AmeriCorps Senior Programs
Federal volunteer + stipend.
Three programs
- Foster Grandparent — read to kids at school. 15-40 hrs/week. $4-5/hr stipend (tax-free).
- Senior Companion — visit homebound elders 1-on-1. Same hours + stipend.
- RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) — flexible volunteering, your skills, no stipend but mileage reimbursement.
Eligibility
- 55+ years old.
- Foster Grandparent + Senior Companion — income-limited (200% poverty line OR $30K single).
- RSVP — ANY senior, no income limit.
- Background check required.
- Free training provided.
Benefits
- Tax-free stipend (doesn't affect Social Security or food stamps).
- Free meals during service.
- Mileage reimbursement.
- Free supplemental insurance during service.
- Annual recognition.
- Many lifelong friends.
- Real research-shown health benefits — life satisfaction, lower depression, longer life.
Apply
- Go to americorps.gov/serve/americorps-seniors.
- Click "Find an opportunity" + your zip.
- Local sponsor (school district, senior center, church) lists openings.
- Apply, interview, background check.
- Free training.
- Start serving.
Other federal senior programs
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) — paid training + part-time job, 55+. VITA tax volunteers — train + help low-income tax filing. Peace Corps Response — short-term overseas, all ages. All free + meaningful.