What Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs this way: "Determine eligibility of persons applying to receive assistance from government programs and agency resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security, and public housing."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Answer applicants' questions about benefits and claim procedures"; "Interview benefits recipients at specified intervals to certify their eligibility for continuing benefits"; "Interpret and explain information such as eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods, and applicants' legal rights"; "Initiate procedures to grant, modify, deny, or terminate assistance, or refer applicants to other agencies for assistance"; "Compile, record, and evaluate personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 162,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 165,300 in 2035, an increase of 2,500 jobs (+1.6%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 12,700 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.8% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $54,210, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs earn the most
Published data currently covers California, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $65,463. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (43-4000) include Court, Municipal, and License Clerks, Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan, Customer Service Representatives and Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks.
Frequently asked questions about Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
How much do Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $54,210.
Is Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 1.6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 12,700 openings a year.
What education do Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.