LC maze/3* ~;;_§9;i%§R 0 _ OLIN 1:‘: } Report No. 78---122» EPW \MasEz!:§Z?1t?r:fit§WIr8|ty :-' Q FEDERAL PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE BENEFITING THE ELDERLY WASH!N£‘~TQN Luv NOV 17 1989 . L|E:3*'i*{I1'-‘~‘:.nxJ.-..A BY ST. LOUlS. rvwigfl EVELYN TAGER Analyst in Social Legislation Education and Public Welfare Division June 2, 1978 CONGRERMONAL RESEARCH SERWCE HD 7105 A A UUHAH\ Mi L‘C)N(;RE The Congressional Research Service works exclusively for the Congress, conducting research, analyzing legislation, and providing information at the request of committees, Mem- bers, and their staffs. The Service makes such research available, without parti- san bias, in many forms including studies, reports, compila- tions, digests, and background briefings. Upon request, CRS assists committees in analyzing legislative proposals and issues, and in assessing the possible effects of these proposals and their alternatives. The Service’s senior specialists and subject analysts are also available for personal consultations , in their respective fields of expertise. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 Employment Comprehensive Employment and Training Programs (CETA-Title I) . . . . . .. 3. Comprehensive Employment and Training Programs for Special Groups (CETA-Title III) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5 Comunity Service Employment for Older Americans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6 Health Care Services Comunity Mental Health Centers . . . . . . . . .._ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 Health Insurance for the Aged and Disabled (Medicare) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs (Medicaid) . . . . . . . .. 13 Veterans Domiciliary Care Program . . . . . . . . . ..' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16 Veterans Nursing Home Care Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17 Housing Housing for the Elderly (Section 202) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19 Low-Rent Public Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21 Leased Housing Assistance Program (Section 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 24 Rural Home Repair Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 27, Rural Rental Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29s Income Maintenance Civil Service Retirement System I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 32 Food Stamp Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 33 Old-Age Survivors and Disability Insurance Program (Social Secur- ity) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 36 Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38 Railroad Retirement System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 39 Veterans Pension Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 41 Senior Center Facilities Community Development Block Grant Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 43 Multipurpose Senior Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 44 Social Services Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) (Part C Action Grants) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 47 Legal Services Corporation . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49 Library Materials for the Blind and Physically Handicapped . . . . . . . .. 51 Nutrition Program for the Elderly ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 53 State and Community Programs on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 54 Senior Opportunities and Services (SOS) . . . . . . .¢ . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 57 Social Services Program - Title XX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 58 State and Local Fiscal Assistance (Revenue Sharing) ..\ . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 60 Page Training, Research; and Demonstration Projects Model Projects ...................................................... 61 National Institute on Aging Programs ................................ 63 National Institute of Mental Health Program ...............g......... 64 Research and Demonstration Projects in the Field of Aging ........... 66 Training in the Field of Aging ...................................... 67 Transporation Reduced Fares for the Elderly and Mass Transportation Capital and Operating Assistance Grants ....................................... 69 Transportation for the Elderly by Public Sponsors ................... 71 Transportation for the Elderly by Private Nonprofit Sponsors ........ 73 Volunteer Service Opportunities Foster Grandparent Program .......................................... 74 Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) ............................. 76 Senior Companion Program .............................;.............. 77 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) ......................... 78 Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) cananouoqoaoooooaaaaonoaooono Introduction This paper is a description of major Federal programs and other forms of assistance which offer benefits or services to older persons, primarily those persons age 60 and older. The compilation is intended to assist Congressmen, their staff, and constituents in becoming more familiar with Federalactivities in the area of the elderly in terms of programs and benefits, beneficiary eli- gibility criteria, administrative jurisdiction and funding processes. In this compilation, Federal programs and assistance are categorized under nine major headings - Employment, Health Care, Housing, Income Maintenance, Senior Centers, Social Services, Training,.and Research and Demonstration, Trans- portation, and Volunteer Service Opportunities. The programs are outlined by purpose, beneficiary and grantee eligibility criteria, funding process, admin- istering agency, legislative authority and funding level. The funding level is described in terms of an annual appropriation for most programs, estimated expenditures for some cash and medical programs, and contract authority in the case of many housing and transportation programs. The program and assistance described in this compilation either are designed solely for the elderly or may assist a significant number of older persons. Some Federal programs which benefit older persons are not included in the com- pilation. For instance, numerous programs providing services to the general public of all ages including the elderly or to special groups such as younger persons are omitted. Under income maintenance programs, military and foreign service retirement systems are excluded although they pay benefits to older ,persons; however, they are designed to encourage individuals to move out of the CRS-2 military and foreign service in the middle years. General purpose programs such as environmental and consumer protection programs are excluded because they are designed to benefit all segments of our population. In the area of taxation, tax laws are omitted since they affect all persons even though _some provisions are applicable only to persons age 65 and older. There also is no discussion in this compilation of the various funding sources for a particular service. For example, in addition to specifically authorized or legislated transportation programs, transportation services for the elderly may be provided under the title III social service program and title VII nutrition program of the Older Americans Act, as well as through the title XX social services program and medicaid program authorized under the Social Security Act. In addition, transportation costs incurred by recipients of volunteer service programs may be reimbursed if such costs are related to volunteer service. Similarly, home health services may be provided under medicaid, medicare, the title XX social services programs of the Social Security Act, and through the title III social services program of the Older Americans Act. For information on Federal income tax provisions which are specifically geared toward the elderly, see CRS multilith report, Federal Income Tax Treatment of the Elderly (78-83'E ). CRS-3 EMPLOYMENT COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS (CETA - TITLE 1) Purpose This program provides financial assistance to States and certain local governments to plan and operate comprehensive manpower programs for persons age 16 and over. Programs may include outreach efforts, counseling and testing, referral services, basic education, institutional and on-the-job training, and development of employment positions with public and private nonprofit employers. These activities may be carried on by the prime sponsor (grantee - see below) directly or may be contracted by the prime sponsor to other public or private nonprofit or profit-motivated organizations. The determination of the type of services and programs is at the prime sponsor's discretion. Eligibility Beneficiary: Persons who are unemployed or underemployed. Grantee: Fuds are distributed to "prime sponsors" such as: (1) the State (but only with respect to areas not served by other prime sponsors); (2) units of general local government with populations of 100,000 or more; (3) any combi- nation of units of general local government as long as one member of the combi- nation has a population of 100,000 or more; (4) a limited number of rural con- centrated employment program grantees. CRS-4 Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Each State receives funds on the basis of a three factor formula: (a) 50 percent of the Federal allotment for manpower services is distributed to States in accordance with each State's past funding levels for manpower pro- grams, (b) 37.5 percent is distributed on the basis of each State's unemploy- ment ratio, (c) 12.5 percent is distributed in accordance with the number of adults in families with low-incomes. The State allotment is then distributed within the State to prime sponsors on the basis of the same formula. Application Process and Awards Prime sponsors become eligible for assistance based on an annual plan which sets forth the development of a comprehensive manpower program, and pro- vides that manpower services established under the program will (a) assist those most in need, and (b) utilize manpower services available for State agencies and community action agencies. The prime sponsor also must encourage participation of comunity organizations in the development of the plan. Participants may inquire about available manpower services provided under this program through their U.S. or State employment offices. Administering Agency Federal Level: Employment and Training Administration Department of Labor Washington, D. C. There are regional offices in each of the 10 Federal regions. State and Local Levels: Funds are distributed to "prime sponsors”, (see Eligibility, above). CRS-5 Eegislative Authori_y. Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, title I (29 United States Code 870). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $1.88 billion. COHPREHNSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL GROUPS (CETA - TITLE III) Purpose The program is aimed to provide employment and training services to special target groups whose needs may not be adequately met through the other employment programs developed uder the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act. Services include employment training, couseling, placement, and the creation of employment positions, and other related services. Eligibility Beneficiary: Groups which have particular disadvantage in finding employment, includ- ing older workers, migrants, American Indians, and persons of limited English- speaking ability. Grantee: State and local units of government and in certain cases other public, and private nonprofit agencies and organizations, private profit-motivated organizations, and American Indian tribes. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Up to 20 percent of the annual appropriation authorized for programs under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) is available for CRS-6 both manpower services to special groups (title III of the Act) and the job corps (title IV of the Act). Application Process Prospective sponsors who want to develop and/or establish manpower programs for disadvantaged groups may submit applications to either their respective regional office or to the national office of the D.S. Department of Labor Participants may inquire about programs for which they qualify through their U.S. or State employment office. Administering Agency Employment and Training Administration Department of Labor Washington, D. C. There are regional Department of Labor offices in each of the ID Federal regions. Lggislative Authority Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, title III, section 301 (29 United States Code 871). Appropriation Approximately $388 million is available in fiscal year 1978 for employ- ment and training services to special groups. COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT FOR OLDER AMERICANS Purpose The program is aimed to establish part-time employment position in community service activities for low-income persons aged 55 and older. Par- ticipants may work as aides in hospitals, schools, libraries, and social CRS+7 service agencies; participate in the maintenance of parks and historical lands sites; or work in other public service activities. Participants are paid at least the higher of the Federal or State minimum wage. Eligibility Beneficiary: Individuals aged 55 and over_with low incomes and poor employment pros- pects.) Low income generally is based on the annual Federal Community Services ‘Administration poverty guidelines. Grantee: Public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations and agencies of State and local units of government. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance The Department of Labor will pay up to 90 percent as the cost (up to 100 percent in disaster or economically depressed areas) of developing and/or .operating employment programs. From the annual appropriation, funds are reserved first for national con~ tractors (national organizations) at their fiscal year 1975 funding level, Thea remainder of the annual appropriation is allocated to the States based on their; population aged 55 and over and per capita income (with weight given to the poorer States). Application Process and Awards National organizations and other public or private nonprofit sponsors submit to the Department of Labor applications outlining their plans for estah— lishing employment projects. CRS—8 Prospective participants may inquire about community service employment programs at their U.S. Employment Office and State employment offices. Administering Agency Employment andTraining Administration Department of Labor Washington, D. C. There are regional Department of Labor offices in each of the 10 Federal Government regions. Legislative Authority The Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, title IX (42 United States Code 3062). Appropriation The appropriation for June 20, 1977 through July 1, 1978 is $190.4 million. HEALTH CARE SERVICES COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS Purpose Community health centers are established in State-designated communities, usually low~income areas, to provide a wide range of mental health services such as clinical treatment services, emergency services, consultation and education and specialized services for alcoholics, drug addicts, the.children and the elderly. Eligibility Beneficiary: Persons of all ages in need of mental health services who reside in State-designated areas. CRS-9 Grantee: Public and private nonprofit agencies may operate a comunity mental health center program. Funding,Process Form of Financial Assistance Funds are allotted to the States for the construction of community mental health centers and to centers for planning, operating, consultation and education costs. The Federal share for construction costs usually is between one-third and two-thirds of the total construction cost. The Federal share may cover up to 90 percent of the construction costs in areas designated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as poverty areas. The Federal share of operating grants may cover up to 80 percent of operat- ing costs for the first year, 65 percent for the second year, 50 percent for the” third year, 35 percent for the fourth year, 30 percent each for the fifth and sixth years, and 25 percent each for the seventh and eighth years. The Federal share of operating grants in poverty areas may be up to 90 percent of operating costs each for the first two years, 80 percent for the third year, and 10 per- cent less in each of the following five years (to 30 percent in the eighth year). Application Process In order to qualify for funds the State agency must submit for approval a plan for constructing and operating comunity mental health centers in State- designated communities. Prospective applicants for funds for the construction or operation of com- munity mental health centers submit applications to the State agency which in CRS-10 turn submits them with comments to the regional Department of Health, Education, and Welfare office. The regional office makes the final decision to approve, disapprove or defer individual projects. Administering Agency Federal Levelzc National Institute of Mental Health Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Rockville, Maryland There are regional offices in each of the 10 Federal regions. State Level: State mental health authority. Legislative Authority 1 Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construc- tion Act of 1963, as amended, (42 United States Code 2681-2696). Appropriation The.fiscal year 1978 authorization is $102.7 million for all services to all groups. HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE AGED AND DISABLED (MEDICARE) Purpose Medicare is a health insurance program which covers eligible persons insured under the Social Security Act without regard to their incomeor assets. Medicare is composed of two parts -- the Hospital Insurance Program (Part A), and the Supplementary Medical Insurance Program (Part B). The Part A Hospital Insurance Program provides payments for eligible persons subject to deductible and coinsurance requirements for specified hospital and post-hospital services. Part A will pay for: CRS-11 - 90 days of inpatient hospital care subject to $144 deductible ‘and a $36 a day copayment for the 61st through 90th day. An additional lifetime reserve of 60 days (subject to $72 a day copayments) may be drawn upon when an individual exceeds 90 days in"a benefit period; 9- 100 days of post-hospital skilled nursing facility care subject toga $15.50-a-day copayment after the first 20 days; and -- 100 medically necessary post-hospital home health visits. The Part B Supplementary Medical Insurance Program (with certain excep- tions) pays 80 percent of reasonable charges for the following covered services after the insured meets a $60 deductible: -- 100 home health visits (not subject to coinsurance); -- medical and related services, outpatient hospital services, and laboratory services; - radiology and pathology services that physicians provide to hospital inpatients are reimbursed without regard to the cor insurance deductible requirements. Excluded are routine checkups, out-of-hospital prescription or patent drugs, eyeglasses or examinations, hearing aids, and other specific services. In general, reimbursement under the medicare program (Parts A and B) is based upon "reasonable costs" in the case of hospital and other institutional providers, and "reasonable charges" in the case of physicians and other non- institutional suppliers of services. ,E1igibility Medicare (Part A) provides health insurance to individuals age 65 and older covered under the social security program; to persons under age 65 who CRS~l2 have been entitled for a period of 24 months to social security or railroad retirement benefits because they are disabled; and for certain workers and their dependents who need kidney transplantation or dialysis. Individuals age 65 and older not covered under medicare as specified above may voluntarily obtain protection by paying the actuarial cost of such coverage which currently is $54 monthly ($63 mnthly beginning July 1, 1978). Medicare (Part B) provides coverage to those eligible for part A subject to premium charges which are currently $7.70 monthly ($8.20 monthly beginning July 1, 1978). Funding Process For the most part, the Hospital Insurance Program is financed by means of a special hospital insurance payroll tax levied by employees, employers, and the self-employed. During calendar year 1978, each will pay a tax equal .to 1.0% of the first $17,700 of covered yearly earnings. The tax rate will increase to 1.05% in 1979 of the first $22,900 of covered yearly earnings. Beneficiaries also pay specified deductibles and co-insurance amounts. The Supplementary Medical Insurance Program is financed from monthly pre- miums paid by persons insured under the program and from the general revenues of the treasury. Except under certain circumstances, persons protected by the’ supplementary program pay approximately one-half of the cost of benefits and program administration; the other half is paid for by the Federal Government. As stated earlier, the monthly premium charges for enrollees under the Part B Supplementary Medical Insurance Program currently is $7.70. Costs for the program above those met by beneficiary premium payments are met out of general IBVEIIUEB . CRS‘13 Application Process Persons apply at any social security district office for entitlement to hospital insurance protection and supplementary medical insurance benefits. Administering Agency Health Care Financing Administration Department of Health, Education, and Welfare ~ Washington, D. C. There are regional offices in each of the 10 Federal regions and about 4,500 local social security offices. Legislative Authority The Social Security Act, as amended, title XVIII (42 United States Code 1395, et. seq.). Benefit Payments The estimated fiscal year 1978 budget payments are as follows: Medicare Benefit Paymentsi Category 1978 Estimate "Hospital insurance $l4,845,000,000 Supplementary medical insurance $ 7,353,000,000 GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (MEDICAID) .?.9.£L<1§£’—. Medicaid is a federally assisted, State designed and administered pro- gram which covers the cost of specified medical services for eligible persons. The Federal law provides a comprehensive list of services that States may include as part of their medicaid program. From this list there is a minimum number of CRS-14 services they must include. The comprehensive list includes inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, skilled nursing, and intermediate care facility services, physicians‘ services, home health care services, prescribed drugs, dental services, and other diagnostic, screening, preventive, and reha- bilitative services. ELigibility Medical care payments are made in behalf of certain low-income persons who are aged 65 and older, blind, disabled, or members of low-income families with children. Also eligible at the State's option are persons who are medically needy (persons whose incomes and resources are large enough to cover daily liv- ing expenses, according to income levels set by the State, within certain limits, but not large enough to pay for medical care, providing that they are aged, blind, disabled, or members of families with dependent children). Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance The Federal Government helps States share in the cost of health care for the poor and the medically needy by means of variable matching formulas. As a minimum, the Federal Sovernment will pay 50 percent of the medical assist- ance costs incurred by a State in providing health care under a State medicaid program. In the lower-per-capita income States, the Federal share of medical assistance payments can increase up to 78 percent. The Federal share of the medicaid program is financed through appro- priations. CRS-15 Cost Sharing~by Hdicaid Eligibles Federal law permits States to impose nominal copayments and deductibles under specified conditions. Generally, States which have cost-sharing require- ments impose such charges on such items as prescription drugs and eyeglasses. Futher, all States require medicaid patients in long-term care institutions to contribute their excess income (generally all income in excess of $25 a.month) to help pay for the cost of their care. Similarly, States which cover the med- ically needy (i.e., those not automatically covered under the program) require all persons whose income exceeds the medicaid eligibility level to use their excess income to pay for medicaid care until they have spent their income down to the eligibility level. Application Process and Awards Those States submitting a State medicaid plan which meets Federal requirements are eligible for financial assistance. All States except Arizona have medicaid programs. Individuals eligible for medicaid coverage apply at their local welfare office. Administering Agency Federal Level: Health Care Financing Administration Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Washington, D. C.n State Level: Designated State agency (often the State welfare agency). CRS—l6 Legislative Authority The Social Security Act, as amended, title XIX (42 United States Code 1396 et. seq.) Expenditures Estimated expenditures for fiscal year 1978 follow: Medicaid Outlays FY 1978 estimate Total payments to medical vendors.... $l9,789,000,000 bFederal4share..................... l1,190,000,000 State 3hate....................... VETERANS DOMICILIARY CARE PROGRAM Purpose The domiciliary care program provides care and treatment to aged and dis- abled veterans who need limited care_but who do not require hospitalization or skilled nursing service. Domiciliary care includes preventive medical assist- ance and physical, social and psychological support in residential setting. Eligibility Each person who applies and qualifies for domiciliary care is generally classified in one of the following priority groups: (1) veterans discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability, or veterans in receipt of compensation for a service-connected disability or tuber~ culosis or neuropsychiatric ailment and have no adequate means of support; (2) a veteran of any war or of service after January 31, 1955, or a veteran of peacetime service awarded the Medal of Honor for a nonservice-connected disability if he states under oath that he is financially unable to defray the cost of the necessary hospital charge elsewhere; or CRS—l7 (3) veterans awaiting transfer for personal reasons from other Veterans‘ Administration domiciliarirs and domiciliary sections of centers. Domiciliary members returning from an episode of hospital care are carried on the rolls of the domiciliary and are not classified under these priorities. Funding Process Funds are appropriated to the Veterans‘ Administration for the construc- tion and renovation of domiciliary care facilities and the provision of domicil- iary care to veterans. Administering Agency State Home Program Veterans‘ Administration Washington, D.C. There is at least one regional office in each of the 58 VA-designated Federal regions. géggislative Authority 38 United States Code 601(7) Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 estimated budget is $77 million. VETERANS NURSING HOME CARE Purpose The VA nursing home care program is designed for chronically ill veterans who have attained maximum hospital benefits but still need skilled nursing care. Eligibility Nursing home care is available for veterans who have been furnished care in Veterans’ Administration hospital and have attained maximum hospital bene- fits but still need skilled nursing care. In addition to the nursing home care, CRS—l8 units established in Veterans’ Administration hospitals, the Veterans‘ Adminis— tration contracts with community nursing homes to provide skilled nursing care to veterans as a transitional phase from Veterans‘ Administration hospitals. Nursing home care may not be furnished for more than six months in connec- tion with any one transfer, except in the case of a veteran whose hospitaliza- tion was primarily for a service-connected disability, in which case there is no time limitation. Funding Process Funds are appropriated to the Veterans‘ Administration for the construc- tion of nuring homes and the provision of nursing home care to veterans. Application Process Veterans eligible for nursing home care apply to their nearest veterans‘ hospital and/or the regional Veterans’ Administration office. Administering Agency- Department of Medicine and Surgery Veterans‘ Administration Washington, D.C. There is at least one regional office in each of the 58 VA—designated Federal regions. lggislative Authority 38 United States Code 500l(a)(3) Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 estimated budget is $167 million. CRS-19 HOUSING HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY (SECTION 202) Purpose The Section 202 housing program provides direct long-term financing to sponsors for the construction or substantial rehabilitation of multifamily housing projects for the elderly, handicapped or disabled. The projects may provide a range of services for the occupants. These may include, among others, health, continuing education, welfare, informational, recreational, homemaker, counseling, and referral services, as well as transportation where necessary to facilitate access to social services, and services designed to encourage and assist occupants to use the services and facilities available to them. Section 202 projects may have congregate dining rooms and other shared facilities. All projects receiving the long-term loans must meet the requirements of, and will receive the benefits of, leased housing assistance payments under the section 8 program (see page 24). This means that eligible tenants will not pay more than 25 percent of their incomes for rent. Eligibility Beneficiary: Elderly (aged 62 and over) handicapped and developmentally disabled individuals and families. Grantee: Private, nonprofit corporations and nonprofit consumer cooperatives. Funding_Process Forms of Financial Assistance A revolving loan fund for elderly and handicapped housing has been estab- lished in the U.S. Treasury. The Secretary of HUD is authorized to borrow from CRS-20 the Treasury up to $1.475 billion through fiscal year 1977, and up to $3.3 billion by fiscal year 1979, to make direct loans to eligible sponsors. The Appropriations Act for fiscal year 1977 limited loans in that year to $750 million. Loans will be made at the average Treasury borrowing rate for all obligations plus an administrative fee. This fee is limited to 1 percent per annum during the construction period and 0.5 percent thereafter. Sponsors must put up a minimum capital investment of 0.5 percent of the mortagage amount, not to exceed $10,000. Interest-free seed money loans will be made available by HUD under Section l06(b) of the Housing and Comunity Development Act of 1968 to use for Section 202 projects. In these instances, the minimum capital investment will be the lesser of $10,000, 25 percent of the Section l06(b) loan disbursed, or 0.5 percent of the mortgage. The minimum capital investment may be applied against operating expenses or deficits for three years. After this time, any unused balance will be returned to the borrower. ‘Section 202 funds are allocated on a geographic basis for metropolitan and inonmetropolitan areas among the 10 HUD regions, taking into account the number of elderly households within each region, those households lacking some or all plumbing facilites and those with incomes below regionally adjusted poverty levels.i Application Process and Awards HUD issues invitations in the Federal Register for requests by appli- cants to receive reservations of Section 202 funds as they become available. Potential sponsors submit an application to the Central HUD office which includes information on their eligibility and the State where they intend to locate housing for the elderly or handicapped. Personnel from HUD's central CRS-21 office evaluates and ranks nonprofit applicants on the basis of their experi- ence and capacity to undertake the projected task. The loan for Section 202 housing first is reserved by the central HUD office. The HUD area insuring office or regional offices are delegated authority to process loan reserva- tions. The applicant must submit a Section 8 (see p. ) proposal for a spe- cifically identified project to the appropriate HUD field office and the pro- posal is processed under the regular Section 8 procedures (except that there is no advertising for applicant selection.) Once the proposal is approved and the applicant ready to proceed, Section 202 funds will be disbursed. ‘Administering Agency Office of Insured and Direct Loan Programs Department of Housing and Urban Development Washington, D.C. ' There are regional insuring offices in each of the 10 Federal regions and HUD area offices throughout the country. Legislative Authority Section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959, as amended (12 U.S.C. l70lq). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $750 million. LOW-RENT PUBLIC HOUSING Purpose The public housing program was designed to provide safe, decent and sani- tary low-rent housing and related facilities for families of low income through authorized Local Housing Authority (LHA) ownership or, in a program being phased out, through leasing of units in private ownership, Loans and grants are made CRS-22 to LHA's to provide low-rent housing by (l) acquiring existing housing from the private market; (2) procuring construction by competitive bidding where the housing authority acts as the developer; or (3) letting contracts to private developers. Housing may be new or rehabilitated multifamily, semidetached or detached units; projects may be developed for elderly, disabled or handicapped persons only, for nonelderly families with children, or for both types of fami- lies with provision for separate facilites for the elderly. Annual contribu- tions are made to housing authorities to provide debt service payments, to assure the low-rent character of the projects and additional operating subsi- dies are granted to achieve and maintain adequate operating and maintenance service and reserve funds. Eligibility Beneficiary: Low-income families and single persons are eligible. Single persons who are not elderly, handicapped, disabled, displaced or the remaining members of tenant families are limited to not more than 10 percent of any project. Families must be unable to afford suitable housing supplied by private enter- prise and their incomes must fall within certain limits determined locally by local housing authorities subject to HUD approval. Grantee: Local housing authorities established by a local government in accord- ance with State law, authorized public agencies of Indian tribal organizations. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Loans, grants and annual contributions are made to LHA's to make possible low rental charges to tenants. Rents may be no more than 25 percent of the CRS~23 family's adjusted incoe and at least 20 percent of the dwelling units in any project placed under annual contributions contracts, must be occupied by low- income families whose incomes do not exceed 50 percent of the median area income. For leased housing, annual contributions are made to cover the differ“ ence between rents paid by tenants and rent payable to the owner plus the LHA's operating expenses. An indirect local contribution results from the difference between full local property taxes and payments in lieu of taxes made by LHA's. Application Process and Awards Applicants must support their applications to the HUD area office by furnishing population and housing data showing the need for the number of units requested. The HUD area and insuring office makes the final decision to author- ize approval of applications. Prospective tenants apply directly to the LHA for certification for occupancy. Recertification is required annually except for the elderly who may be recertified every two years at the option of the LHA. Tenants may be required by the LEA to report any changes in income during the year. Administering Agency Office of Assisted Housing Department of Housing and Urban Development Washington, D.C. HUD area office which has jurisdiction over the area in which the dwell- ings are to be located. Legislative Authority U.S. Housing Act of 1937, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1401-1435) CRS-24 Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 HUD appropriations legislation specified that $206.25 million of the new contract authority for the year be used for annual contribu- tion contracts for new housing to be developed by a local housing authority, "either conventional low-income public housing or Section 8 rental assistance housing. LEASED HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SECTION 8) Purpose The Section 8 leased housing assistance program, aids lower-income and very low-income families in obtaining decent, safe and sanitary housing in private accommodations and promotes economically mixed housing, through par- ticipating owners, developers and public housing agencies. Housing assistance payments are used to make up the difference between the established maximum rent paid to owners for the dwelling unit and the occupant family's required contribution toward rent. Assisted families will be required to contribute not less than 15 nor more than 25 percent of their total family income toward rent. At least 30 percent of the families assisted must have gross incomes not in excess of 50 percent of area median income. The program is applicable to existing, substantially rehabilitated and newly constructed units. The Section 8 program is currently the major means of providing subsi- dized housing. It has replaced the program of interest reduction for new con- struction (Section 236), rent supplement payments for low-income housholds and leased housing by public housing authorities (Section 23)- CRS-25 Eligibility Beneficiary: Very low-income families (whose incomes do not exceed 50 percent of the median income for the area, adjusted for houshold size); lower-income families (whose incomes do not exceed 8C percent of the median income for the area.) Within income limits as defined by HUD, a single person who is elderly, dis- abled or handicapped, displaced, or the remaining member of an eligible tenant family, is also eligible. Grantee: Any private owner, developer, or an authorized public housing agency (PHA), which may be the local housing authority but may also be any other pub- lic agency, including municipalities, authorized to "engage in or assist in the development or operation of low-income housing." Funding Process Forms of Financial Assistance In the case of existing housing, authorized public housing agencies (PHA's) enter into Annual Contributions Contracts with the HUD field office. The maximum annual contributions approved in the contract will be the total of the fair market rents for each unit plus an allowance for the PHA's overhead. The PHA in turn enters into housing assistance contracts with owners who wish to participate and whose units have been rented by PHA-certified tenants. For new construction and substantial rehabilitation, the Annual Contri- butions Contracts may be between HUD and a developer, a PHA, or a private owner/PHA combination in which HUD enters into an annual contributions contract with the PHA, which in turn enters into a housing assistance payments contract with the private owner. CRS-26 Funds are allocated by HUD among the 10 HUD regional offices on a "fair share" basis. Factors considered in this allotment include population, pov- erty, housing overcrowding, vacancies, and the amount of substandard housing in each region. Each regional office in turn makes assignments to each field office within the region. Each field office then makes allocations within its area among the local communities, specifying the number of units of existing, rehabilitated or new construction which can be supported, by size of units in each type. In areas where a housing assistance plan exists, this will be used in helping to determine the program mix. Application Process and Awards Applicants respond directly to HUD field office advertisements.g For existing housing, there are public housing agencies, who present an estimate of the number and type of units which will be utilized in its program, as well as statements of conformity with various requirements such as quality standards and equal opportunity. The applicant must also furnish data that the program is consistent with a local housing assistance plan, if one exists. In the absence of such a plan, the applicant must demonstrate that the proposed pro-. gram is responsive to the condition of the housing stock in the community and the housing assistance needs of lower-income families residing in the community. Upon approval by HUD, and execution of the ACC, the authorized PHA must adver- tise the availability of housing assistance for low-income families, so as to attract families to apply for assistance and to encourage owners to make units available. For substandard rehabilitation and new construction, the HUD adver+ tisement specifies the number and type of units desired, and developers who may be private, public housing agencies of a private/public housing agency CRS-27 (LHA) combination, responds to the HUD advertisement with proposed locations and rents. In the event of more than one response, HUD chooses a developer by a rating system. Administering Agency Office for Assisted Housing . Department of Housing and Urban Development Washington, D.C. HUD area offices that have jurisdiction over the area in which the dwell- ings are located. Legislative Authority The United States Housing Act of 1937, Section 8, as amended by the Hous- ing and Community Development Act of 1974 and subsequent amendments (42 U.S.C. 1437f). Appropriation The fiscal year 78 appropriation provided annual contract authority of $1.160 billion, of which $206.25 million is for housing to be owned bypa public housing authority (PHA). This PHA housing may be either conventional public housing or assisted by Section 8. RURAL HOME REPAIR LOANS Purpose The Section 504 program gives very-low-income rural homeowners the oppor- tunity to make dwellings safe and sanitary and to remove hazards to the health of the occupants, their families or the community. The loans are often used for the addition of cooking or toilet facilities. Other eligible improvements CRS-28 include repairs to the foundation, roof or basic structure, and the addition to rooms to existing dwelling if they are needed to remove health hazards to the family. Water and waste disposal systems that are installed with Section 504 funds must meet local health department standards. Eligibility Low-income homeowners including persons age 60 and over who have sufficient income to repay the loan. