Getting a Job for Seniors

Written & Reviewed by

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Yolanda Taylor

Senior Healthcare Editor

Last updated: May 6, 2026

Bottom line: Seniors can work, change jobs, return to work, or train for a new role. The best first step depends on your money needs, health, Social Security status, and local job market. Before you take a job, check how earnings may affect Social Security, Medicare, taxes, and any need-based help you receive.

Quick start: where to begin

Use this table to choose the first call or website. You do not have to do every step at once.

If you need urgent help

If you need income, food, shelter, or bill help right away, start with human help first. Call 2-1-1 or use United Way 211 to ask about local food help, rent help, utility help, job centers, and emergency aid. Programs vary by city and county.

• For job search help: Call 1-877-872-5627 to reach the U.S. Department of Labor help line for CareerOneStop and local job center help.
• For older adult services: Call 1-800-677-1116 or use the Eldercare Locator to reach your local aging network.
• For paid training: Ask your local American Job Center or Area Agency on Aging whether SCSEP is open in your county.
• For basic needs: While you job-hunt, check food programs for seniors, local pantries, and emergency rent or utility programs.

Contents

• Quick start
• Urgent help
• Current reality
• Social Security
• Your rights
• Job options
• Remote work
• Programs
• Common challenges
• Different communities
• Friendly employers
• Job search plan
• Money planning
• Help while searching
• Phone scripts
• Resources
• Resumen en español
• FAQ
• About this guide

The current reality for working seniors

Many older adults work because they want structure, social contact, and purpose. Many also work because prices are high and retirement savings are not enough. Both reasons are real.

The older workforce is much larger than it used to be. In its latest detailed report, Pew older-worker report found that about 19% of adults age 65 or older were employed in 2023, compared with 11% in 1987. Pew also found that the number of working adults age 65 or older had reached about 11 million, nearly four times the size of that workforce in the mid-1980s.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also expects older adults to remain a larger part of the workforce. Pew summarized BLS projections showing that adults age 65 or older are expected to be 8.6% of the labor force in 2032, up from 6.6% in 2022.

One earlier claim in this article said the typical worker age 65 or older earned $31 per hour in 2025. We could not verify that as a current national median. The better high-trust figure is Pew’s finding that workers age 65 or older earned a median of $22 per hour in 2022 dollars in its latest detailed older-worker analysis. Local wages can be much higher or lower, so check current pay for your job title with the BLS job handbook and real local job posts.

Why seniors are working more

• Income needs: Some seniors need work income to cover rent, food, medicine, insurance, or debt.
• Longer lives: Many people expect retirement to last 20 years or more, so they keep some work income longer.
• Social Security timing: Full retirement age is 67 for people born in 1960 or later, so some people delay retirement or work part time.
• Better fit jobs: More jobs now offer part-time, remote, seasonal, or flexible schedules.
• Purpose: Work can help people stay active and connected.

What has not changed

Finding a job after 55 can still be hard. Some employers use online forms, resume scanners, and fast interviews. Some job posts hide low pay until late in the process. Some workers face age bias. A good plan helps you save time and avoid bad fits.

Understanding Social Security and employment

Working while getting Social Security retirement benefits is allowed. The main issue is your age. If you are under full retirement age for the whole year, Social Security has an earnings test. If you are full retirement age or older, there is no earnings limit for Social Security retirement benefits.

Before you start work or add many hours, read our guide to the early retirement penalty so you understand how early claiming and working can affect cash flow.

2026 Social Security earnings limits

What counts as earnings: Social Security counts wages from a job and net earnings from self-employment. It does not count pensions, annuities, investment income, interest, veterans benefits, or most other government or military retirement benefits.

Good news: If Social Security withholds benefits because you earned above the limit, the money is not simply gone. When you reach full retirement age, Social Security recalculates your payment to give credit for months when benefits were withheld.

Important: These rules are for Social Security retirement benefits. Disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, SNAP, housing help, and other need-based programs have different work and income rules. Check with the program before you add hours.

Age discrimination: know your rights

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects many workers and job applicants age 40 or older from age discrimination. It covers hiring, firing, pay, training, promotions, layoffs, benefits, and job assignments.

Age discrimination can include:

• Job ads that suggest only young workers should apply.
• Comments that mock your age or say you are too old to learn.
• Being pushed out or forced to retire because of age.
• Being passed over for training or promotion because of age.
• Being rejected for being “overqualified” when the real reason may be age.

