Library: Policy

340:105-12-2. Background

Issued 9-15-2021

    The Older American Act was passed by Congress in 1965 to provide assistance to states in the development of comprehensive coordinated systems of services to older persons.  The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is the only federally-sponsored employment and training program targeted specifically to low-income older individuals who want to enter or re-enter the workforce.  SCSEP was established to foster individual economic self-sufficiency and promote useful opportunities in community services activities for unemployed, low-income persons who are 55 years of age and older, particularly persons who have poor employment prospects, and to increase the number of persons who may enjoy the benefits of unsubsidized employment in both the public and not-for-profit sectors.