AARP Foundation Overview
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2010/02/02 - Updated: 2025/03/12
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Foundations and Nonprofits - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information outlines the AARP Foundation's commitment to assisting vulnerable individuals aged 50 and over. The Foundation administers programs like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), offering subsidized employment to low-income seniors, and Tax-Aide, providing free tax preparation assistance. Additionally, the Money Management Program supports those facing challenges in managing their finances. The Foundation's legal advocacy addresses critical issues such as age and disability discrimination, health care, and consumer protection. These initiatives aim to ensure that older adults can lead lives with independence, dignity, and purpose. With a database of over 150 self-directed and Veteran-directed programs, the hub serves as a comprehensive resource for caregivers seeking financial support and skill development opportunities. - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
The AARP Foundation, a non-profit organization, is the affiliated charity of AARP helping the most vulnerable elderly in society. The Foundation raises money to support these programs through government grants and from individuals, corporations, foundations, and AARP.
Focus
The AARP Foundation programs and legal advocacy efforts address issues that affect people age 50 and over on a daily basis. In addition to direct service and programs, the AARP Foundation offers numerous volunteer and charitable giving opportunities.
The two largest programs are the senior community service employment program (SCSEP) with the Department of Labor, which provides temporary subsidized employment for persons 55 and older whose incomes are at or below 125% of federal poverty levels, and the partially IRS funded tax counseling for the elderly (Tax-Aide), which supplies volunteer assistance for federal income tax preparation to low and moderate income older individuals with special attention to filers who are 60 and over.
Among the programs the Foundation administers are, Tax-Aide, SCSEP and Money Management Program. The Foundation's litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, and consumer and employment situations including age and disability discrimination in employment, health and long-term care, pensions, and financial fraud including predatory lending.
- AARP SCSEP: Helps low income job seekers, age 55 and older, gain the skills and paid work experience necessary to transition to permanent, unsubsidized employment, while providing millions of hours of community service annually through local nonprofit agencies.
- AARP Tax-Aide: Volunteers annually provide free tax assistance and preparation service to low and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. The program provides electronic filing and on-line tax assistance.
- AARP Money Management Program: Offers money management services to help older or disabled people who have difficulty budgeting, paying bills and keeping track of financial matters.
- AARP Benefits Outreach: Offers assistance to people over age 55 with low or moderate incomes in determining eligibility for public and private benefit programs that help pay for prescription drugs, doctor's bills, property taxes, groceries, heating bills, and more.
The AARP Foundation shares a common vision with AARP, a society in which everyone ages with dignity and purpose and in which the AARP Foundation helps people fulfill their goals and dreams. Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives with independence, dignity and purpose.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The AARP Foundation's multifaceted approach addresses both the economic and legal challenges faced by older adults. By offering employment opportunities, financial guidance, and legal support, the Foundation plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for seniors, ensuring they remain active and valued members of society. The AARP Foundation's efforts shine a light on a truth we can't ignore: too many older adults are still stuck in the shadows of poverty and isolation. This piece doesn't just lay out the facts-it's a quiet call to rethink how we support those who've spent decades building the world we live in. While the foundation's work is impressive, it's hard not to wonder if broader systemic fixes are overdue. Still, for anyone over 50 or caring for someone who is, this article offers a starting point worth digging into-a reminder that practical help exists, even if the bigger fight's far from won. - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.