AmeriCorps Announces Final Rule to Enhance AmeriCorps Seniors' Flexibility and Access

AmeriCorps introduces rule to modernize and improve access to AmeriCorps Seniors programs

WASHINGTON, DC-AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, announced the implementation of afinal ruleaimed at modernizing and streamlining regulations governing AmeriCorps Seniors programs. The adoption of this rule, proposed initiallyon February 14, 2024, aims to remove barriers to service and increase flexibilities for grantees to accomplish project goals and recruit volunteers.

"AmeriCorps is dedicated to reducing barriers for members, volunteers and grantees to ensure communities across the country can benefit from AmeriCorps and federal funding," said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps.  "Our new rule modernizes stipends received by our AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, which will allow more older adults to serve with AmeriCorps."  

"AmeriCorps Seniors believes in the positive impact that older adults can have in communities." said Atalaya Sergi, National Director, AmeriCorps Seniors, "Our efforts here will support the engagement of more older adults in our national service programs and more efficiencies for our grantee staff, as they together address critical community needs."

The revised regulations remove eligibility obstacles and provide greater support to AmeriCorps Seniors who dedicate their time to serving their community. Key provisions of the final rule include:

• Modernized Income Calculation: Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers will no longer be required to include non-legally mandated family support in their total reported income. Total reported income determines whether a volunteer is eligible to receive a stipend. This will allow more low-income seniors to participate and receive a stipend for their contributions.
• Stipend Continuation During Administrative Leave: Under the final rule, grantee policies may allow volunteers to continue to receive a stipend when the grantee places them on short-term administrative leave due to extenuating circumstances that prevent service.
• Supplementing Stipends: The rule change allows grantees to supplement stipends, so community organizations can now have greater flexibility in determining hourly rates to recruit and support seniors in their locality.
• Consistency in Match Requirements: The final rule established a consistent 10 percent match requirement across all grant years for the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program; until now, programs in year three of funding and beyond were responsible for matching 30% of the program cost. This change allows grantees to allocate resources effectively towards program operations rather than meeting varying match requirements and establishes parity across all AmeriCorps Seniors programs.

AmeriCorps is dedicated to reducing barriers and improving transparency to ensure organizations can benefit from AmeriCorps funding and increase the diversity of those who serve with AmeriCorps. To learn more about the final rule, visit the Federal Register or read the fact sheet.