OLDER WORKER BULLETIN 96-12

TO: ALL SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM SPONSORS

SUBJECT: Maximum Duration of Enrollment

1. Purpose. To provide Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) sponsors with the requirements for establishing a maximum duration of enrollment.

2. References. SCSEP regulation at 20 CFR Sec. 641.315.

3. Background. Maximum duration of enrollment was first introduced as an option for termination of enrollees in the proposed regulations of July 19, 1985 (20 CFR Sec. 674.316). The SCSEP regulations of May 17, 1995 at 20 CFR Sec. 641.315 also permit maximum duration of enrollment. This bulletin is intended to clarify issues related to this activity.

4. Directive. SCSEP sponsors who elect to establish a maximum duration of enrollment must adhere to the requirements stated in this bulletin, "Maximum Duration of Enrollment". This bulletin provides the minimum requirements. Maximum duration of enrollment is an optional provision of the regulation. Grantees not wishing to exercise this option are not compelled to do so.

5. Minimum Requirements for Maximum Duration of Enrollment. The limitation must be established by the grantee in the grant application or a modification to the grant agreement and authorized by the Department. Approval of the application or modification will be based on the extent to which the following items are addressed:

a. It must be applied equitably and uniformly to a group of enrollees, such as a project or a subproject.

b. The time limitation on enrollment shall be for a reasonable period, specified by the grantee in the grant agreement.

c. The Individual Development Plan for each enrollee must provide for transition to unsubsidized employment or other assistance before the maximum enrollment duration has expired.

d. Affected enrollees must be informed in writing no less than 12 months prior to scheduled termination.

6. Inquiries. Questions may be directed to your Federal Representative at (202) 219-5904.

JAMES H. NORRIS, Chief
Division of Older Worker Programs

PAUL A. MAYRAND, Director
Office of Special Targeted Programs