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Direct loans from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund are made to owner- occupants of farms or rural nonfarm tracts for improvements. The loans carry a 1 percent interest rate for up to 20 years, with a maximum loan of $5,000. Loans for less than $2,500 need only be evidenced by a promissory note. Application Process and Awards Application is made through county FmHA offices and the county supervisor makes the final awards decision. Applicants must have evidence of home owner- ship and verification of income and debts. Administering Agency Federal Level: Farmers Home Administration Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. State and County Levels: The appropriate county FmHA office, or if one does not exist, the FmHA State office. CRS-29 Legislative Authority The Housing Act of 1949, as amended, Section 504 (42 U.S.C. 1474). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 allotment is $15 million. RURAL RENTAL HOUSING Purpose This FmHA program is aimed to provide economically designed and constructed rental and cooperative housing and related facilities suited for independent living for rural residents. Direct loans are made to finance the construction, purchase, improvement or repair of rental of cooperative housing. Funds may also be used to provide recreational and service facilities appropriate for use in connection with the housing and to buy and improve the land on which the buildings are to be located. Eligibility Beneficiary: Low- to moderate-income families or senior citizens aged 62 or older who live in rural areas. Grantee: Applicants may be individuals, cooperatives, nonprofit, limited-profit or profit-oriented organizations, and State or local public agencies. With the exception of public agencies, applicants must be unable to finance the housing either with their own resources or with credit obtained from private sources. However, applicants must be able to assume the obligations of the loan, furnish adequate security and have sufficient income for repayment. They must also have CRS-30 the ability and intention of maintaining and operating the housing for purposes for which the loan is made. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Direct loans are made to eligible sponsors from FmHA's Rural Housing Insurance Fund. Profit-oriented borrowers pay the regular FmHA interest rate for housing loans, while nonprofit sponsors are eligible for interest credits which can reduce the effective rate to 1 percent. The interest credit covers the difference between rents actually collected plus the minimum rent on any vacant units, and the amount which would be collected if rents were at the level required to pay the full current interest on the loan. Rents are set on a project-by—project basis. Projects designed for senior citizens have a maximum repayment period of 50 years and the repayment period for all other projects is 40 years. Non- profit sponsors or local public agencies are eligible for loans of up to 100 percent of the appraisal value or development cost, whichever is less. Pur- chase loans for buildings less than one-year old are limited to 80 percent of the appraised value. The Housing and Community Development Act of l974 authorized special assistance payments for residents of Section 515 projects so that low-income occupants would pay no more than 25 percent of their incomes for rent. The Department of Agriculture, however, has been slow in implementing its own rural rent supplement program, preferring instead to use HUD Section 8 housing assist- ance payments -- 20% of which must go to nonmetropolitan areas -- in tandem with FmHA's Section 515 program. CRS-31 Application Process and Awards Applicants must conduct a market survey to determine the need for such housing and the number of eligible occupants in the area who are willing and financially able to occupy the housing at the proposed rent levels. They also must furnish evidence that they are unable to obtain credit elsewhere on terms that they could reasonably be expected to fulfill; financial information and evidence of prior experience in operating rental housing; and information on the project including location, nature, and estimated costs. Application is made through the FmHA county supervisor and either the State director or county supervisor makes the final decision on awards. Administering Agency Federal Level: Farmers Home Administration Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. State and County Levels: The appropriate FmHA county office, or if one does not exist, the FmHA State office. Legislative Authority The Housing Act of 1949, as amended, Sections 515 and 521 (42 U.S.C. 1485, l490a). Appropriation For fiscal year 1978, appropriation is $690 million. CRS-32 INCOME MAINTENANCE CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM Purpose The Federal Civil Service Retirement System is the principal retirement system for Federal civilian employees. Eligibility Monthly annuities are paid to eligible retired workers, to minor children of employees or annuitants who die, to widows of deceased employees, and unless the retiree elects otherwise, he/she will receive a reduced annuity which provides for a benefit to a widow or widower or other designated survivor of the annuitant. An individual's entitlement to benefits and the level of these benefits are based on past earnings and length of service. Individuals are eligible for retirement benefits at age 62 after 5 years of service, at age 60 after 20 years of service, or at age 55 after 30 years of service. An employee who is totally disabled for his/her position is eligible for retirement with 5 years of service. A widow's or widower's benefit is payable without regard to the age of the survivor. Funding Process The Civil Service Retirement System is financed primarily through contri- butions paid by the employee and matched by the employing agency. The balance of the cost is funded by Congressional appropriation. Application Process If an employee has not yet been separated from Civil Service employment or if he/she has been separated for 30 days or less, an application should be submitted to the employing agency. Otherwise, the application should be sub- mitted directly to the Civil Service Commission. CRS-33 Administering Agency Civil Service Commission Washington, D. C. Legislative Authority The Civil Service Retirement Act, as amended (5 United States Code 833). Benefit Payments During fiscal year 1978, civil service annuitants will receive an esti- mated $10.6 billion in benefit payments. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM Purpose The Food Stamp Program seeks to supplement the food purchasing power of low-income households to a point where they can afford a.minimally nutritious diet. Local welfare agencies certify low-income households eligible for food stamp assistance based on Federal eligibility standards - for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 1 year, depending on the stability of the household's circum- stances. Eligible households are then issued monthly food stamp allotments for which they must pay a "purchase requirement." Monthly food stamp allotments range from $52 for a l-person household to $96 for a 2-person household. Food stamps may be used in any approved gro- cery store (or meal-service program) to buy food items for human consumption. The difference between the purchase requirement and the value of the food stamp allotment is the federally subsidized “bonus” (benefit) that increases the household's food purchasing power. CRS-34 Eligibility Low-income households are eligible for food stamp assistance if they meet federally prescribed income and assets tests. Furthermore, eligible households must have access to cooking facilities and prepare at least some of their own meals -- unless they are elderly and incapacitated and use their food stamps for home-delivered meals ("meals-on-wheels”). And, eligible households may _not be residents of an institution or boarding house. The Income Test: Applicant households must have “net” monthly incomes (after allowance for certain deductible expenses) less than federally estab- lished standards in order to become eligible. The maximum allowable "net" monthly income standards for the Continental United States during the sixrmonth period from January 1918 through June 1978 are: Maximum Allowable "Net" Household Size Monthly Income 1 person $262 2 persons $344 Slightly different income eligibility standards are used for applicants in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. The Assets Test: Single households may have up to $1,500 in countable assets. Households of two or more with one or more elderly (over 60) members may have up to $3,000 in countable assets. Assets are valued at "equity" value. In computing a household's assets, a number of items are not counted, such as the value of the household's residence, and the value of personal belongings and household furnishings. CRS-35 Special Rules for Welfare and SSI Recipients: Households in which all members are included in a SS1 cash grant are "automatically" eligible for food stamps, regardless of their income and assest -- except in four States. In California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and New York, all SSI recipients are ineli- gible for food stamps because an extra $10 per person per month has been included in computing their SSI payments - in lieu of lost food stamp benefits. Funding Process Food stamp benefits are paid for by the Department of Agriculture. After food stamps have been used to buy food items, they are deposited in banks which, in turn, redeem them for cash from the Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve uses Federal appropriations and the money collected as purchase require- ments to redeem food stamps for cash. Food stamp program administrative costs are shared among the Federal Government, State and local governments. The Federal Government pays its own administrative costs plus 50% of State and local expenses. The remainder is paid by State and local governments. Administering Agency Federal Level: Food and Nutrition Service Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. State and Local Level: Designated State agency (usually the State department of welfare or social services). Designated local agency (usually the local welfare or social services agency). CRS-36 Iggislative Authority The Food Stamp Act of 1964, as amended (7 United States Code 2001). Appropriation Fiscal year 1978 Federal food stamp funding is as follows: Direct fiscal year 1978 Federal appropriation...... $5.6 billion Fiscal year 1977 funds available for use in fiscal year 1978 ("carryover funds")............. $241 million (est.) Total Federal funding available for fiscal year 1978CCOOOOOO.CCCO.CCCOCCCOCOC0.0COCCCCOOCOOOOOOOO In addition, it is estimated that State and local governments will spend approximately $300 million for their share of food stamp administrative costs. OLD-AGE SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM (SOCIAL SECURITY) I Purpose The Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program, commonly known as social security, is designed to partially replace the earnings lost when a worker retires, becomes severely disabled, or dies. Eligibility Monthly cash benefits are payable to retired and disabled workers, their dependents, and to survivors of deceased workers. An individual's entitle- ment to benefits and the level of these benefits are based on past earnings in employment covered by the program. Insured persons are eligible for "full" retirement benefits on account of age at age 65 with permanently reduced bene- fits payable as early as age 62. A wife, husband, or dependent parent may also receive benefits as early as age 62. Widows or widowers of insured workers at age 65 are paid 100 percent of the amount which would have been paid to their CRS-37 deceased spouse if alive; or as early as age 60, they may elect to receive per~ manently reduced benefits. Severely disabled widows and widowers may receive benefits as early as age 50. Benefits on account of severe disability may be paid to a worker at any age prior to age 65, with sufficient years of covered employment. Funding Process The program is financed primarily through a payroll tax paid by employees, their employers, and self-employed individuals. Funds for benefits are auto- matically appropriated as contributions are made. Application Process Benefits are awarded to eligible persons who apply at any local social security office. Administering Agency Social Security Administration Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Baltimore, Maryland There are approximately 4,500 local social security offices. Legislative