For seniors living on the edge of poverty, the pause in funding was potentially devastating. Many participants rely on SCSEP wages to cover bills, medical care and food. Plus, there are “countless” others who wait to join the program, says the NCOA.
“We’re talking about basic needs not being able to be met now,” Maura Porcelli of the NCOA told MarketWatch in an article published Aug. 1.
If funding were to be withheld in the long term, the negative effects could be compounded by President Donald Trump’s recently signed spending legislation, which added new work requirements for access to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Unfortunately for working seniors in need, the SCSEP may be on the chopping block for next year. While the Senate Appropriations Committee approved funding for the program for fiscal year 2026 — albeit with a $10 million haircut — the House Committee followed up with a proposal to eliminate the SCSEP altogether. Fiscal years typically start in October, however, the U.S. government is presently shut down, and the program’s fate is up in the air.
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How to prepare yourself for potential cuts
With the future of the SCSEP uncertain, older adults who rely on this program and others like it may want to start building a personal safety net wherever possible. Here are a few ways anyone who relies on government programs, can protect themselves:
Build or boost your emergency fund: Even a few hundred dollars extra in the bank can create a cushion against sudden income loss or an unexpected expense.
Check local and state programs: States and cities might operate their own senior job-training or benefits programs, which may help fill the gaps left by federal programs. Look for a local Senior Services or Department of Aging.
Use community sharing or food banks: Local nonprofits, religious organizations and service groups can provide access to food.
Maximize Social Security, SNAP and Medicare benefits: Make sure you’re receiving all possible benefits, including extra help with prescription drugs.
Look for senior discount programs: Check if your city has a program that helps reduce housing costs for older residents, such subsidies for property taxes and utilities.
Explore part-time or remote work: While finding work later in life can be challenging, part-time flexible gigs can help. Consider roles like dog walking, watching children after school or other flexible roles.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.