45 C.F.R. PART 2551—SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM
Title 45 - Public Welfare
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4950 et seq.
Source: 64 FR 14115, Mar. 24, 1999, unless otherwise noted.
The Senior Companion Program provides grants to qualified agencies and organizations for the dual purpose of: engaging persons 60 and older, particularly those with limited incomes, in volunteer service to meet critical community needs; and to provide a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of the volunteers. Program funds are used to support Senior Companions in providing supportive, individualized services to help adults with special needs maintain their dignity and independence. (a) Act. The Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended, Pub. L. 93–113, Oct. 1, 1973, 87 Stat. 396, 42 U.S.C. 4950 et seq. (b) Adult with special needs. Any individual over 21 years of age who has one or more physical, emotional, or mental health limitations and is in need of assistance to achieve and maintain their highest level of independent living. (c) Adequate staffing level. The number of project staff or full-time equivalent needed by a sponsor to manage NSSC project operations considering such factors as: number of budgeted Volunteer Service Years (VSY), number of volunteer stations, and the size of the service area. (d) Annual income. Total cash and in-kind receipts from all sources over the preceding 12 months including: the applicant or enrollee's income and, the applicant or enrollee's spouse's income, if the spouse lives in the same residence. The value of shelter, food, and clothing, shall be counted if provided at no cost by persons related to the applicant/enrollee, or spouse. (e) Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation appointed under the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended, (NCSA), 42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq. (f) Corporation. The Corporation for National and Community Service established under the Trust Act. The Corporation is also sometimes referred to as CNCS. (g) Cost reimbursements. Reimbursements provided to volunteers such as stipends to cover incidental costs, meals, and transportation, to enable them to serve without cost to themselves. Also included are the costs of annual physical examinations, volunteer insurance and recognition which are budgeted as Volunteer Expenses. (h) In-home. The non-institutional assignment of a Senior Companion in a private residence. (i) Letter of Agreement. A written agreement between a volunteer station, the sponsor and the adult served or the persons legally responsible for that adult. It authorizes the assignment of a Senior Companion in the clients home, defines the Senior Companion's activities and delineates specific arrangements for supervision. (j) Memorandum of Understanding. A written statement prepared and signed by the Senior Companion project sponsor and the volunteer station that identifies project requirements, working relationships and mutual responsibilities. (k) National Senior Service Corps (NSSC). The collective name for the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Senior Companion Program (SCP), and Demonstration Programs established under Title II Parts A, B, C, and E, of the Act. NSSC is also referred to as the “Senior Corps”. (l) Non-Corporation support (required). The percentage share of non-Federal cash and in-kind contributions, required to be raised by the sponsor in support of the grant. (m) Non-Corporation support (excess). The amount of non-Federal cash and in-kind contributions generated by a sponsor in excess of the required percentage. (n) Project. The locally planned and implemented Senior Companion Program activity or set of activities as agreed upon between a sponsor and the Corporation. (o) Qualified individual with a disability. An individual with a disability (as defined in the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. 705 (20)) who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of a volunteer position that such individual holds or desires. If a sponsor has prepared a written description before advertising or interviewing applicants for the position, the written description may be considered evidence of the essential functions of the volunteer position. (p) Service area. The geographically defined area in which Senior Companions are recruited, enrolled, and placed on assignments. (q) Service schedule. A written delineation of the days and times a Senior Companion serves each week. (r) Sponsor. A public agency or private non-profit organization, either secular or faith-based, that is responsible for the operation of a Senior Companion project. (s) Stipend. A payment to Senior Companions to enable them to serve without cost to themselves. The amount of the stipend is determined by the Corporation and is payable in regular installments. The minimum amount of the stipend is set by law and shall be adjusted by the CEO from time to time. (t) Trust Act. The National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, Pub. L. 103–82, Sept. 21, 1993, 107 Stat. 785. (u) United States and States. Each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam and American Samoa, and Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands. (v) Volunteer assignment plan. A written description of a Senior Companion's assignment with a client. The plan identifies specific outcomes for the client served and the activities of the Senior Companion. (w) Volunteer station. A public agency, secular or faith-based private non-profit organization, or proprietary health care organization that accepts the responsibility for assignment and supervision of Senior Companions in health, education, social service or related settings such as multi-purpose centers, home health care agencies, or similar establishments. Each volunteer station must be licensed or otherwise certified, when required, by the appropriate state or local government. Private homes are not volunteer stations. [64 FR 14115, Mar. 24, 1999, as amended at 69 FR 60094, Oct. 7, 2004] The Corporation awards grants to public agencies, including Indian tribes and non-profit private organizations, both secular and faith-based, in the United States that have the authority to accept and the capability to administer a Senior Companion project. [69 FR 60095, Oct. 7, 2004] A sponsor is responsible for fulfilling all project