Authority The Social Security Act, as amended, title II (42 United States Code 401 et. seq.). Benefits Payments During calendar year 1978 it is estimated that $97.5 billion in cash benefits will be paid to beneficiaries. CRS~38 SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM (SS1) Purpose The legislative objective of the SSI program is to establish a national program providing a uniform minimum cash income to low—income aged, blind, and disabled individuals. Eligibility Individuals who are age 65 or over or who are blind, or disabled as defined in the Social Security Act, and who have income and resources within the limits specified in the Act are eligible to receive SSI benefits. Income Limitations: An individual is eligible for benefits if countable income (income other than allowable exclusions such as $20 per month in unearned incme) is at a rate of no more than $2133.60 in a calendar year ($177.80 per month); or, for an eligible individual and an eligible spouse, at a rate of no more than $2839.20 in a calendar year ($236.60 per month). The law provides for automatic increases in Federal SSI benefits at the same percentages as cost- of-living increases for social security recipients. States wishing to pay aged, blind, or disabled persons amounts in addition to the Federal SSI pay- ment are free to do so; and in some cases the law requires that the State make a supplementary payment. Resource Limitations: An individual with an income limitation specified above is eligible for SSI if the value of his nonexcluded resources is no more than $1,500 ($2,250 for a couple). Excluded assets include a home valued up to $25,000, household goods, personal effects, an automobile, and a life insurance policy not exceeding $1,500 in cash surrender value. CRS-39 Funding,Process Form of Financial Assistance Federal funds are appropriated to cover the cost of direct payments to beneficiaries. Application Process and Awards Applicants apply at the local Social Security District Office. Administering Agency Social Security_Administration Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Baltimore, Maryland There are approximately 4,500 local social security offices. Those States which supplement the Federal supplementary security income (SS1) pay- ments may opt for Federal administration of these payments through local social security offices. States which do not opt for Federal administration may administer their own supplementary program through local welfare agencies. Legislative Authority Title XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended (42 United States Code 1381 et. seq.). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $5.3 billion. RAILROAD RETIREMENT SYSTEM Purpose The Railroad Retirement System is a retirement system for railroad workers and their families. CRS-40 Eligibility The Railroad Retirement system provides monthly cash benefit payments to eligible retired and disabled workers, their spouses, and survivors. To qual- ify for these benefits, the worker must have worked in covered railroad employ- ment for at least 10 years. The amount of the annuity depends on the employee's years of service and average monthly earnings. Computation of benefits takes into account earnings under social security as well as under railroad employ- ment. Employees are eligible for full retirement at age 65 or they may receive actuarially reduced benefits as early as age 62. Employees with 30 years of service may receive full benefits as early as age 60. Benefits for wives or dependent husbands are payable at various ages (60, 62, 65) depending on the age, years of service, and time of retirement of the worker. If the employee is "insured" under the Railroad Retirement Act, benefits are also payable to widows and dependent widowers at age 60 or over, but reduced if received prior to age 65; disabled widows and dependent widowers at ages 50-59; and to dependent parents at age 60. Benefits are also paid for total disability at any age or for occupational disability at ages 60-64 or after 20 years of railroad service. Funding Process Railroad retirement and survivor benefits are financed by five sources: (1) payroll taxes on monthly railroad earnings paid by covered employees and employers; (2) a cents-per-hour tax levied on employers only; (3) income from a financial interchange with the social security trust funds; (4) appropri- ations from general revenues; and (5) interest on investments of the Rail- road Retirement Account. CRS-41 Application Process Benefits are awarded to eligible persons who apply at any office of the Railroad Retirement Board. Administering Agency Railroad Retirement Board Chicago, Illinois There are approximately 100 local offices. Legislative Authority The Railroad Retirement Act of 1935, as amended, (42 United States Code 351-367) Benefit Payments In fiscal year 1978 it is estimated that $4 billion in cash benefits will be paid to beneficiaries. VETERANS PENSION PROGRAM Purpose The program provides monthly payments to veterans based on income, age, and disability, and to surviving spouses and children of an eligible veteran. Anyone eligible for a pension prior to 1960 has the option of receiving a benefit level that is fixed for all eligible veterans regardless of countable income or receiving a benefit level based on income. Eligibility for pensions On January 1, 1960 or after is subject to income limitations with the amount Of the Pension varying inversely with countable income. Eligibility Current law provides monthly pensions based on income need and age or dis- ‘ability for certain veterans. Eligibility includes veterans discharged from cas-42 the military under conditions other than dishonorable after 90 or more days of service including at least 1 day of wartime service. In addition to this ser- vice requirement, the veteran must have attained the age of 65 or older or be totally and permanently disabled from nonservice-connected causes, or suffer some equivalent combination of age and disability. Pensions for veterans of the Mexican border period, World War I, and later are subject to income limitations for pension eligibility. The present annual income limits for these veterans are $3,600 for a veteran or widow living alone, and $4,800 for a veteran or widow with one or more dependents. Veterans of the Spanish American War are eligible for a pension if they meet the service requirements. Funding Process Funds are appropriated to the Veterans‘ Administration for payment of pen- sion benefits. Application Process Eligible veterans apply for pension benefits at the regional Veterans‘ Administration office. Administering Agency Department of Veterans Benefits Veterans‘ Administration Washington, D.C. There are regional offices in each of the 58 VA—designated Federal regions. Le islative Authority 38 United States Code 501, et. seq. _Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $3.3 billion. CRS-43 SENIOR CENTER FACILITIES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM Purpose Local governments receive funds each year in the form of block grants to spend on community projects virtually without federally imposed restrictions. Local governmental units determine how the funds will be spent. Eligible pro- jects include senior centers. Eligibility Local units of governments such as counties, towns, and cities. Funding_Process Form of Financial Assistance Eighty percent of the annual appropriation is allocated for use within Standard Metropolitan Statistics Areas (SMSA's) and twenty percent of the funds is allocated to nonmetropolitan areas. Funds are apportioned among localities based on a formula which takes into account population, number of persons with poverty incomes, and housing overcrowding. Application Process and Awards Communities submit to HUD annually an application for funds. Appli- cations must contain a "community development plan" which identifies community development needs and demonstrates a strategy for meeting these needs; a "comunity development program" which is a one-year program to which the annual block grant funds are to be applied; and a "housing assistance plan" which identifies housing needs of lower-income persons and goals to meet these needs. CRS—44 Administering Agency Federal Level: Community Planning and Development Department of Housing and Urban Development Washington, D.C. Local Level: Chief elected official of local governmental unit. ‘Legislative Authority The Housing and Development Act of 1974, title I (42 United States Code 5301 et. seq.) Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $4 billion. Virtually no funds have been used for senior centers. MULTIPURPOSE SENIOR CENTERS Purpose The program provides funds for the acquisition, alteration or renovation of facilities to serve as multipurpose senior centers. The center must be located in close proximity to the majority of participants and within walking distance whenever feasible. Multipurpose senior centers provide a broad spectrum of services for older people including health care, educational and recreational activities, group meal programs, counseling and referral services, and other social services; and serve as a place where older people gather, meet friends and become involved in civic activities. CRS-45 Eligibility Beneficiary: Older persons (older persons are not defined by statute) Grantee: Units of local governments, public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Financial assistance is authorized in the form of grants, mortgage insurance and interest subsidies. Grants: The Commissioner on Aging may award grants to or enter into con- tracts with eligible sponsors to pay up to 75 percent of the cost of acquiring, altering, or renovating existing facilities to serve as multipurpose senior centers. Grants or contracts also may cover up to 75 percent of the initial equipment of such centers. Each State is allotted up to 10 percent of the annual appropriation for grants or contracts. Mortgage Insurance: The Federal Government may insure mortgages for the acquisition, alteration or renovation of prospective multipurpose senior centers on principal obligations of up to $250,000 and which do not exceed 90 percent of the esti- mated replacement cost of the property. Insurance also may cover initial equipment for the center. A Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund is to finance the mortgage insurance aspect of this legislation. CRS-46 Interest Subsidies: The Federal Government may subsidize the interest on mortgages in behalf of private nonprofit sponsors to help them reduce their cost of borrow~ ing from private sources. The Federal Government is authorized to repay the lender of the mortgage down to 3 percent of the annual interest over a 40-year period. Each State may be allotted up to 12 and 1/2 percent of the annual funds available for interest subsidies. Application Process and Awards Prospective grantees submit applications to area agencies on aging which in turn submit them with recommendations to the State area agency on aging. The State agency on aging also reviews the applications and submits them to the Administration on Aging. Applicants from areas with no area agen- cies on aging submit applications directly to the State agency on aging for comments. The Administration on Aging makes the final determination with respect to grant awards. Administering Agency iAdministration on Aging Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Washington, D.C. Legislative Authority The Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, title V (42 United States Code 3021 et. seq.). _Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $40 million. CRS-47 LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE ADMINISTRATION (LEAA) (PART c ACTION GRANTS) Purpose This program supports through grants to States and communities projects designed to protect individuals of all ages vulnerable to crime. To qualify for grants, State governments must provide for activities to prevent crime against the elderly unless the State law enforcement and Criminal Justice Planning Agency (SPA) determines this is not a problem in the State. Com- munities may use grants to encourage comunity and citizen participation in crime prevention. Eligibility Applicant Eligibility: Block grants to States: States which have established operating SPAs that have had comprehen- , sive State plans, not more than one year old, approved by LEAA. States may allocate funds to local governments for law enforcement and criminal justice activities and projects. Discretionary grants: State law enforcement and criminal justice planning agencies, units of local government, combinations of local units, and private nonprofit organi- zations. CRS-48 Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Block grants to States: 85% of the LEAA Part C action grant money is distributed among the States in the form of block grants based on population. The States are required by law to pass through a certain percentage of these funds to units of local government, either in the form of individual project grants, or in grants to local governments based on a local criminal justice plan. Discretionary grants: 15% of the LEAA Part C action grant money is distributed in the form of direct Federal project grants to eligible applicants. Application Process and Awards Block grants to States: The comprehensive plan is submitted to the LEAA national office, following the criteria set out in LEAA guidelines. The Governor and State planning agency director are notified by letter upon approval by LEAA. Discretionary grants: Applicant submits proposal after certification by the appropriate SPA that the project is consistent with the State plan. Upon approval by LEAA, letters are sent to both the grantee and the subgrantee. Administering Agency Federal Level: Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) Department of Justice Washington, D.C. CRS-69 State Level: State law enforcement and criminal justice planning agencies (SPAS), subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor. Legislative Authority The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended; Title 1, Law Enforcement Assistance, Part C (42 United States Code 3731-3738). Appropriation From the fiscal year 1978 appropriation for LEAA activities, an estimated $300 million is allocated for Part C action grants, with $256 million available for block grants and $44 for discretionary grants. (No breakdown is available on the percentage of these funds allocated for programs which directly or indirectly benefit the elderly.) LEGAL SERVlCES CORPORATION Purpose The Legal Services Corporation provides three basic types of assistance: (1) direct legal advice and representation in individual cases and class actions; (2) education concerning legal rights, remedies, and responsibilities; (3) improving opportunities for advancement of the poor through legal advice to economic development programs and nonprofit corporations and organizations which assist the poor. The most common types of cases handled by legal ser- vices attorneys are family problems, housing problems, consumer and employment problems, and administrative problems relating to State and local welfare, social security, workmen's compensation, veterans‘ administration, and unem- ployment insurance. Legal services attorneys are prohibited from handling CRS-50 criminal cases and most fee-generating cases. (There are also other limita- tions on the types of cases and activities in which the attorneys are permit- ted to represent clients.) There are national centers (called back-up centers) to assist local legal services projects with research and technical assistance. One of these back- up centers, the National Senior Citizen Law Center located in Los Angeles, California, focuses on the legal problems of the elderly poor. Eligibility Beneficiary: Low-income persons and families; however, eligibility guidelines vary from project to project but generally follow annual Community Services Adminis- tration's poverty guidelines. Low-income persons (including the elderly) who meet these guidelines are eligible for legal services. Grantee: Project grants are awarded to legal aid societies, nonprofit corpora- tions, universities, and bar-sponsored organizations to establish law offices in low-income neighborhoods to provide attorneys to advise and represent clients who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer's services. Legal services‘ projects are governed by a local board of directors, 60% of whom must be attorneys and mem- bers of the bar in the State in which the assistance is provided, but which is balanced with some representatives from the various segments of the poor com- munity being served. Funding,Process The Corporation awards annual grants to eligible sponsors for local or statewide legal services programs, specialized litigation centers, migrant and Indian programs, training management assistance, and other national projects. CRS-51 The Corporation funds legal services‘ projects directly and administers them through the regional offices. Application Process Prospective grantees submit applications to their regional office which in turn reviews them and makes recommendations to the Legal Services Corpora- tion's board of directors.y The President of the Corporation and the eleven- member board of directors makes the final determination with respect to the grant award. Administering Agency Federal Level: Legal Services Corporation Washington, D.C. There are 9 regional offices and about 750 legal services offices. Legislative Authority The Legal Services Corporation Act of 1974; title X of the Economic Oppor- tunity Act of 1964, as amended (42 United States Code 2296). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $205 million. LIBRARY MATERIALS FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY DISABLED Purpose The Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress provides library materials and other library services to persons who are unable to read conventional printed materials because of a visual or other physical limitation. Library materials, including talking book machines, CRS-52 braille books, braille magazines, cassettes and cassette players, and special music materials are made available to eligible participants free of charge through a network of regional and subregional libraries throughout the country. The subregional and regional libraries circulate library materials to partici- pants by postage-free mail. Eligibility Anyone who is unable to read or use standard printed materials as a result of visual or other physical limitations may receive the service. Application Process To qualify for library materials, an individual must send a statement to a regional or subregional library describing the visual or physical limitation which prevents him from reading conventional reading material. The statement must be signed by a physician, registered nurse, social worker, or other individuals certified by the Library of Congress or a cooperating library. Administering Agency Federal Level: Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Library of Congress Washington, D. C. Regional and Local Level: There are 54 regional and 100 subregional libraries which provide special library materials. Most all public libraries have information on nearby regional or subregional libraries Legislative Authority The Pratt-Smoot Act of 1931, as amended (2 United States Code 135 a-b). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $28.7 million. CRS-53 NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR THE ELDERLY Purpose Nutrition programs are aimed to provide congregate meals for older persons in social settings. Programs are usually located in facilities such as schools, senior citizen centers, and churches. Each program is to provide one hot meal per day on at least five days a week along with nutrition education programs and social services including referral services which introduce participants to other resources in the community. Participants may contribute toward the cost of each meal but no one is excluded because of the inability to pay. Nutrition programs also may provide home-delivered meals to older persons in the community who are unable to leave their homes for such reasons as health, or lack of transportation. Eligibility Beneficiary: Persons aged 60 and over and their spouse. Grantee: Public or private nonprofit institutions, organizations, agencies or political subdivisions of the State. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance The Administration on Aging awards grants to States annually on the basis of each State's proportionate share of the Nation's population aged 60 and over. Each State including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia receives at least one-half of one percent of the annual appropriation. States in turn, award grants to or enter into contracts with eligible sponsors to develop and operate nutrition projects at the community level. In distributing CRS-54 funds, States must give preference to projects serving primarily low-income persons aged 60 and over. Federal grants to States may cover up to 90 percent of the State's cost in developing and establishing nutrition projects at the local level. Application Process and Awards Prospective grantees apply directly to the State agency administering the title VII nutrition program. The State agency determines which applicants shall receive awards based on objectives set forth under title VII of the Older Americans Act and Federal regulations. Administering Agency Federal Level: Administration on Aging Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Washington, D. C. State Level: State Agency on Aging. Legislative Authority The Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, title VII (42 United States Code 3051). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $250 million. STATE AND COMUNITY PROGRAMS ON AGING Purpose Federal funds are allocated on a formula basis to a designated State agency on aging for States to develop a comprehensive social service delivery system CRS—55 for the elderly. State agencies divide their State into planning and service areas (PSAS) and establish area agencies on aging (AAAS) which foster the coordination and expansion of social services on the community level and provide funding for services not already available. Eligibility Beneficiary: Older persons (not defined by statute but generally persons age 60 and older.) Grantee: Area agencies on aging which may be public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations, a governmental unit or combination of governmental units. Social service providers which may be public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations and private groups. Funding_Process Form of Financial Assistance The title III annual appropriation is allotted to States under the following two allotment formulas: (1) State Administration: Funds appropriated for State administration are allotted on the basis of each State's relative share of the Nation's popu- lation aged 60 and over, however, each State receives at leat one—half of one percent of the appropriation or $200,000, whichever is greater. A State may use its allotment to pay up to 75 percent of the cost of developing and imple- menting their State plan on aging. CRS*56 (2) Area Plannigg and Social Services: Funds appropriated for area planning and social services including the administration of area agencies on aging are allotted to the States on the basis of each State's relative share of the Nation's population aged 60 and over. Every State receives at least one-half of one percent of the annual appropriation. A State's allotment for area planning and social services may be used to carry out three specific functions: (1) up to 15 percent of its allot- ment for paying 75 percent of the cost of the administration of area plans;’ (2) up to 20 percent of its allotment for paying 75 percent of the cost of social services provided in areas where there is no area agency on aging; and (3) the remainder of its allotment (65% or more) for paying up to 90 percent of the cost of social services provided within a planning and service area which has an area agency on aging. Application Process and Awards Public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations which want to function as an area agency on aging submit applications to the State agency on aging. Prospective social services providers submit applicatons for funds to the appropriate area agency on aging or the State Agency on Aging. The respective agency makes the final detemination with respect to the duration and amount of the grant award. Administering Agency Federal Level: Administration on Aging Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Washington, D. C. CRS-57 State and Local Level: State Agency on Aging; Area Agency on Aging. Legislative Authority The Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, title III (42 United States Code 3021-3025). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $172 million ($19 million for State administration and $153 million for area planning and social services). SENIOR OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES (SOS) Purpose The program is designed to identify and meet the special needs of the eld~ erly poor. Specific program objectives include development of employment and volunteer opportunities, referral services, and additional services and programs to remedy gaps and deficiencies in existing programs. Eligibility Beneficiary: Persons aged 60 and over with low-incomes as determined by the annual Federal Community Services Administration guidelines. Grantee: Comunity Action Agencies authorized under the Comunity Services Admin- istration or other private or public nonprofit agencies. Funding_§rocess Form of Financial Assistance Funds are allotted to regional offices for distribution to program grant- ees. Although there is no distribution formula based on the number of poor in CRS-58 each State (as is the case with the funds for Community Action Agencies) the num- ber of elderly poor to be served by the grant is a significant criterion. The Federal-local matching funding requirement is 60 percent Federal and 40 percent nonfederal. Application Process and Awards Prospective grantees must have their proposal approved by the local Com- munity Action Agency. The SOS grant is then approved by the regional office and ultimately approved by the national office of the Community Services Administra- tion. Admininstering Agency Community Services Administration Washington, D. C. There are regional offices located in each of the l0 Federal regions. Legislative Authority The Community Services Act of 1974, as amended (42 United States Code 2089). .Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $10 million. SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAM (TITLE XX) Purpose This program provides grants to States for services: (1) achieving or maintaining economic self-support to prevent, reduce or eliminate dependency; (2) achieving or maintaining self-sufficiency, including reduc- tion or prevention of dependency; (3) preventing or remedying neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children and adults unable to protect their own interests, or preserving, rehabilitating, or reuniting families; CRS-59 (4) preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care by providing for community-based care, home-based care, or other forms of less intensive care; or ' (5) securing referral or admission for institutional care when other forms of care are not appropriate, or providing ser- vices to individuals in institutions. The law permits States to choose their services, but requires State plans to include at least three services for recipients of Supplemental Security Income (Federal cash welfare program for the aged, blind, or disabled). Eligibility Beneficiary: Each State determines its beneficiaries. Federal law permits States to give federally subsidized social services to all persons whose gross income is below ll5Z of their State's median income, adjusted for family size. For per- sons whose income falls between 80% and 115% of the median, the law requires that fees must be charged; for those with lower incomes, fees may be charged, but at the discretion of the State agency. Grantee: Designated State agency may contract to purchase services from social service providers. Funding Process A maximu annual sum of $2.5 billion in Federal funds may be allotted among the States on the basis of population. States must match Federal funds at the rate of $1 for each $3 Federal dollars for most services. The law requires that at least one—half of the Federal funds be used to serve persons eligible for, or recipients of, cash welfare payments (Aid to Families with Dependent Children and SSI) or persons eligible for Medicaid. CRS-60 Applications for Federal funds are made in the form of a State plan, which must be published in proposed form and made generally available for public com- ment. States are awarded funds quarterly based on their estimates of funds needed to fulfill their plans. Administering Agency Federal Level: Public Service Administration Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Washington, D.C. State Level: Designated State agency (most commonly State department of welfare, social services, or human resources). Lggislative Authority The Social Services Amendments of 1974; Title XX of the Social Security Act, as amended (42 United States Code l397). Appropriation The fiscal year l978 appropriation is $2.4 billion. Information on the amount allocated by States for services to older persons is not available. STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL ASSISTANCE (REVENUE SHARING) Purpose Revenue sharing enables State and localities to utilize Federal funds for purposes they determine most beneficial in meeting their particular needs. The State government's allocation may be used for many purposes but not as matching funds for Federal programs, while funds allocated to local units of government must be used in one or more of eight specified areas including social services for the poor and the aged. CRS-61 Eligibility State and local units of government including counties, cities, townships, boroughs, and villages are eligible for Federal funds to use at their discretion within limitations specified by Federal legislation. Funding Process The annual appropriation is disbursed among States based on each State's population, general tax effort and per capita income. The State government is entitled to one-third of the total State allotment while local units of govern~ ment receive the remaining two-thirds. Funds are paid on a quarterly basis. Administering Agency Office of Revenue Sharing Department of the Treasury Washington, D.C. Legislative Authority State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 (31 United States Code 1221 et. seq.). Appropriation The authorizing legislation specifies that the annual appropriation shall be $6.350 billion. The amount of funds spent on social services for the poor and elderly has not been documented. TRAINING, RESEARCH, AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS MODEL PROJECTS Purpose The Federal Government awards grants for projects designed to expand or improve services for older people. Priority in awarding grants is given to sponsors who develop projects in the following areas: (1) housing - home repair CRS-62 services, financial assistance, property-tax relief, studies on housing needs, and adapting housing to meet needs of the elderly; (2) education programs for older persons; (3) retirement education and counseling services, and training personnel to carry out retirement education programs; (4) social services for physically and mentally handicapped older persons; (5) ombudsman services for residents of nursing homes; (6) improving social service delivery for older people who currently are inadequately receiving such services, with emphasis on the needs of low-income minority, Indian, limited-English-speaking indi- viduals, and the rural elderly; and (7) day care centers for the elderly. Eligibility Beneficiary: Services may be provided to older persons (older persons not defined by statute). Sponsors: Grants may be made to or contracts made with public or private non- profit agencies and organizations. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance The Administration on Aging will pay up to 100 percent of the cost of developing and/or operating a model project. Application Process and Awards Prospective grantees submit applications to the Administration on Aging which in turn asks for comments and recommendations when feasible from the appropriate State agency on aging and other agencies affected by the project and makes a final determination with respect to the grant award. CRS—63 Administering Agencz Amministration on Aging _ Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Washington, D.C. There are regional Department of Health, Education, and Welfare offices in each of the 10 Federal regions. Legislative Authority The Older Americans Act, as amended, Title III (42 United States Code 3021 et. seq.). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $15 million. NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING PROGRAMS Purpose The National Institute on Aging is responsible for supporting, and con- ducting directly, research relating to the biological, behavioral, and sociological aspects of the aging process and the special health problems of the elderly. The National Institute on Aging also is responsible for developing a comprehensive plan for a program of research on the aging process and health problems of the elderly. In addition, it is responsible for collecting and disseminating information relating to the research it conducts and supports. Eligibilitz Grants or contracts for conducting research are awarded to individuals affiliated with institutions of higher education, hospitals, scientific labor- atories, State and local health departments, and other public or private non- profit institutions engaged in scientific research. CRS-64 Fellowships are awarded to institutions in behalf of selected students participating in a post-doctoral program. Funding Process The National Institute on Aging is one of 10 Institutes at the National Institutes of Health. Each Institute receives an annual appropriation to carry out its functions. From the annual allotment, grants are awarded to or contracts made with eligible sponsors for research or fellowships. Funds appropriated to the National Institute on Aging also are set aside for research conducted by the Institute's Gerontological Research Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Administering Agency National Institute on Aging Department of Health, Education and Welfare Bethesda, Maryland gggislative Authority Public Health Service Act, as amended in 1973, Title I-E (42 United States Code 298-d, et. seq.). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $37 million. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM Purpose Research grants are awarded for developing knowledge and approaches to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention of mental diseases including mental diseases affecting older persons. Training grants are made available to train persons employed or preparing for employment in the field of mental health relating to clinical service (including service to older persons), education and research. CRS-65 Eligibility Research grants and contracts in the field of mental health are available to individuals affiliated with institutions of higher education, hospitals, State and local health departments, and other public or private nonprofit agenf cies and institutions. Training grants and contracts are awarded to public or private nonprofit institutions to train professionals for clinical service, research and teaching and to continue education for persons employed or preparing for employment in the field of mental health. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance From the annual appropriation for the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration, an amount may be allotted to the National Institute of Mental Health for supporting research and training directly related to the field of aging. _Application Process Applications for research and training grants are submitted to the Mental Health Administration which are then reviewed by a selected team of experts in the mental health field. The applications subsequently are reviewed by the Administration's National Advisory Council which makes the final determination with respect to the grant award. Administering Agency Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Association National Institute of Mental Health Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Rockville, Maryland CRS-66 Legislative Authority Public Health Services Act, Title III, Sections 301 and 303 (42 United States Code 241 and 242a) and Title IV, Section 472 (42 United States Code 2891-l). Operating_§udg2£ The fiscal year 1978 operating budget for research relating to aging is estimated at $5.7 million. The operating budget for training relating to the field of aging is estimated to be $625,000. RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS IN THE FIELD OF AGING Purpose Grants are awarded for research and demonstration projects in the field of aging. Research may be conducted or demonstration projects established for the purposes of: - studying current patterns and conditions of living among older persons and identifying factors which are beneficial or detrimental to their wholesome and meaningful living; - developing or demonstrating new approaches, techniques, and methods (including the use of multipurpose centers) which hold promise of substantial contribution toward whole- some and meaningful living for older persons; -- developing or demonstrating approaches, methods, and tech- niques for achieving or improving coordination of community services for older persons; -- evaluating approaches, techniques, and methods which may T assist older persons to enjoy wholesome and meaningful lives and to.continue to contribute to the strength and welfare of our Nation; -- collecting and disseminating, through publications and other appropriate means, information concerning research findings, demonstration results, and other materials developed in con- nection with activities assisted under this part; and CRS—67 —- conducting conferences and other meetings for the purpose of facilitating exchange of information and stimulating new approaches with respect to activities related to research and demonstration projects. Eligibility Public and nonprofit agencies, organizations, or institutions. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance The Administration on Aging may award grants to or enter into contracts to pay up to 100 percent of the cost of conducting research or demonstration projects in the field of aging. Administering Agency Administration on Aging Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Washington, D.C. There are regional offices in each of the 10 Federal regions. Legislative Authority The Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, title IV-B (42 United States Code 3031-3032). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $8.5 million. TRAINING IN THE FIELD OF AGING Purpose Funds for short-term or long-term training courses are available to help improve programs and services designed for older people, and meet the shortage of adequately trained personnel in the field of aging. Short-term training courses provide training, retraining and upgrading of staff working in programs CRS-68 serving older people through formats such as, conferences, workshops, seminars and symposia. Long—term training courses prepare individuals for career development in gerontology. Training grants also are intended to: (1) encourage the development of information on the actual needs for personnel to work in the field of aging, both present and long range; (2) provide a broad range of quality training and retraining opportunities responsive to changing needs of programs in the field of aging; (3) encourage the entrance of a greater number of qualified persons into the field of aging; and (4) encourage the publication of career opportunities in the field of aging. Eligibility Beneficiary: Individuals who are employed, or preparing for employment, in the field of aging. Grantee: Public or nonprofit private agencies, organizations or institutions including State agencies on aging. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Grants are awarded to pay up to 100 percent of the cost of short-term training. Grants also are available to institutions to cover up to 100 percent of the cost of tuition, fees, and stipends for students seeking baccalaureate, masters, or doctoral degrees in the field of aging or in an area related to ger- ontology. CRS-69 Application Process and Awards Grant applications, which set forth the nature, duration, and purpose of a proposed training program, are submitted to the Administration on Aging. Applications subsequently are reviewed by the Administration on Aging, and pos- sibly the appropriate regional office, State Agency on Aging and consultants in the field. The Administration on Aging makes the final determination with respect to the duration and amount of the grant award. Individuals interested in fellowships or stipends apply to the univer- sity offering courses in the field of aging which in turn receives grants from the Administration on Aging. Mministe Administration on Aging Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Washington, D.C. There are regional offices in each of the 10 Federal regions. Legislative Authority The Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, Title IV-A (42 United States Code 3041-3042). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $19 million. TRANSPORTATION REDUCED FARES FOR THE ELDERLY AND MASS TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL AND OPERATING ASSISTANCE GRANTS Purpose Federal assistance is granted to urbanized areas for meeting the capital and Operating costs of mass transportation systems. Capital assistance grants CRS- 70 help meet the costs of acquiring, constructing, or reconstructing facilities and equipment for use in mass transportation. Funds also may be granted for projects designed to supplement regular neighborhood and community-level mass transit service. Such projects may include demand-responsive transportation, jitneys, and other special services for the elderly. While most funds gener- ally are awarded to mass transit systems, nonprofit organizations may be desig~ nated by the State as eligible recipients. In order to receive assistance under this program, an operator of mass transportation must provide for not charging more than one-half fare to elderly and handicapped persons during nonpeak hours. Eligibility Public and private mass transportation systems, and in some cases, private nonprofit organizations. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Funds are distributed by U.M.T.A. through the State Metropolitan Plan- ning Organization to metropolitan areas based on a formula which takes into account the area's populaton density. Capital assistance grants may cover up to 80 percent of the project cost while the Federal share of an operating assistance project may cover up to 50 percent of the cost. Application Process and Awards Applications for capital and operating assistance grants are submitted to the State Metropolitan Planning Organization which considers them when pre- paring its annual transportation plan known as the Transportation Development CRS-71 Program. Projects included in a plan approved by U.M.T.A. are funded by U.M.T.A. through the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Administering Agency Federal Level: Urban Mass Transportation Administration Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. State Level: State-designated Metropolitan Planning Organization Eggislative Authority Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, as amended; Section 5 (49 United States Code 1601 et. seq.). Contract Authority Funds are provided to meet contract authority. In fiscal year 1978 U.M.T.A. may not obligate more than $775 million for grants of contracts. TRANSPORTATION FOR THE ELDERLY BY PUBLIC SPONSORS Purpose The Federal Government provides grants and loans to States and local pub- lic bodies and agencies for the purpose of assisting them in providing mass transporation services which are planned, designed, and carried out so as to meet the special needs of elderly and handicapped persons. Funds may be used for the acquisition of equipment and vehicles such as buses and other modes of transportation specifically designed for the elderly. CRS-72 Eligibility Beneficiary: Elderly as defined by the particular State. Grantee: States and local public bodies and agencies. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Federal grant and loan funds are provided directly by U.M.T.A. to States and local public bodies and agencies on the basis of 80 percent Federal partici- pation and 20 percent non-Federal participation. Usually the State or public agency receiving the Federal funds provides the 20 percent non-Federal funds. Federal funds must be used only for capital assistance. Operating expenses must be financed through other means. Administering Agency ‘Urban Mass Transportation Administration Department,of Transportation Washington, D.C. Legislative Authority; Applications are submitted by the State or local public agency to the Urban Mass Transportation Administration. AppropriationiLevel Funding is allocated under Section 3 of the Urban Mass Transportation Act pof 1964, as amended which specifies that 2 percent of the funds appropriated for mass transportation, equipment and facilities may be used by public agencies V for meeting the transportationoneeds of elderly and handicapped individuals. CRS-73 TRANSPORATION FOR THE ELDERLY BY PRIVATE NONPROFIT SPONSORS Purpose The Federal Government provides grants and loans to private, nonprofit organizations to assist them in providing transportation services to the elderly (and handicapped) for whom mass transportation is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate. Funds may be used for the acquisition of equipment and vehicles specially designed for use by the elderly. rgligibility Beneficiary: Elderly as defined by the particular State. Grantee: Private, nonprofit organizations providing transportation services meet- ing the special needs of elderly (and handicapped) persons. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Federal funding is up to 80 percent of the total cost with the other 20 percent coming from the State or the nonprofit organization. Federal funds must be used for capital assistance only. Operating expenses must be financed through other means. Application Process and Awards Applications from private, nonprofit organizations are submitted to the designated State agency. Administering Agency Federal Level: Urban Mass Transportation Administration Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. CRS-74 State Level: Designated State agency (usually the State Department of Transportation) .£egislative Authority Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, as amended; Section 16 (b) (2) (49 United States Code 1612). Appropriation Level The tentative commitment level for fiscal year 1978 is roughly $25 million. No specific funding is provided. Funding is from Section 3 of the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, as amended, which specifies that two percent of the funds appropriated for mass transportation equipment and facilities may be set aside for use by private nonprofit agencies and organizations and public agen- cies for meeting the transportation needs of elderly and handicapped individ- uals. VOLUNTEER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM Purpose The foster grandparent program provides part-time volunteer opportunities for elderly persons to render supportive care to children in institutions, hos- pitals, or other residential settings. Foster grandparents work 20 hours a week, and two hours a day with each of two children, and are paid a stipend amounting to at least $1.60 per hour. Eligibility Beneficiary: Individuals aged 60 and over with low-incomes as determined by the annual Federal Community Services Administration poverty guidelines. CRS-75 Grantee: Public and Private nonprofit agencies and organizations. Funding Process Form of Financial Assistance Action awards grants or enters into contracts to pay 90 percent of the cost (100 percent in special situations) of developing and/or operating foster grandparent projects. Application Process and Awards Applications are submitted to the State Action agency which in turn sub- mits them with comments to their regional Action office. The regional office makes the final determination with respect to the duration and amount of the grant award or contract. Administering Agencx Older Persons Programs Action Washington, D.C. There are Action offices in the 10 Federal regions and in each State. Eggislative Authority Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended, Title II, Part B, Section 211 (a) (42 United States Code 5022 et. seq.). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $34.9 million. CRS-76 RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP) Purpose The Retired Senior Volunteer Program provides part-time volunteer oppor- tunities for older persons to assist in hospitals, schools, courts, day care centers, libraries, and in other community service activities. Volunteers are reimbursed for expenses incurred during their volunteer service such as trans- portation and meal costs. Eligibility Beneficiary: Individuals aged 60 and over. Grantee: Public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations. Funding,Process Form of Financial Assistance Action awards grants to or enters into contracts with eligible sponsors to pay 90 percent for the first year of developing and/or operating retired senior volunteer projects, 80 percent for the second year, and 70 percent for the third year and thereafter. Application Process and Awards Applications are submitted to the State Action agency which in turn sub- mits them with comments to their regional Action office. The regional office makes the final determination with respect to the duration and amount of the grant award or contract. CRS-77 Administering Agency Older Persons Programs Action Washington, D.C. There are Action offices in the 10 Federal regions and in each State. Legislative Authority Domestic Voluteer Service Act of 1973, as amended, Title II, Part A (42 United States Code 5022). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $20.1 million. SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM Purpose The Senior Companion Program provides part-time volunteer opportunities -for elderly persons as health aides to older persons requiring home-health care, and as companions to adults in need of supportive care. Senior companions generally work 20 hours a week, four hours a day and are paid a stipend amount- ing to at least $1.60 per hour. Eligibility Beneficiary: Individuals aged 60 and over with low incoes as determined by the annual Federal Community Services Administration poverty guidelines. Grantee: Public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations. CRS-78 FundingpProcess Form of Financial Assistance Action awards grants or enters into contracts to pay 90 percent of the cost (100 percent in special situations) of developing and/or operating senior companion projects. Application Process and Awards Applications are submitted to the State Action agency which in turn submits them with comments to their regional Action office. The regional office makes the final determination with respect to duration and amount of the grant award of contract. Administering Agencz Older Persons Programs Action Washington, D.C. There are Action offices in the 10 Federal regions and each State. Legislative Authority Dmestic Volunteer Service Act of l973, Title II, Part B, Section 211 (a) (42 United States Code 5022 et. seq.). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $7 million. SERVICE coups or RETIRED EXECUTIVES (SCORE) Purpose The Small Business Administration establishes SCORE chapters through which retired businessmen and professionals provide volunteer service to businesses and professionals with operating management and other business-related problems. CRS—79 Volunteer assistance also is made available to personnel of nonprofit community organizations and individuals wanting to start their own business. Eligibility Retired businessmen and professionals. Funding Process The annual appropriation is used to reimburse volunteers for expenses incurred during their volunteer service. Office space for local SCORE chap- ters is provided in Small Business Administration district offices or other Federal offices. Application Process Prospective volunteers learn about SCORE chapters through district offices or the national office of the Small Business Administration. Administering Agency Federal Level: Service Corps of Retired Executives Small Business Administration Washington, D.C. Regional and Local Levels: There are 10 regional and approximately 100 district offices of the Small Business Administration throughout the country. There are approximately 300 local SCORE chapters. ‘Legislative Authority Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended (15 United States Code 637 (b)), and the Small Business Administration Act, Section 8 (b)(l) (15 United States Code 637 (b)). A Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $822,000. CRS'80 VOLUNTEERS IN SERVICE TO AMERICA (VISTA) Purpose The program enlists volunteers to help improve economic conditions in impoverished areas. Volunteers may be skilled in areas such as remedial read- ing, employment counseling, economic development, housing and community planning and the delivery of health care and other vital services. Volunteers also may work with individuals living in migrant labor camps, Indian reservations and in federally assisted institutions for the mentally ill and mentally retarded. Full-time volunteers work and live for one year in the community where they serve. Part-time volunteers remain in their home and community. Most older people volunteer on a part-time basis. Eligibility Beneficiary: Individuals aged 18 and over who have a college education or comparable work experience. Grantee: Public or private nonprofit agencies and organizations. Funding_Process Form of Financial Assistance Action covers all expenses incurred by volunteers during their service such as transportation, food, incidentals, and a living-allowance set aside for full-time volunteers. Application Process and Awards Prospective VISTA volunteers submit applications to State or regional Action offices or to Action headquarters in Washington, D.C. Those individuals CRS-81 meeting Action's requirements are assigned to a project approved by the appro- priate regional office. Public or private nonprofit agencies and organizations who wish to uti- lize VISTA volunteers submit to the appropriate State Action office an appli- cation which outlines their project designed to help alleviate poverty in a given community. The State office then submits the application with comments to the regional Action office which approves the project for VISTA volunteers. Administering Agency Federal Level: Office of Domestic Operations Action Washington, D.C. There are Action offices in the 10 Federal regions and in each State. Legislative Authority Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 United States Code 4951 et. seq.). Appropriation The fiscal year 1978 appropriation is $23.4 million. LIBRARY OF WASHINGTON V UNIVERSETY sjr. LC.>Ui::a - mo.