Overcoming Barriers to Accessing Benefits

The ACES Project, established in 1984 as part of the Community Service Society's Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), deploys specially-trained volunteers to help low-income New Yorkers access the benefits they're entitled to. The ACES Project has a team of volunteers, ages 55 and over, serving in hospitals and community organizations throughout New York City. The volunteers assist over 3,000 New Yorkers each year 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 Medicaid, SNAP, Cash Assistance, SSI, and Medicare. Our volunteers:

  • Volunteer one day per week in a hospital or community-based agency;
  • 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 and pass the ACES exam.  A site placement must be identified before an individual is accepted into the program.  Read our volunteer description to learn more.

 

Partner with the ACES Project—Host a Volunteer

The ACES project has created strong partnerships with dozens of 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. 

 

The ACES Project Site Requirements

Organizations interested in hosting an ACES volunteer must agree to the following site requirements.

1. Supervision for the volunteer(s) - a professional will be assigned to supervise the ACES volunteer(s).  Responsibilities include:

  • Develop an effective client referral system.
  • Market the program within the agency.
  • Coordinate the volunteers’ schedules.
  • Supervise the volunteers:

2. Space - provide a desk, computer, filing space, phone, and other materials necessary for the volunteers to do their work on site. If the volunteers are performing their work from remote locations, they will provide their own computer, printer, phone, and any other materials necessary to complete their work.

3. Record Keeping - responsible for submitting the ACES volunteer attendance through an online database. An email reminder will be sent each month to the site supervisor who should report the attendance by the 10th of the following month.

4. Client files belong to the partner agency and stay onsite. If the volunteers are working remotely, the agency needs to establish client confidentiality protocols. If the ACES Project ceases to operate at the site, the agency should properly dispose of client file materials in a manner that will preserve confidentiality.