management requirements necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Senior Companion Program as specified in the Act. A sponsor shall not delegate or contract these responsibilities to another entity. The sponsor shall comply with all program regulations and policies, and grant provisions prescribed by the Corporation. A sponsor shall: (a) Focus Senior Companion resources on critical problems affecting the frail elderly and other adults with special needs within the project's service area. (b) Assess in collaboration with other community organizations or utilize existing assessment of the needs of the client population in the community and develop strategies to respond to those needs using the resources of Senior Companions. (c) Develop and manage a system of volunteer stations by: (1) Ensuring that a volunteer station is a public or non-profit private organization, whether secular or faith-based, or an eligible proprietary health care agency, capable of serving as a volunteer station for the placement of Senior Companions; (2) Ensuring that the placement of Senior Companions is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding: (i) That is negotiated prior to placement; (ii) That specifies the mutual responsibilities of the station and sponsor; (iii) That is renegotiated at least every three years; and (iv) That states the station assures it will not discriminate against volunteers or in the operation of its program on the basis of race; color; national origin, including individuals with limited English proficiency; sex; age; political affiliation; religion; or on the basis of disability, if the participant or member is a qualified individual with a disability; and (3) Reviewing volunteer placements regularly to ensure that clients are eligible to be served. (d) Develop service opportunities that consider the skills and experiences of the Senior Companion. (e) Consider the demographic make-up of the project service area in the enrollment of Senior Companions, taking special efforts to recruit eligible individuals from minority groups, persons with disabilities, and under-represented groups. (f) Provide Senior Companions with assignments that show direct and demonstrable benefits to the adults and the community served, the Senior Companions, and the volunteer station; with required cost reimbursements specified in §2551.45; with not less than 40 hours of orientation of which 20 hours must be pre-service, and an average of 4 hours of monthly in-service training. (g) Encourage the most efficient and effective use of Senior Companions by coordinating project services and activities with related national, state and local programs, including other Corporation programs. (h) Conduct an annual appraisal of volunteers' performance and annual review of their income eligibility. (i) Develop, and annually update, a plan for promoting senior service within the project's service area. (j) Annually assess the accomplishments and impact of the project on the identified needs and problems of the client population in the community. (k) Establish written service policies for Senior Companions that include but are not limited to annual and sick leave, holidays, service schedules, termination, appeal procedures, meal and transportation reimbursements. [64 FR 14115, Mar. 24, 1999, as amended at 67 FR 60998, Sept. 27, 2002; 69 FR 60095, Oct. 7, 2004] (a) A sponsor shall secure community participation in local project operation by establishing an Advisory Council or a similar organizational structure with a membership that includes people: (1) Knowledgeable of human and social needs of the community; (2) Competent in the field of community service and volunteerism; (3) Capable of helping the sponsor meet its administrative and program responsibilities including fund-raising, publicity and impact programming; (4) With interest in and knowledge of the capability of older adults; and (5) Of a diverse composition that reflects the demographics of the service area. (b) The sponsor determines how such participation shall be secured, consistent with the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) of this section. A sponsor shall: (a) Assume full responsibility for securing maximum and continuing community financial and in-kind support to operate the project successfully. (b) Provide levels of staffing and resources appropriate to accomplish the purposes of the project and carry out its project management responsibilities. (c) Employ a full-time project director to accomplish program objectives and manage the functions and activities delegated to project staff for NSSC program(s) within its control. A full-time project director shall not serve concurrently in another capacity, paid or unpaid, during established working hours. The project director may participate in activities to coordinate program resources with those of related local agencies, boards or organizations. A sponsor may negotiate the employment of a part-time project director with the Corporation when it can be demonstrated that such an arrangement will not adversely affect the size, scope, and quality of project operations. (d) Consider all project staff as sponsor employees subject to its personnel policies and procedures. (e) Compensate project staff at a level that is comparable with other similar staff positions in the sponsor organization and/or project service area. (f) Establish risk management policies and procedures covering project and Senior Companion activities. This includes provision of appropriate insurance coverage for Senior Companions, vehicles and other properties used in the project. (g) Establish record keeping/reporting systems in compliance with Corporation requirements that ensure quality of program and fiscal operations, facilitate timely and accurate submission of required reports and cooperate with Corporation evaluation and data collection efforts. (h) Comply with and ensure that all volunteer stations comply with all applicable civil rights laws and regulations, including providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. A sponsor may administer more than one Corporation program. (a) The Chief Executive Officer or designee is authorized to suspend further payments or to terminate payments under any grant providing assistance under the Act whenever he/she determines there is a material failure to comply with applicable terms and conditions of the grant. The Chief Executive