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What is an eligibility worker and how to become one
An eligibility worker is responsible for helping individuals secure the social services they need. He/She assists clients in finding out their eligibility for the financial assistance provided by the government or nonprofit organizations. This financial assistance can be for housing, medical care, education, food, and daily expenses. Since the eligibility worker reports to social workers and psychologists, he/she helps them in filing paperwork, contacting clients, sending emails, and answering phone calls. He/She functions as an intermediary between the government or nonprofits and the applicants. Also, he/she meets with clients and educates them about the application process.
Eligibility workers need at least a high school diploma or GED to get a job. They must also know about social services. On-the-job training may be provided by their employer. They must possess communication, computer, and interpersonal skills, and must pay rapt attention to detail. The average salary an eligible worker earns yearly is about $80,548.
What general advice would you give to an Eligibility Worker?
Peggy Proudfoot Harman Ph.D.
Professor, MSW Program Director, Marshall University
There are approximately 255 CSWE accredited MSW programs in the United States. Not all MSW programs are alike with regard to specializations and program options. MSW program options range from face-to-face classes that are held once or twice weekly, to virtual courses offered through remote learning platforms such as Blackboard featuring synchronous and asynchronous sessions, and finally, totally online courses and programs.
There is a wide range of social work specializations in MSW programs. For example, behavioral health services administration, policy practice, behavioral health services, substance use disorders practice, military social work, and school social work. Many programs that are focused on behavioral health have responded to the fallout from the recent pandemic, taking into consideration client travel and health issues, and are offering courses in tele-behavioral health. These courses prepare students to provide services remotely and will continue to be needed in the future.
The field of social work is always growing, and actually, thrives when the environment is experiencing a crisis. Social workers are experienced in crisis intervention and are highly-trained to conduct assessments and interventions. Both BSW and MSW graduates entering the workforce this year will find that they are in high demand, and employers in this working environment will find social workers who are prepared to provide quality assessments and interventions in the most difficult situations.
Avg. Salary $38,510
Avg. Salary $59,228
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.44%
Asian 10.62%
Black or African American 15.76%
Hispanic or Latino 24.29%
Unknown 4.34%
White 43.55%
Genderfemale 81.56%
male 18.44%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Eligibility Worker career paths
Key steps to become an eligibility worker
Explore eligibility worker education requirements
Start to develop specific eligibility worker skills
Skills 
Percentages Public Assistance Programs 9.52% Social Services 7.83% Medical Assistance 7.56% Medi-Cal 6.92% Customer Service 6.17% Complete relevant eligibility worker training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New eligibility workers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an eligibility worker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real eligibility worker resumes.Research eligibility worker duties and responsibilities
- Calculate and determine benefits and renewals for applicants to state entitlement programs, CalFresh and Medi-Cal.
- Greet the clients when they come to apply to foodstamps, calworks or medical.
- Interview clients for food stamps, TANF and Medicaid to see if they are eligible to receive benefits.
- Plan, implement and coordinate programs and services to TANF recipients and their family members in order to promote self-sufficiency.
Prepare your eligibility worker resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your eligibility worker resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an eligibility worker resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Eligibility Worker Resume templates
Build a professional Eligibility Worker resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Eligibility Worker resume.
Apply for eligibility worker jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an eligibility worker job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Eligibility Worker Job
Are you an Eligibility Worker?
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Average eligibility worker salary
The average Eligibility Worker salary in the United States is $38,510 per year or $19 per hour. Eligibility worker salaries range between $30,000 and $48,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do eligibility workers rate their job?
Eligibility Worker reviews
helping people to qualify for the benefits they need
ungrateful individuals whom is being offered an opportunity to do better in life and help lift their burden
Updated January 8, 2025
