Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 35— - PROGRAMS FOR OLDER AMERICANS › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER IX— - COMMUNITY SERVICE SENIOR OPPORTUNITIES › § 3056p
Sets rules for a program that hires people age 55 and older into part-time, temporary community service jobs paid with grant money. Community service covers work like health, education, legal help, library and recreation programs; caring for natural areas; neighborhood improvement; environmental and weatherization work; economic development; and other similar community needs the Secretary approves. Community service employment is paid, short-term work that gives older, low-income people job experience and skills. An eligible individual is age 55 or older with low income (up to 125% of the poverty line), not counting unemployment pay, benefits under title XVI (SSI), VA payments, or 25% of title II (Social Security) benefits. Participation is generally limited to 48 months total after July 1, 2007, unless a grantee gets extra time for people who meet certain conditions (severe disability; frail or age 75+; eligible for but not receiving title II benefits; living where unemployment is persistent with very limited job chances; limited English or low literacy; or jailed within the last 5 years or under supervision after release). Income is measured over the 12 months before application (or a 6‑month annualized option). Workforce boards, the term “program,” “Pacific Island and Asian Americans,” “supportive services” (like transport, child or dependent care, housing, needs payments), and “unemployed” are defined as in the law. Under rules from the Secretary, eligible people get priority for these jobs if they are 65 or older, or if they have a disability, limited English or low literacy, live in a rural area, are a veteran, have low job prospects, failed to find work after using title I Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act services, are homeless or at risk of homelessness, or have been incarcerated or under supervision within the last 5 years.
Full Legal Text
The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 3056p
Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73