American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Resources for Older Adults & Those Who Serve Them

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes several provisions targeted to older Americans and the professionals who serve them. Alliance for Children and Families members are encouraged to keep abreast of developments as these resources reach their states.

Provisions Targeted to Older Adults

• $100 million for senior nutrition meals funded through a formula grant, including $65 million for congregate meals, $32 millions for home-delivered meals, and $3 million for Native American nutrition services.
• $34.3 million for independent living services for older blind individuals and $87.5 million for independent learning centers.
• $650 million for DTV conversion. $90 million is allocated for education, outreach, and assistance to vulnerable populations, including older Americans.
• $120 million for employment for low-income older Americans through subsidized community service positions. The funding will support the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
• The Qualified Individual Program will be extended to Dec. 31, 2010. This program pays Part B premiums for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Participants much have incomes between 120 - 135 percent of poverty to participate.
• One-time Social Security payment of $250 each, separate from regular monthly benefit payments. Learn more about the payment here.

The Alliance for Children and Families Public Policy Office recommends contacting local and state-level officials to learn about their plans for distribution.

Other Resources

To learn about other provisions of interest to Alliance for Children and Families members, read the Alliance Public Policy analysis. The National Council of Nonprofits published an overview of opportunities available for all nonprofits. For more information about areas of interest to older adults and those who serve them, read the National Council on Aging summary. For analysis of how the recovery package will impact low-income older adults, read this Urban Institute report.