Senior Employment Specialist Program (SESP)
Can you apply?
This grant is for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) subgrantees in Illinois. Only designated Illinois regional AAAs and SCSEP subgrantees can apply; awards are fixed by region. Activities include planning, information dissemination, and referrals to federal, state, and local employment and training programs for adults age 55+.
Funding covers staffing, materials, supplies, travel, equipment, training, and consultant services. Research, development, and construction are not eligible. Pre-award costs and work done before the Notice of Award are not reimbursable.
This grant is for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) subgrantees in Illinois. Only designated Illinois regional AAAs and SCSEP subgrantees can apply; awards are fixed by region. Activities include planning, information dissemination, and referrals to federal, state, and local employment and training programs for adults age 55+.
Funding covers staffing, materials, supplies, travel, equipment, training, and consultant services. Research, development, and construction are not eligible. Pre-award costs and work done before the Notice of Award are not reimbursable.
Program description
The Senior Employment Specialist Program (SESP) provides funding to Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) subgrantee(s) to assist with the planning for and dissemination of information and referrals to the various federal, state, and local training and employment programs to support employment opportunities for older adults.
Open attachment “FY27 SESP Allocations” for allocation information. SESP is funded through Illinois State General Revenue Funds (GRF). The SESP FY27 Planning Allocations are based on the number of Comprehensive One-Stop Centers* and the 55+Poverty Level population located in the SESP Grantee’s service area. NOTE: Some SESP Grantees have been allotted one Comprehensive One-Stop Center because they work directly with the center in their service area even though they do not have a Comprehensive One-Stop Center in their specific service area.
Uses and Restrictions:
Funding shall be used exclusively for SESP activities. SESP related expenses include, but are not limited to staffing costs, materials, supplies, travel, equipment, training, and consultant services. Expenses excluded include research and development, and construction as defined in the Uniform Budget Template.
Any expenses associated with the application process, pre-award costs, or any work performed prior to period of performance in the Notice of State Award (NOSA) shall not be payable under the resulting grant.
FY27 Allocations are as follows:
PSA2 (Northeastern IL AAA): $18,446
PSA4 (Central IL AAA): $13,243
PSA7 (AAA for Lincolnland): $14,572
PSA8 (AgeSmart): $13,804
PSA9 (Midland AAA): $12,110
PSA10 (Southeastern IL AAA): $13,368
PSA11 (Egyptian AAA): $12,556
SCSEP Subgrantee (PSAs 1, 3, 5, 6 & 12): $74,948
PSA 13 (AgeOptions): $17,073 Administered by the Illinois Department on Aging via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 402-03-1477).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) subgrantees in Illinois. Only designated Illinois regional AAAs and SCSEP subgrantees can apply; awards are fixed by region. Activities include planning, information dissemination, and referrals to federal, state, and local employment and training programs for adults age 55+.
Funding covers staffing, materials, supplies, travel, equipment, training, and consultant services. Research, development, and construction are not eligible. Pre-award costs and work done before the Notice of Award are not reimbursable.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- GATA application (via Illinois CSFA catalog)
- Detailed budget and narrative
- Service area map showing coverage (AAAs/SCSEP)
- Staffing plan with position descriptions
- Documentation of coordination with workforce centers
Program contact
- 👤 Luis A. Rodriguez
- 📧 luis.rodriguez3@illinois.gov
- 📞 217-782-1889
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Only designated Illinois Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and the SCSEP subgrantee are eligible. Awards are pre-allocated by service area (PSA).
What activities can SESP funding support?
Staffing, materials, supplies, travel, equipment, training, and consultant services for employment planning and information/referral activities. Research, development, and construction are excluded.
What is the funding amount for my service area?
Awards range from $12,110 to $74,948 depending on your PSA allocation. Check the grant notice for your specific region's amount.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No. This is fully-funded grant support with no matching funds required.
Can I cover pre-award planning costs?
No. Only expenses incurred after the Notice of State Award is issued are reimbursable.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Use funds exclusively for SESP-eligible activities listed in the grant. Keep detailed records of how staffing and consultant time is allocated to employment services.
- Include a clear staffing plan showing how positions will support employment information and referral services for older adults.
- Demonstrate coordination with local workforce centers and training programs in your service area.
- Budget carefully for travel to multiple sites if you serve a large geographic region.
- Document outcomes: track how many older adults received referrals and employment-related information through your activities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Pre-award costs are never reimbursable. Do not spend money before the Notice of State Award is issued. Keep research and development expenses completely separate—they cannot be charged to this grant. Construction costs are not eligible regardless of project urgency.
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