What to do if you suspect age bias

• Write down dates: Keep a simple log with dates, people involved, what was said, and what happened.
• Save documents: Keep job posts, emails, texts, performance reviews, and interview notes.
• Ask for the reason: If you are rejected or moved out of a role, ask for the reason in writing.
• Act fast: The EEOC filing deadlines are usually 180 days, or 300 days in many places. Age cases have special rules for the 300-day deadline, so do not wait.

Reasonable accommodations

If you have a disability or health condition, you may also have rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The U.S. Department of Labor says reasonable accommodations can help with applying for a job, doing essential job duties, and using the same workplace benefits as other workers. You can read more about ADA accommodations and ask for changes such as a stool, schedule change, screen reader, modified tools, or extra breaks when needed.

Top employment options for seniors

The best job is not always the highest-paying job. A good job for an older worker should fit your body, schedule, skills, transportation, and income needs. Use this table to compare common paths.

Healthcare and social assistance

Healthcare support can be a strong fit because many communities need caregivers, aides, front-desk staff, schedulers, patient greeters, and care coordinators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says home health aides are projected to grow much faster than average from 2024 to 2034, but the work can be physical.

Good roles to consider include:

• Companion aide: Lower-medical support such as errands, meals, reminders, and conversation.
• Home health aide: Personal care support that may require training, depending on the employer and state.
• Patient scheduler: Phone and computer work for clinics or health systems.
• Medical front desk: Greeting, forms, phone calls, and appointments.

Senior-focused agencies, faith groups, and charities helping seniors may also know which local nonprofits hire older adults for flexible support roles.

Retail and customer service

Retail jobs may offer part-time shifts, local work, employee discounts, and social contact. Look for cashier, greeter, fitting room, customer service desk, store pickup, call center, and customer support roles.

Before you accept a retail job, ask how many hours you will stand, whether stools are allowed, how schedules are posted, and whether you must lift heavy items. A job that looks easy can be hard if you stand for six hours with no break.

Professional and business services

If you worked in accounting, sales, management, human resources, trades, insurance, real estate, or office support, you may be able to return in a part-time or project role. Some employers need short-term help with bookkeeping, inventory, training, tax season, payroll, data cleanup, or customer follow-up.

Use plain language on your resume. Instead of listing every job from 40 years ago, show what you can do now: organize records, train staff, talk with customers, manage schedules, solve problems, or work with common software.

Education and training

Education work can include tutoring, substitute teaching, classroom aide work, adult education, English as a Second Language support, test prep, music lessons, or trade mentoring. Requirements vary by state and school district.

If you need a skill refresh, look at free senior courses first. Some community colleges, libraries, and nonprofits offer free or low-cost classes. If a certificate is needed, check whether scholarships for seniors or workforce training funds may help.

Transportation and delivery

Driving jobs can offer flexible hours, but the true pay depends on fuel, car repairs, insurance, waiting time, tips, and taxes. Before you start ride-share, food delivery, courier work, medical transport, or school bus driving, write down the full cost of using your car.

School bus and medical transport jobs may offer steadier schedules than app-based delivery. They may also require a special license, drug test, training, or background check.

Remote work opportunities

Remote work can help if you have transportation limits, caregiving duties, pain, fatigue, or a need for flexible hours. It is not always easier. Many remote jobs require a quiet space, reliable internet, video meetings, and comfort with online tools.

How to avoid remote job scams

• Do not pay for a job, starter kit, equipment fee, or background check unless you have confirmed the employer is real.
• Be careful with jobs that promise high pay for very little work.
• Do not deposit a check and send money back. This is a common scam.
• Search the company name plus “scam,” “complaint,” and “reviews.”
• Use a separate email address for job searching so scams do not mix with personal mail.

Government programs supporting senior employment

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a federal job-training program for low-income, unemployed adults age 55 or older. It is not a grant. It is not a guaranteed job. It is paid part-time training meant to help you move toward regular unsubsidized work.

Who may qualify:

• You are age 55 or older.
• You are unemployed.
• Your family income is no more than 125% of the federal poverty level.
• You have limited job prospects and need help getting back to work.

For 2026, 125% of the federal poverty level in the 48 states and the District of Columbia is about $19,950 per year for a one-person household and $27,050 for a two-person household. Alaska and Hawaii are higher. Programs decide how they count income and family size, so check the 2026 poverty guidelines and ask the local SCSEP office how they apply the rule. Our federal poverty level calculator can also help you estimate where your income falls.

What SCSEP can provide:

• About 20 hours per week of paid training at a nonprofit or public agency.
• Pay at the highest of the federal, state, or local minimum wage.
• Resume help, job search help, and support from program staff.
• A path toward a regular job, if one is available and you are ready.