Officer shall prescribe procedures to insure that: (1) Assistance under the Act shall not be suspended for failure to comply with applicable terms and conditions, except in emergency situations for thirty days; (2) An application for refunding under the Act may not be denied unless the recipient has been given: (i) Notice at least 75 days before the denial of such application of the possibility of such denial and the grounds for any such denial; and (ii) Opportunity to show cause why such action should not be taken; (3) In any case where an application for refunding is denied for failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the grant, the recipient shall be afforded and opportunity for an informal hearing before an impartial hearing officer, who has been agreed to by the recipient and the Corporation; and (4) Assistance under the Act shall not be terminated for failure to comply with applicable terms and conditions unless the recipient has been afforded reasonable notice and opportunity for a full and fair hearing. (b) In order to assure equal access to all recipients, such hearings or other meetings as may be necessary to fulfill the requirements of this section shall be held in locations convenient to the recipient agency. (c) The procedures for suspension, termination, and denial of refunding, that apply to the Senior Companion Program are specified in 45 CFR Part 1206. (a) To be a Senior Companion, an individual must: (1) Be 60 years of age or older; (2) Be determined by a physical examination to be capable, with or without reasonable accommodation, of serving adults with special needs without detriment to either himself/herself or the adults served; (3) Agree to abide by all requirements as set forth in this part; and (4) In order to receive a stipend, have an income that is within the income eligibility guidelines specified in this subpart D. (b) Eligibility to be a Senior Companion shall not be restricted on the basis of formal education, experience, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, or political affiliation. (a) To be enrolled and receive a stipend, a Senior Companion cannot have an annual income from all sources, after deducting allowable medical expenses, which exceeds the program's income eligibility guideline for the state in which he or she resides. The income eligibility guideline for each state is the higher amount of either: (1) 125 percent of the poverty line as set forth in 42 U.S.C. 9902 (2); or (2) 135 percent of the poverty line, in those primary metropolitan statistical areas (PMSA), metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) and non-metropolitan counties identified by the Corporation as being higher in cost of living, as determined by application of the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) subsistence rates. In Alaska the guideline may be waived by the Corporation State Director if a project demonstrates that low-income individuals in that location are participating in the project. (b) For applicants to become stipended Senior Companions, annual income is projected for the following 12 months, based on income at the time of application. For serving stipended Senior Companions, annual income is counted for the past 12 months. Annual income includes the applicant or enrollee's income and that of his/her spouse, if the spouse lives in the same residence. Sponsors shall count the value of shelter, food, and clothing, if provided at no cost by persons related to the applicant, enrollee, or spouse. (c) Allowable medical expenses are annual out-of-pocket medical expenses for health insurance premiums, health care services, and medications provided to the applicant, enrollee, or spouse which were not and will not be paid by Medicare, Medicaid, other insurance, or other third party payor, and which do not exceed 50 percent of the applicable income guideline. (d) Applicants whose income is not more than 100 percent of the poverty line shall be given special consideration for enrollment. (e) Once enrolled, a Senior Companion shall remain eligible to serve and to receive a stipend so long as his or her income, does not exceed the applicable income eligibility guideline by 20 percent. [64 FR 14115, Mar. 24, 1999, as amended at 67 FR 60998, Sept. 27, 2002; 69 FR 20830, Apr. 19, 2004] (a) For determining eligibility, “income” refers to total cash or in-kind receipts before taxes from all sources including: (1) Money, wages, and salaries before any deduction, but not including food or rent in lieu of wages; (2) Receipts from self-employment or from a farm or business after deductions for business or farm expenses; (3) Regular payments for public assistance, Social Security, Unemployment or Workers Compensation, strike benefits, training stipends, alimony, child support, and military family allotments, or other regular support from an absent family member or someone not living in the household; (4) Government employee pensions, private pensions, and regular insurance or annuity payments; and (5) Income from dividends, interest, net rents, royalties, or income from estates and trusts. (b) For eligibility purposes, income does not refer to the following money receipts: (1) Any assets drawn down as withdrawals from a bank, sale of property, house or car, tax refunds, gifts, one-time insurance payments or compensation from injury; (2) Non-cash income, such as the bonus value of food and fuel produced and consumed on farms and the imputed value of rent from owner-occupied farm or non-farm housing. Senior Companions are volunteers, and are not employees of the sponsor, the volunteer station, the Corporation, or the Federal Government. Cost reimbursements include: (a) Stipend. Senior Companions who are income eligible will receive a stipend in an amount determined by the Corporation and payable in regular installments, to enable them to serve without cost to themselves. The stipend is paid for the time Senior Companions spend with their assigned clients, for earned leave, and for attendance at official project events. (b) Insurance. A Senior Companion is provided with the Corporation-specified minimum levels of insurance as follows: (1) Accident insurance. Accident insurance covers Senior Companions for personal injury during travel between their homes and places of assignment, during their volunteer service, during meal periods while serving as a volunteer, and while attending project-sponsored activities. Protection