Volunteer Public Benefit Counselors (No Benefits Experience Required)

The Advocacy, Counseling, and Entitlement Services (ACES) Project of the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) is seeking retired individuals, age 55 years or older, to serve as volunteer public benefit counselors dedicated to helping New York City residents in need. ACES volunteers assist clients with completing applications for public benefits and help resolve benefit related issues.  

Volunteers must attend a training series that begins October 1 to November 14, 2024. Upon completion, they are matched with agencies in one of the five boroughs to provide information on government benefits to low-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.  

A personal interview, successful completion of the training, and a commitment of six hours per week for one year of volunteer service is required. Applicants must have advocacy, research, and computer skills, in addition to an interest in assisting individuals and families with low-incomes and learning about public benefit programs. No prior benefit experience is required. Your participation in this program gives you a chance to help others in a truly significant way. To apply, go to: https://www.cssny.org/programs/entry/the-aces-project. Interviews begin June 2024. Please note volunteers must be age 55+ to be considered.