How to apply: Use the CareerOneStop older worker finder, ask your American Job Center, or contact the SCSEP provider in your area. Some areas have waitlists.

American Job Centers

American Job Centers are local workforce offices funded through the public workforce system. Services vary by state and county, but many centers offer career counseling, resume help, interview practice, workshops, training referrals, and hiring events. Some centers can help with special programs for older workers, veterans, workers with disabilities, and people who were laid off.

Ask whether training funds are available before you pay for any class yourself. Workforce training money is limited and not every course is approved.

AARP Foundation employment help

AARP Foundation offers employment programs for people over 50, including SCSEP in many areas. You do not have to be an AARP member to ask about AARP Foundation programs. Availability depends on your ZIP code and program funding.

Veterans programs

Veterans may have extra job-search paths. USAJOBS explains federal hiring paths, and veterans may receive preference for some federal jobs. Start with USAJOBS for federal openings. If you have a service-connected disability that affects work, ask the VA about VA VR&E, also called Veteran Readiness and Employment.

Ticket to Work and disability benefits

Ticket to Work is a Social Security program for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. It is free and voluntary. It may help some older adults who are not yet full retirement age. Read the Ticket to Work page before you start, because disability benefit work rules can be strict.

Overcoming common challenges

Technology skills gap

Many job applications are online. This can feel frustrating if you have not used job websites or video interviews. Do not let that stop you.

• Ask your public library about free computer classes.
• Ask an American Job Center for resume and online application help.
• Practice using email, attachments, video calls, and online forms.
• Create one simple resume and one simple cover letter that you can edit.
• Keep passwords in a safe place, not on loose sticky notes near a public computer.

Physical limits

Before taking a job, ask what the work really requires. A job post may say “light work” but still require lifting, standing, bending, or long walks across a building.

• Ask about standing: How many hours will you stand at one time?
• Ask about lifting: What is the heaviest item you must lift?
• Ask about breaks: Are breaks scheduled, flexible, or hard to take?
• Ask about tools: Can you use a stool, cart, headset, screen magnifier, or other aid?

The Job Accommodation Network has ideas for workplace changes that may help people work safely with health limits.

Salary expectations

Pay can be confusing. Some jobs list a wide range. Some gig jobs show gross pay before car costs, supplies, taxes, and unpaid time. Always ask what is paid and what is not paid.

• Check local pay for the job title, not just national averages.
• Ask whether training time is paid.
• Ask about mileage, supplies, uniforms, phone use, or background-check costs.
• Ask whether the job is employee work or independent contractor work.
• Do not accept a job that costs more than it pays after expenses.

Employment gaps

If you have not worked in years, keep the explanation short and calm. You can say, “I was caring for family,” “I was retired and am now ready for part-time work,” or “I took time away and have refreshed my skills.” Then move back to what you can do for the employer.

Special considerations for different communities

LGBTQ+ seniors

LGBTQ+ seniors may worry about bias at work. Federal protections can apply when discrimination is based on sex, including sexual orientation or gender identity. State protections vary. Look for employers with clear anti-harassment policies, benefits that fit your household, and a real complaint process.

Veteran seniors

Veterans often bring strong skills: training, safety, teamwork, logistics, leadership, and problem solving. Translate military terms into plain job words. For example, “managed unit supplies” may become “tracked inventory and ordered supplies.”

Disabled seniors

If you have a disability, you can ask for a reasonable accommodation if it helps you apply for or do the job. You do not have to share your full medical history. Focus on the work barrier and the change that would help.

Tribal community resources

Some Native American and Alaska Native communities have tribal employment, training, and workforce programs. Ask your tribal government, tribal college, or local American Job Center about Native workforce programs and SCSEP providers that serve your area.

Rural seniors

Rural seniors may have fewer nearby employers and more transportation barriers. Try local schools, county offices, clinics, libraries, home care agencies, small stores, seasonal employers, farm offices, and remote customer support. Ask your local job center if any employers offer phone interviews or training closer to home.

How to spot age-friendly employers

Old lists of “best employers for seniors” can go out of date. Instead of relying on a company name from years ago, look for current signs that the employer treats older workers well.

• The job post focuses on skills, not age-coded words like “young” or “recent graduate.”
• The company offers part-time, flexible, remote, or phased retirement options.
• Training is open to all ages.
• Benefits are clear for part-time workers.
• Interviewers do not joke about age or ask when you plan to stop working.
• Reviews from current workers mention fair scheduling and respectful managers.

You can also look for employers connected with the AARP Employer Alliance or the Age-Friendly Institute. These labels are helpful signals, but they do not guarantee that every manager or location will be a good fit.