shall be provided against claims in excess of any benefits or services for medical care or treatment available to the volunteer from other sources. (2) Personal liability insurance. Protection is provided against claims in excess of protection provided by other insurance. It does not include professional liability coverage. (3) Excess automobile liability insurance. (i) For Senior Companions who drive in connection with their service, protection is provided against claims in excess of the greater of either: (A) Liability insurance volunteers carry on their own automobiles; or (B) The limits of applicable state financial responsibility law, or in its absence, levels of protection to be determined by the Corporation for each person, each accident, and for property damage. (ii) Senior Companions who drive their personal vehicles to or on assignments or project-related activities must maintain personal automobile liability insurance equal to or exceeding the levels established by the Corporation. (c) Transportation. Senior Companions shall receive assistance with the cost of transportation to and from volunteer assignments and official project activities, including orientation, training, and recognition events. (d) Physical examination. Senior Companions are provided a physical examination prior to assignment and annually thereafter to ensure that they will be able to provide supportive service without injury to themselves or the clients served. (e) Meals and recognition. Senior Companions shall be provided the following within limits of the project's available resources: (1) Assistance with the cost of meals taken while on assignment; and (2) Recognition for their service. (f) Leadership incentive. Senior Companions who serve as volunteer leaders, assisting new Senior Companions or coordinating other Senior Companions in accordance with the Act, may be paid a monetary incentive. (g) Other volunteer expenses. Senior Companions may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while performing their volunteer assignments provided these expenses are described in the Memorandum of Understanding negotiated with the volunteer station to which the volunteer is assigned, and there are sufficient funds available to cover these expenses and meet all other requirements identified in the notice of grant award. [64 FR 14115, Mar. 24, 1999, as amended at 67 FR 60998, Sept. 27, 2002; 69 FR 20830, Apr. 19, 2004] No. Senior Companion's cost reimbursements are not subject to any tax or charge or treated as wages or compensation for the purposes of unemployment insurance, worker's compensation, temporary disability, retirement, public assistance, or similar benefit payments or minimum wage laws. Cost reimbursements are not subject to garnishment and do not reduce or eliminate the level of, or eligibility for, assistance or services a Senior Companion may be receiving under any governmental program. A Senior Companion shall serve a minimum of 15 hours per week and a maximum of 40 hours per week. A Senior Companion shall not serve more than 2088 hours per year. Within these limitations, a sponsor may set service policies consistent with local needs. [67 FR 60998, Sept. 27, 2002] (a) Travel time between the Senior Companion's home and place of assignment is not part of the service schedule and is not stipended. (b) Travel time between individual assignments is a part of the service schedule and is stipended. (c) Meal time may be part of the service schedule and is stipended only if it is specified in the goal statement as part of the service activity. (a) A sponsor may remove a Senior Companion from service for cause. Grounds for removal include but are not limited to: extensive and unauthorized absences; misconduct; inability to perform assignments; and failure to accept supervision. A Senior Companion may also be removed from service for having income in excess of the eligibility level. (b) The sponsor shall establish appropriate policies on service termination as well as procedures for appeal from such adverse action. Yes, a sponsor may serve as a volunteer station, provided this is part of the application workplan approved by the Corporation. [67 FR 60999, Sept. 27, 2002] A volunteer station shall undertake the following responsibilities in support of Senior Companion volunteers: (a) Develop volunteer assignments that meet the requirements specified in §§2551.71 through 2551.72, and regularly assess those assignments for continued appropriateness. (b) Select eligible clients for assigned volunteers. (c) Develop a written volunteer assignment plan for each client that identifies the role and activities of the Senior Companion and expected outcomes for the client served. (d) Obtain a Letter of Agreement for Senior Companions assigned in-home. This letter must comply with all Federal, State and local regulations. (e) Provide Senior Companions serving the station with: (1) Orientation to the station and any in-service training necessary to enhance performance of assignments; (2) Resources required for performance of assignments including reasonable accommodation; and (3) Appropriate recognition. (f) Designate a staff member to oversee fulfillment of station responsibilities and supervision of Senior Companions while on assignment. (g) Keep records and prepare reports required by the sponsor. (h) Provide for the safety of Senior Companions assigned to it. (i) Comply with all applicable civil rights laws and regulations including reasonable accommodation for Senior Companions with disabilities. (j) Undertake such other responsibilities as may be necessary to the successful performance of Senior Companions in their assignments or as agreed to in the Memorandum of Understanding. (a) Senior Companion assignments shall provide for Senior Companions to give direct services to one or more eligible adults that: (1) Result in person-to-person supportive relationships with each client served. (2) Support the achievement and maintenance of the highest level of independent living for their clients. (3) Are meaningful to the Senior Companion. (4) Are supported by appropriate orientation, training, and supervision. (b) Senior Companions may serve as volunteer leaders, and in this capacity may provide indirect services. Senior Companions with special skills or demonstrated leadership ability may assist newer Senior Companion volunteers in performing their assignments and in coordinating activities of