Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs

SOC code 43-4061 · O*NET-SOC 43-4061.00 · Medium preparation needed · Office and administration

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$54,210

a year

Hourly

$26.06

per hour

10th$38,900Median$54,21090th$74,690

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$56,090

$26.97 per hour

Middle 50%

$45,910 – $63,610

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$38,900 – $74,690

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

154,800

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $38,900; $18.70/hr
25th percentile: $45,910; $22.07/hr
Median percentile: $54,210; $26.06/hr
75th percentile: $63,610; $30.58/hr
90th percentile: $74,690; $35.91/hr

What do eligibility interviewers, government programs do?

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 tasks that matter most day to day

Compute and authorize amounts of assistance for programs, such as grants, monetary payments, and food stamps.
Keep records of assigned cases, and prepare required reports.
Compile, record, and evaluate personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status.
Interview and investigate applicants for public assistance to gather information pertinent to their applications.
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.
Check with employers or other references to verify answers and obtain further information.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 26% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)26%
Bachelor's Degree24%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree24%
Some College Courses19%

Common questions

How much does an eligibility interviewers, government programs earn?

The national median is $54,210 a year. The full range runs from $38,900 at the 10th percentile to $74,690 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an eligibility interviewers, government programs without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking4.3/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Writing3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.5/5
Active Learning3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.9/5
English Language4.4/5
Administration and Management3.8/5
Administrative3.8/5
Personnel and Human Resources3.5/5
Education and Training3.4/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Mathematics3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Judgment and Decision Making.