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The ACES Project
In New York City, many households that are eligible for SNAP are not receiving this important benefit. As the city sees the number of older adults and those who are uninsured or under resourced grow, more individuals and families require public benefits such as Cash Assistance, Medicaid, or SNAP to make ends meet. Many of those in need are unaware of the benefits and services available to them; or they have been discouraged from applying by complicated application procedures.
Overcoming Barriers to Accessing Benefits
The Advocacy, Counseling, and Entitlement Services (ACES) Project, established in 1984 as part of the Community Service Society of New York's Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), deploys specially-trained volunteers to help the city’s residents access the public benefits they're entitled to. The ACES Project has a team of volunteers, ages 55 and over, serving in hospitals and community-based organizations throughout New York City. ACES volunteers assist over 3,500 New Yorkers each year with screening for eligibility and providing assistance with applications, recertifications, and advocacy. To learn more, download the ACES fact sheet.
Become an ACES Volunteer
ACES volunteers provide information and advocacy assistance on the full range of public benefit programs including Cash Assistance, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and SSI. Our volunteers:
- Volunteer one day per week in a hospital or community-based organization;
- Inform clients about public benefits and screen for eligibility;
- Help clients complete applications and gather the appropriate documentation;
- Follow-up to ensure clients receive benefits and advocate on their behalf if there are any complications;
- Make referrals for additional services as needed.
Interested candidates ages 55 and over are encouraged to submit an online application. If selected for the program, individuals must successfully complete the training series and open-resource exam. Read our volunteer description to learn more.
Partner with the ACES Project—Host a Volunteer
The ACES Project has created strong partnerships with health and social service organizations, hospitals, workforce development programs, and other agencies throughout the five boroughs. By hosting a volunteer at your agency for a minimum of one day per week, you will be offering your clients access to comprehensive public benefits counseling that can have a real impact on their economic security.
If you would like to learn more about hosting an ACES volunteer at your organization, please fill out our contact form and review our site requirements.
For questions about the ACES Project, please email Meris Noonan, Project Director, at mnoonan@cssny.org.