such volunteers. (c) Senior Companions shall not provide services such as those performed by medical personnel, services to large numbers of clients, custodial services, administrative support services, or other services that would detract from their assignment. [67 FR 60999, Sept. 27, 2002] (a) All Senior Companions performing direct services to individual clients in home settings and individual clients in community-based settings, shall receive a written volunteer assignment plan developed by the volunteer station that: (1) Is approved by the sponsor and accepted by the Senior Companion; (2) Identifies the client(s) to be served; (3) Identifies the role and activities of the Senior Companion and expected outcomes for the client(s); (4) Addresses the period of time each client is expected to receive such services; and (5) Is used to review the status of the Senior Companion's services in working with the assigned client(s), as well as the impact of the assignment on the client(s). (b) If there is an existing plan that incorporates paragraphs (a)(2), (3), and (4) of this section, that plan shall meet the requirement. (c) All Senior Companions serving as volunteer leaders shall receive a written volunteer assignment plan developed by the volunteer station that: (1) Is approved by the sponsor and accepted by the Senior Companion; (2) Identifies the role and activities of the Senior Companion and expected outcomes; (3) Addresses the period of time of service; and (4) Is used to review the status of the Senior Companion's services identified in the assignment plan, as well as the impact of those services. [67 FR 60999, Sept. 27, 2002] Senior Companions serve only adults, primarily older adults, who have one or more physical, emotional, or mental health limitations and are in need of assistance to achieve and maintain their highest level of independent living. (a) How and when may an eligible organization apply for a grant? (1) An eligible organization may file an application for a grant at any time. (2) Before submitting an application an applicant shall determine the availability of funds from the Corporation. (3) The Corporation may also solicit grant applicants. Applicants solicited under this provision are not assured of selection or approval and may have to compete with other solicited or unsolicited applications. (b) What must an eligible organization include in a grant application? (1) An applicant shall complete standard forms prescribed by the Corporation. (2) The applicant shall comply with the provisions of Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” (3 CFR, 1982 Comp., p. 197) in 45 CFR part 1233 and any other applicable requirements. (c) Who reviews the merits of an application and how is a grant awarded? (1) The Corporation reviews and determines the merit of an application by its responsiveness to published guidelines and to the overall purpose and objectives of the program. When funds are available, the Corporation awards a grant in writing to each applicant whose grant proposal provides the best potential for serving the purpose of the program. The award will be documented by Notice of Grant Award (NGA). (2) The Corporation and the sponsoring organization are the parties to the NGA. The NGA will document the sponsor's commitment to fulfill specific programmatic objectives and financial obligations. It will document the extent of the Corporation's obligation to provide financial support to the sponsor. (d) What happens if the Corporation rejects an application? The Corporation will return to the applicant an application that is not approved for funding, with an explanation of the Corporation's decision. (e) For what period of time does the Corporation award a Senior Companion grant? The Corporation awards a Senior Companion grant for a specified period that is usually 12 months in duration. (a) Is non-Corporation support required? A Corporation grant may be awarded to fund up to 90 percent of the cost of development and operation of a Senior Companion project. The sponsor is required to contribute at least 10 percent of the total project cost from non-Federal sources or authorized Federal sources. (b) Under what circumstances does the Corporation allow less than the 10 percent non-Corporation support? The Corporation may allow exceptions to the 10 percent local support requirement in cases of demonstrated need such as: (1) Initial difficulties in the development of local funding sources during the first three years of operations; or (2) An economic downturn, the occurrence of a natural disaster, or similar events in the service area that severely restrict or reduce sources of local funding support; or (3) The unexpected discontinuation of local support from one or more sources that a project has relied on for a period of years. (c) May the Corporation restrict how a sponsor uses locally generated contributions in excess of the 10 percent non-Corporation support required? Whenever locally generated contributions to Senior Companion projects are in excess of the minimum 10 percent non-Corporation support required, the Corporation may not restrict the manner in which such contributions are expended provided such expenditures are consistent with the provisions of the Act. (d) Are program expenditures subject to audit? All expenditures by the grantee of Federal and non-Federal funds, including expenditures from excess locally generated contributions in support of the grant are subject to audit by the Corporation, its Inspector General, or their authorized agents. (e) How are Senior Companion cost reimbursements budgeted? The total of cost reimbursements for Senior Companions, including stipends, insurance, transportation, meals, physical examinations, and recognition, shall be a sum equal to at least 80 percent of the amount of the federal share of the grant award. Federal, required non-Federal, and excess non-federal resources can be used to make up the amount allotted for cost reimbursements. (f) May a sponsor pay stipends at a rate different than the rate established by the Corporation? A sponsor shall pay stipends at the same rate as that established by the Corporation. What rules govern a sponsor's management of grants? (a) A sponsor shall manage a grant in accordance with: (1) The Act; (2) Regulations in this part; (3) 45 CFR Part 2541, “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments”, or 45 CFR Part 