Building your job search plan

Resume tips for seniors

• Keep it current: Use a clean layout with your phone number, email, city, and state.
• Use recent experience first: Focus on the last 10 to 15 years unless older work is very important for the job.
• Show skills: Include customer service, scheduling, bookkeeping, caregiving, tools, software, languages, or training.
• Use numbers: Say “trained 6 staff” or “handled 40 calls a day” when true.
• Skip graduation dates: You usually do not need old school dates on a resume.

Interview preparation

• Practice a short answer for why you want the job.
• Prepare examples that show reliability, patience, and problem solving.
• Do not apologize for your age or work history.
• Ask about schedule, training, physical tasks, and who supervises you.
• If asked about being overqualified, say why this job fits your current goals.

Networking strategies

• Tell friends, former coworkers, church members, neighbors, and family what kind of work you want.
• Join a local job club, library workshop, or senior center class.
• Update LinkedIn if you use it, but do not rely on it alone.
• Volunteer only if you can afford the time and it may lead to real contacts.
• Follow up after interviews with a short thank-you email.

Documents to gather

Financial planning while working

Taxes

Work income can affect taxes. Social Security benefits may become taxable depending on your combined income. A second job may also mean too little tax is withheld. If you do contract work, you may need to set money aside for income tax and self-employment tax.

Do not assume a gig app will handle taxes for you. Keep records of income, mileage, supplies, phone costs, and fees. Ask a trusted tax preparer, VITA site, or senior tax program for help if you are unsure.

Medicare and employer coverage

Working does not stop Medicare. But employer coverage, retiree coverage, Medicare, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can interact in confusing ways. Use the official Medicare work guide and talk to your employer benefits office before you delay Medicare, join a plan, or drop coverage.

• Ask whether your employer plan pays first or second with Medicare.
• Ask if your employer has 20 or more employees if you are 65 or older.
• Ask if joining Medicare affects your HSA contributions.
• Ask if joining a Medicare plan could affect retiree coverage for you or your spouse.

Retirement accounts

If you return to work, you may be able to contribute to a 401(k), IRA, or other retirement account if you meet the rules. But do not put money into retirement savings if you cannot cover rent, medicine, food, or utilities. Basic needs come first.

Help while you are job-hunting

A job search can take time. If bills are already late, look for help at the same time you apply for jobs. This is not a failure. It can help you avoid taking unsafe work or a scam because you feel desperate.

• If energy bills are a problem, check utility bill help before shutoff notices get worse.
• If rent or housing costs are the main issue, review housing and rent help and ask local 2-1-1 about emergency programs.
• If you need a lower-rent option, our guide to income-based apartments explains common housing paths.
• If Medicare costs are squeezing your budget, see whether Medicare Savings Programs may help with premiums or cost sharing.

Phone scripts you can use

These scripts are short on purpose. Keep a pen and paper nearby. Write down the name of the person you speak with, the date, and the next step.

Calling an American Job Center

Script: “Hello, my name is _____. I am age _____ and looking for work. I need help with job leads, my resume, and any training programs for older workers. Do I need an appointment, and what should I bring?”

Calling about SCSEP

Script: “Hello, I am calling about the Senior Community Service Employment Program. I am 55 or older and currently unemployed. Can you tell me if the program is open in my county, what income documents you need, and whether there is a waitlist?”

Calling about benefits and work

Script: “Hello, I receive _____. I may start a job or add hours. Can you tell me how much I can earn, what I must report, and how quickly I must report the change?”

Calling an employer before applying

Script: “Hello, I am interested in the _____ position. Before I apply, can you tell me the expected schedule, whether the job is part time or full time, and whether it requires standing, lifting, or weekend hours?”

Helpful resources

Government and official tools

• American Job Centers: Use the American Job Center finder for local job search help, training referrals, resume workshops, and hiring events.
• SCSEP: The U.S. Department of Labor explains the Senior Community Service Employment Program and its basic rules.
• Social Security: The Social Security work rules page explains the earnings test for people who claim retirement benefits before full retirement age.
• EEOC: The EEOC age guide explains age discrimination protections for workers and applicants age 40 or older.
• Medicare: Medicare’s work guide explains what to ask when you keep working past 65.

Job search and training

• AARP: AARP job search tools can help people 50 and older look for full-time, part-time, and remote work.
• AARP Foundation: AARP Foundation employment programs may help low-income job seekers over 50 in some areas.
• Public libraries: Many libraries offer free computer, resume, and email help.
• Community colleges: Ask about older-adult tuition discounts, short certificates, and workforce training funds.

