Market reference note: This article covers resources from both Korea and the United States. Each piece of information is labeled 🇰🇷 Korea or 🇺🇸 U.S. in the text to indicate which country it applies to.
When your parents say, "I still want to do something," what do you say in response? As long as health allows, the desire to work is a natural and healthy one. Even after retirement, the sense of remaining connected to society has a positive effect on both physical and mental well-being. Fortunately, both Korea and the United States have programs designed to support that desire.
🇰🇷 Korea The '노인 일자리 및 사회활동 지원사업 (Senior Employment and Social Activity Support Program)', operated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the 한국노인인력개발원 (Korea Employment Agency for the Elderly), is set to provide a record 1,152,000 positions in 2026 — an increase of 54,000 compared to 2025. This flagship welfare program is designed to go beyond simple pocket money, enabling participants to achieve both financial contribution and social engagement at the same time.
🇰🇷 Korea The program is broadly divided into three tracks. First, the 공익활동형 (public service activity type) is open to recipients of the 기초연금 (Basic Pension) aged 65 and older. It involves community-service activities such as meal support at senior centers, elder-to-elder care (노노케어), and traffic-safety guidance, carried out for approximately 30 hours per month, with a monthly activity allowance of approximately 290,000 won. Starting in 2026, a portion of these positions have been designated '우선지정일자리 (priority-designated jobs)' with a strengthened legal basis. Second, the 사회서비스형 (social service type) is open to those aged 65 and older (and in some cases 60 and older) regardless of whether they receive the Basic Pension. Participants work 60 hours per month and receive approximately 760,000 won per month, including the four major insurance premiums. Third, market-oriented tracks — including the 시장형 (market type), 취업알선형 (job-placement type), and 시니어인턴십 (Senior Internship) — are open to those aged 60 and older, with compensation paid at market or commercial wage levels. Notably, the Senior Internship has no income requirement, so those who are financially comfortable are also eligible to participate.
🇰🇷 Korea Applying is not difficult. You can visit your local 행정복지센터 (community administrative welfare center), 시니어클럽 (senior club), 노인복지관 (senior welfare center), or 대한노인회 (Korea Senior Citizens Association), or apply online through '노인일자리 여기 (seniorro.or.kr)' or '복지로 (bokjiro.go.kr)'. The main recruitment period is November through December each year, but vacancies are filled on a rolling basis throughout the year, so feel free to inquire at any time. The information hotline is 1544-3388.
🇺🇸 U.S. In the United States, there is the SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program) — the oldest workforce program for older workers in the country, established under the Older Americans Act of 1965. It is open to low-income, unemployed adults aged 55 and older who meet an income requirement of no more than 125% of the federal poverty level. As of 2026, that threshold is approximately $1,715 per month for a single-person household. Participants are placed at nonprofit and public institutions such as schools, hospitals, senior centers, and libraries, where they work an average of 20 hours per week and are paid whichever is highest among the federal, state, and local minimum wages.
🇺🇸 U.S. SCSEP is structured to achieve both job training and community contribution simultaneously, with the ultimate goal of transitioning participants into unsubsidized employment after training concludes. The U.S. Congress approved approximately $395 million for this program in fiscal year 2026. However, as the current federal administration has proposed budget cuts, the operating status of services may vary by region. If you are interested in participating, you can use the local agency finder on the AARP Foundation website (aarpfoundation.org) or the U.S. Department of Labor website (dol.gov), or contact your nearest Area Agency on Aging for guidance.
The key is choosing the track that fits your parents' motivation and current health. In Korea, it can be a good approach to start with a lower-demand type like the 공익활동형 and gradually move to more involved options based on stamina and interest. In the United States, we recommend contacting your local SCSEP agency first to check current waitlist status and the types of placements available. The relationships and daily rhythm that come from working are, in themselves, a form of care.
Sources: Ministry of Health and Welfare 2026 Senior Employment press release; 한국노인인력개발원 2026 Program Operations Guide; U.S. Department of Labor SCSEP program materials; CNBC (2026.05.16) SCSEP coverage; NCOA (National Council on Aging) SCSEP guide; AARP Foundation SCSEP program guide.
Note: This article was compiled by AI from the sources cited above. We strive for accuracy, but for decisions about your specific situation, please confirm the latest guidance from a professional or the relevant agency.