2543, “Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations'; (4) The following OMB Circulars, as appropriate A–21, “Cost Principles for Educational Institution”, A–87, “Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments”, A–122, “Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations”, and A–133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Other Non-Profit Organizations” (OMB circulars are available electronically at the OMB homepage www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/omb); and (5) Other applicable Corporation requirements. (b) Project support provided under a Corporation grant shall be furnished at the lowest possible cost consistent with the effective operation of the project. (c) Project costs for which Corporation funds are budgeted must be justified as being necessary and essential to project operation. (d) Volunteer expense items, including transportation, meals, recognition activities and items purchased at the volunteers' own expense and which are not reimbursed, are not allowable as contributions to the non-Federal share of the budget. (e) Costs of other insurance not required by program policy, but maintained by a sponsor for the general conduct of its activities are allowable with the following limitations: (1) Types and extent of and cost of coverage are according to sound institutional and business practices; (2) Costs of insurance or a contribution to any reserve covering the risk of loss of or damage to Government-owned property are unallowable unless the government specifically requires and approves such costs; and (3) The cost of insurance on the lives of officers, trustees or staff is unallowable except where such insurance is part of an employee plan which is not unduly restricted. (f) Costs to bring a sponsor into basic compliance with accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities are not allowable costs. (g) Payments to settle discrimination allegations, either informally through a settlement agreement or formally as a result of a decision finding discrimination, are not allowable costs. (h) Written Corporation approval/concurrence is required for the following changes in the approved grant: (1) Reduction in budgeted volunteer service years. (2) Change in the service area. (3) Transfer of budgeted line items from Volunteer Expenses to Support Expenses. This requirement does not apply if the 80 percent volunteer cost reimbursement ratio is maintained. [64 FR 14115, Mar. 24, 1999, as amended at 69 FR 20830, Apr. 19, 2004] Over-income persons, age 60 or over, may be enrolled in SCP projects as non-stipended volunteers in communities where there is no RSVP project or where agreement is reached with the RSVP project that allows for the enrollment of non-stipended volunteers in the SCP project. Non-stipended Senior Companions serve under the following conditions: (a) They must not displace or prevent eligible low-income individuals from becoming Senior Companions. (b) No special privilege or status is granted or created among Senior Companions, stipended or non-stipended, and equal treatment is required. (c) Training, supervision, and other support services and cost reimbursements, other than the stipend, are available equally to all Senior Companions. (d) All regulations and requirements applicable to the program, with the exception listed in paragraph (f) of this section, apply to all Senior Companions. (e) Non-stipended Senior Companions may be placed in separate volunteer stations where warranted. (f) Non-stipended Senior Companions will be encouraged but not required to serve an average of 20 hours per week and nine months per year. Senior Companions will maintain a close person-to-person relationship with their assigned special needs clients on a regular basis. (g) Non-stipended Senior Companions may contribute the costs they incur in connection with their participation in the program. Such contributions are not counted as part of the required non-federal share of the grant but may be reflected in the budget column for excess non-federal resources. Enrollment of non-stipended Senior Companions is not a factor in the award of new or continuation grants. Federally appropriated funds for SCP shall not be used to pay any cost, including any administrative cost, incurred in implementing the regulations in this part for non-stipended Senior Companions. An eligible agency or organization who wishes to sponsor a Senior Companion project without Corporation funding, must sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Corporation that: (a) Certifies its intent to comply with all Corporation requirements for the Senior Companion Program; and (b) Identifies responsibilities to be carried out by each party. The Memorandum of Agreement entitles the sponsor of a non-Corporation funded project to: (a) All technical assistance and materials provided to Corporation-funded Senior Companion projects; and (b) The application of the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 5044 and 5058. Entry into a Memorandum of Agreement with, or issuance of an NGA to a sponsor of a non-Corporation funded project, does not create a financial obligation on the part of the Corporation for any costs associated with the project, including increases in required payments to Senior Companion's that may result from changes in the Act or in program regulations. A non-Corporation funded project sponsor's noncompliance with the Memorandum of Agreement may result in suspension or termination of the Corporation's agreement and all benefits specified in §2551.112. (a) Political activities. (1) No part of any grant shall be used to finance, directly or indirectly, any activity to influence the outcome of any election to public office, or any voter registration activity. (2) No project shall be conducted in a manner involving the use of funds, the provision of services, or the employment or assignment of personnel in a matter supporting or resulting in the identification of such project with: (i) Any partisan or nonpartisan political activity associated with a candidate, or contending faction or group, in an election; or (ii) Any activity to provide voters or prospective voters with transportation to the polls or similar assistance in connection with any such election; or (iii) Any voter registration activity, except that voter registration applications and nonpartisan voter registration information may be made available to the public at the premises of