Local help

• 2-1-1: Ask about food, housing, utilities, transportation, job training, and emergency help near you.
• Area Agencies on Aging: Use the Eldercare Locator to find your local aging office.
• Vocational rehabilitation: Each state has a vocational rehabilitation agency for people with disabilities who want to work.
• Veteran offices: Veterans can ask VA, state veteran offices, and American Job Centers about job support.

Resumen en español

Si usted es una persona mayor y quiere trabajar, empiece con una meta simple. Piense si necesita dinero rápido, trabajo de medio tiempo, trabajo desde casa, entrenamiento pagado o ayuda para hacer un resume.

Si tiene 55 años o más, está desempleado y tiene bajos ingresos, pregunte por el programa SCSEP. Este programa puede dar entrenamiento pagado de medio tiempo en una agencia pública o sin fines de lucro. No es una beca y no garantiza empleo permanente, pero puede ayudarle a volver al trabajo.

Si recibe Seguro Social antes de su plena edad de jubilación, revise las reglas antes de trabajar muchas horas. En 2026, si está por debajo de la plena edad de jubilación todo el año, puede ganar hasta $24,480 antes de que el Seguro Social retenga parte de sus beneficios. Si llega a la plena edad de jubilación en 2026, el límite más alto es $65,160 antes del mes en que llega a esa edad.

Si necesita ayuda mientras busca empleo, llame al 2-1-1 y pregunte por comida, renta, servicios públicos y transporte. También puede revisar programas de comida, ayuda con renta, ayuda con servicios públicos y Programas de Ahorro de Medicare. Si no sabe por dónde empezar, use las herramientas para personas mayores de GrantsForSeniors.org.

Si cree que un empleador lo trató mal por su edad, escriba fechas, nombres y lo que pasó. La EEOC puede recibir quejas por discriminación por edad, pero hay límites de tiempo. No espere demasiado.

FAQ

Can I work full time while collecting Social Security?

Yes, but if you are under full retirement age, your benefits may be temporarily reduced if your earnings are above the annual limit. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no Social Security retirement earnings limit.

What is the Social Security earnings limit in 2026?

In 2026, the limit is $24,480 if you are under full retirement age all year. If you reach full retirement age in 2026, the limit is $65,160 for the months before you reach full retirement age.

Do Social Security reductions last forever?

No. If benefits are withheld because of the earnings test, Social Security recalculates your benefit at full retirement age and gives credit for months when benefits were withheld.

Can I qualify for SCSEP?

You may qualify if you are 55 or older, unemployed, have low income, and have limited job prospects. SCSEP is local and may have waitlists, so contact the provider in your area.

Will working affect Medicare?

Working does not stop Medicare. But employer insurance, retiree coverage, Medicare plans, and HSA rules can be complicated. Ask Medicare and your employer benefits office before you change coverage.

Can an employer ask my age?

Employers should not use age to screen out workers age 40 or older. They may ask if you are old enough to work or may collect date of birth later for lawful paperwork. If an age question feels improper, write it down.

What if I am called overqualified?

Explain why the job fits your current goals. You can say you want steady part-time work, a shorter commute, a new field, or a role with less stress.

What if I have not worked in years?

Be honest and brief. Mention caregiving, retirement, health recovery, volunteering, or training if it applies. Then focus on the skills you can use now.

Are remote jobs safe for seniors?

Some are real, but scams are common. Do not pay to get a job, do not deposit checks for strangers, and confirm the employer before sharing personal information.

Where should I start if I feel overwhelmed?

Call your local American Job Center or 2-1-1. Ask for one appointment and one next step. You do not need to solve everything in one day.

About the Authors

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Analic Mata-Murray holds a Communications degree with a focus on Journalism and Advertising from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. With over 11 years of experience as a volunteer translator for The Salvation Army, she has helped Spanish-speaking communities access critical resources and navigate poverty alleviation programs.

As Managing Editor at Grants for Seniors, Analic oversees all content to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Her bilingual expertise allows her to create and review content in both English and Spanish, specializing in community resources, housing assistance, and emergency aid programs.

Yolanda Taylor, BA Psychology

Senior Healthcare Editor

Yolanda Taylor is a Senior Healthcare Editor with over six years of clinical experience as a medical assistant in diverse healthcare settings, including OB/GYN, family medicine, and specialty clinics. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.

At Grants for Seniors, Yolanda oversees healthcare-related content, ensuring medical accuracy and accessibility. Her clinical background allows her to translate complex medical terminology into clear guidance for seniors navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and dental care options. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and holds Lay Counselor certification and CPR/BLS certification.