NYC Senior Employment Programs 2026 Free Training, Resume Help & Job Support

NYC Senior Employment Programs

Looking for work after 55 in New York City? You’re not alone — and you’re not without options. NYC offers several free employment programs specifically designed for older adults, from paid job training to resume workshops and direct job placement. This guide covers the most useful programs available in 2026, who qualifies, and how to get started.

Why Senior Employment Programs Matter in NYC

Returning to the workforce later in life comes with real challenges: resume gaps, unfamiliar hiring platforms, age bias, and the pressure of fixed incomes. NYC’s senior employment programs address these gaps directly, offering structured support rather than leaving older job seekers to navigate the process alone.

Whether you’re looking for part-time income, a career change, or simply a way to stay active and engaged, there are programs built for your situation.

1. NYC Older Adult Employment Program (SCSEP)

Run by the NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging), this is the city’s main federally-funded job training program for older adults. It has supported NYC seniors for over 50 years under the federal Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).

What you get

— Classes on computers, customer service, job-search techniques, resume writing, and interview prep

— Paid on-the-job training at nonprofits and city agencies (avg. 20 hrs/week, minimum wage or higher)

— Job fairs and employer networking events

— Ongoing job placement support

Who qualifies

— Age 55 or older, NYC resident (all five boroughs), currently unemployed

— Household income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level

— Willing to learn new skills and actively seek employment

Income limits (125% FPL)

How to apply

In-person information sessions are held on the second Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m.
Call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469 to register,
or complete the online interest form.
Email: jobs@aging.nyc.gov

2026 Note: SCSEP is currently funded through June 30, 2026. The White House has proposed eliminating federal funding starting in FY2027, though Congress has shown bipartisan support for continuing the program. The NYC program is operating normally — call ahead to confirm current enrollment availability.

2. Silver Corps

Silver Corps is an AmeriCorps program run by NYC Aging that places older adults in volunteer assignments at nonprofits or city agencies, while providing training and credentialing to help secure paid employment.

What you get

— Community service volunteer placement (minimum 10 hrs/week)

— Training in job readiness, digital literacy, and financial literacy

— Credentialing programs based on your career goals

— Job coaching and post-employment retention support

Who qualifies

Age 55+, NYC resident, currently unemployed or underemployed, willing to volunteer at least 10 hours/week.

How to apply

Complete the Silver Corps interest form online.
Email: silvercorps@aging.nyc.gov

3. Silver Stars

Silver Stars is for retired NYC municipal employees who want to keep contributing to the city. Participants work part-time at a city agency while continuing to collect their pension.

Who qualifies

— Fully retired from NYC city employment

— Currently receiving a pension from a city retirement system

— No remaining sick or vacation balance

— NYC resident (unless a specific posting states otherwise)

How to apply

Search “silver” on the NYC Careers job board,
or register via the Silver Stars interest form.
Email: silverstars@aging.nyc.gov

4. Civic Engagement Employment Service (ReServe)

ReServe connects retirees 50 and older with part-time positions at nonprofits and city agencies. A good fit for professionals who want to apply their career experience in a meaningful way.

What you get

— Part-time assignments typically 10–20 hours/week

— Pay at minimum wage; placements matched to your background

Who qualifies

Age 50+, NYC resident, currently unemployed. No income requirement.

How to apply

Complete the Older Adult Employment interest form,
or call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469.

5. Workforce1 Career Centers

Workforce1 is NYC’s free career center network, open to all New Yorkers 18 and older. With 18 locations across the five boroughs, it’s the best option for seniors who don’t meet SCSEP’s income requirements but still need job search support.

What you get

— One-on-one career counseling and job matching

— Resume, cover letter, and interview prep

— Free skills training and weekly workshops

— In-person and remote (Zoom) appointments available

Who qualifies

Any NYC resident 18+ legally authorized to work in the U.S. No income requirement.

How to use it

Visit nyc.gov/workforce1 to find your nearest center or schedule an appointment. Open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

6. AARP Foundation — Back to Work 50+

AARP Foundation’s Back to Work 50+ program offers free online job search tools and coaching for adults 50 and older who are struggling to re-enter the workforce.

What you get

— Free workshops, webinars, and resume review

— Career coaching and job boards targeting 50+ job seekers

— Connections to age-inclusive employers

Who qualifies

Adults 50+. No income requirement. Fully online — available to all NYC residents.

How to access

Visit aarp.org/back-to-work.

Key Contacts at a Glance

Getting Started

The easiest first step is to call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469. Staff can assess which programs you qualify for and connect you to the right service directly.

If you don’t meet income requirements for SCSEP, Workforce1 is the next best option — free, no income limit, available in every borough.

Age is not a barrier to finding meaningful work in New York City. With the right programs behind you, returning to employment — or starting something new — is entirely within reach.