the sponsor. But in making registration applications and nonpartisan voter registration information available, employees of the sponsor shall not express preferences or seek to influence decisions concerning any candidate, political party, election issue, or voting decision. (3) The sponsor shall not use grant funds in any activity for the purpose of influencing the passage or defeat of legislation or proposals by initiative petition, except: (i) In any case in which a legislative body, a committee of a legislative body, or a member of a legislative body requests any volunteer in, or employee of such a program to draft, review or testify regarding measures or to make representation to such legislative body, committee or member; or (ii) In connection with an authorization or appropriations measure directly affecting the operation of the Senior Companion Program. (b) Non-displacement of employed workers. A Senior Companion shall not perform any service or duty or engage in any activity which would otherwise be performed by an employed worker or which would supplant the hiring of or result in the displacement of employed workers, or impair existing contracts for service. (c) Compensation for service. (1) An agency or organization to which NSSC volunteers are assigned or which operates or supervises any NSSC program shall not request or receive any compensation from NSSC volunteers or from beneficiaries for services of NSSC volunteers. (2) This section does not prohibit a sponsor from soliciting and accepting voluntary contributions from the community at large to meet its local support obligations under the grant or from entering into agreements with parties other than beneficiaries to support additional volunteers beyond those supported by the Corporation grant. (3) A Senior Companion volunteer station may contribute to the financial support of the Senior Companion Program. However, this support shall not be a required precondition for a potential station to obtain Senior Companion service. (4) If a volunteer station agrees to provide funds to support additional Senior Companions or pay for other Senior Companion support costs, the agreement shall be stated in a written Memorandum of Understanding. The sponsor shall withdraw services if the station's inability to provide monetary or in-kind support to the project under the Memorandum of Understanding diminishes or jeopardizes the project's financial capabilities to fulfill its obligations. (5) Under no circumstances shall a Senior Companion receive a fee for service from service recipients, their legal guardian, members of their family, or friends. (d) Labor and anti-labor activity. The sponsor shall not use grant funds directly or indirectly to finance labor or anti-labor organization or related activity. (e) Fair labor standards. A sponsor that employs laborers and mechanics for construction, alteration, or repair of facilities shall pay wages at prevailing rates as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 276a. (f) Nondiscrimination. A sponsor or sponsor employee shall not discriminate against a Senior Companion on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, or political affiliation, or on the basis of disability, if the Senior Companion with a disability is qualified to serve. (g) Religious activities. (1) A Senior Companion or a member of the project staff funded by the Corporation shall not give religious instruction, conduct worship services or engage in any form of proselytization as part of his or her duties. (2) A sponsor or volunteer station may retain its independence and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, development, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs, provided that it does not use Corporation funds to support any inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization, as part of the programs or services funded. If an organization conducts such activities, the activities must be offered separately, in time or location, from the programs or services funded under this part. (h) Nepotism. Persons selected for project staff positions shall not be related by blood or marriage to other project staff, sponsor staff or officers, or members of the sponsor Board of Directors, unless there is written concurrence from the community group established by the sponsor under Subpart B of this part and with notification to the Corporation. [64 FR 14115, Mar. 24, 1999, as amended at 69 FR 60095, Oct. 7, 2004] It is within the Corporation's discretion to determine if Counsel is employed and counsel fees, court costs, bail and other expenses incidental to the defense of a Senior Companion are paid in a criminal, civil or administrative proceeding, when such a proceeding arises directly out of performance of the Senior Companion's activities. The circumstances under which the Corporation shall pay such expenses are specified in 45 CFR part 1220.
Title 45: Public Welfare
PART 2551—SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM
Section Contents
§ 2551.11 What is the Senior Companion Program?
§ 2551.12 Definitions.
§ 2551.21 Who is eligible to serve as a sponsor?
§ 2551.22 What are the responsibilities of a sponsor?
§ 2551.23 What are a sponsor's program responsibilities?
§ 2551.24 What are a sponsor's responsibilities for securing community participation?
§ 2551.25 What are a sponsor's administrative responsibilities?
§ 2551.26 May a sponsor administer more than one program grant from the Corporation?
§ 2551.31 What are the rules on suspension, termination, and denial of refunding of grants?
§ 2551.41 Who is eligible to be a Senior Companion?
§ 2551.42 What income guidelines govern eligibility to serve as a stipended Senior Companion?
§ 2551.43 What is considered income for determining volunteer eligibility?
§ 2551.44 Is a Senior Companion a federal employee, an employee of the sponsor or of the volunteer station?
§ 2551.45 What cost reimbursements are provided to Senior Companions?
§ 2551.46 May the cost reimbursements of a Senior Companion be subject to any tax or charge, be treated as wages or compensation, or affect eligibility to receive assistance from other programs?
§ 2551.51 What are the terms of service of a Senior Companion?
§ 2551.52 What factors are considered in determining a Senior Companion's service schedule?
§ 2551.53 Under what circumstances may a Senior Companion's service be terminated?
§ 2551.61 May a sponsor serve as a volunteer station?
§ 2551.62 What are the responsibilities of a volunteer station?
§ 2551.71 What requirements govern the assignment of Senior Companions?
§ 2551.72 Is a written volunteer assignment plan required for each volunteer?
§ 2551.81 What type of clients are eligible to be served?
§ 2551.91 What is the process for application and award of a grant?
§ 2551.92 What are project funding requirements?
§ 2551.93 What are grants management requirements?
§ 2551.101 What rule governs the recruitment and enrollment of persons who do not meet the income eligibility guidelines to serve as Senior Companions without stipends?
§ 2551.102 What are the conditions of service of non-stipended Senior Companions?
§ 2551.103 Must a sponsor be required to enroll non-stipended Senior Companions?
§ 2551.104 May Corporation funds be used for non-stipended Senior Companions?
§ 2551.111 Under what conditions can an agency or organization sponsor a Senior Companion project without Corporation funding?
§ 2551.112 What benefits are a non-Corporation funded project entitled to?
§ 2551.113 What financial obligation does the Corporation incur for non-Corporation funded projects?
§ 2551.114 What happens if a non-Corporation funded sponsor does not comply with the Memorandum of Agreement?
§ 2551.121 What legal limitations apply to the operation of the Senior Companion Program and to the expenditure of grant funds?
§ 2551.122 What legal coverage does the Corporation make available to Senior Companions?
Subpart A—General
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§ 2551.11 What is the Senior Companion Program?
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§ 2551.12 Definitions.
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Subpart B—Eligibility and Responsibilities of a Sponsor
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§ 2551.21 Who is eligible to serve as a sponsor?
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§ 2551.22 What are the responsibilities of a sponsor?
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§ 2551.23 What are a sponsor's program responsibilities?
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§ 2551.24 What are a sponsor's responsibilities for securing community participation?
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§ 2551.25 What are a sponsor's administrative responsibilities?
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§ 2551.26 May a sponsor administer more than one program grant from the Corporation?
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Subpart C—Suspension and Termination of Corporation Assistance
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§ 2551.31 What are the rules on suspension, termination, and denial of refunding of grants?
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Subpart D—Senior Companion Eligibility, Status, and Cost Reimbursements
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§ 2551.41 Who is eligible to be a Senior Companion?
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§ 2551.42 What income guidelines govern eligibility to serve as a stipended Senior Companion?
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§ 2551.43 What is considered income for determining volunteer eligibility?
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§ 2551.44 Is a Senior Companion a federal employee, an employee of the sponsor or of the volunteer station?
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§ 2551.45 What cost reimbursements are provided to Senior Companions?
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§ 2551.46 May the cost reimbursements of a Senior Companion be subject to any tax or charge, be treated as wages or compensation, or affect eligibility to receive assistance from other programs?
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Subpart E—Senior Companion Terms of Service
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§ 2551.51 What are the terms of service of a Senior Companion?
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§ 2551.52 What factors are considered in determining a Senior Companion's service schedule?
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§ 2551.53 Under what circumstances may a Senior Companion's service be terminated?
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Subpart F—Responsibilities of a Volunteer Station
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§ 2551.61 May a sponsor serve as a volunteer station?
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§ 2551.62 What are the responsibilities of a volunteer station?
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Subpart G—Senior Companion Placements and Assignments
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§ 2551.71 What requirements govern the assignment of Senior Companions?
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§ 2551.72 Is a written volunteer assignment plan required for each volunteer?
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Subpart H—Clients Served
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§ 2551.81 What type of clients are eligible to be served?
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Subpart I—Application and Fiscal Requirements
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§ 2551.91 What is the process for application and award of a grant?
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§ 2551.92 What are project funding requirements?
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§ 2551.93 What are grants management requirements?
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Subpart J—Non-Stipended Senior Companions.
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§ 2551.101 What rule governs the recruitment and enrollment of persons who do not meet the income eligibility guidelines to serve as Senior Companions without stipends?
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§ 2551.102 What are the conditions of service of non-stipended Senior Companions?
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§ 2551.103 Must a sponsor be required to enroll non-stipended Senior Companions?
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§ 2551.104 May Corporation funds be used for non-stipended Senior Companions?
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Subpart K—Non-Corporation Funded SCP Projects
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§ 2551.111 Under what conditions can an agency or organization sponsor a Senior Companion project without Corporation funding?
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§ 2551.112 What benefits are a non-Corporation funded project entitled to?
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§ 2551.113 What financial obligation does the Corporation incur for non-Corporation funded projects?
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§ 2551.114 What happens if a non-Corporation funded sponsor does not comply with the Memorandum of Agreement?
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Subpart L—Restrictions and Legal Representation
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§ 2551.121 What legal limitations apply to the operation of the Senior Companion Program and to the expenditure of grant funds?
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§ 2551.122 What legal coverage does the Corporation make available to Senior Companions?
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