If you’re 55 or older and enjoy helping people, AmeriCorps Seniors has a volunteer program that may be worth checking out.
The Senior Companion Program pairs older volunteers with adults who need a little extra help remaining independent at home.
You might spend time talking with someone, help them run errands, provide transportation or simply make sure they aren’t facing the week alone.
And if you meet the program’s income requirements, you may also qualify for a modest stipend for your service.
What Is the Senior Companion Program?
The Senior Companion Program is part of AmeriCorps Seniors.
Senior Companions provide assistance and friendship to older adults and other adults who have difficulty with everyday activities.
Depending on the local project and the person you’re matched with, that can include things like:
- Companionship and conversation
- Shopping and errands
- Transportation
- Help with simple daily tasks
- Social activities
- Support that helps someone remain independent at home
- Respite and support for family caregivers
Local organizations operate the individual Senior Companion projects, while AmeriCorps sets the federal program requirements.
Who Can Become a Senior Companion?
You must be at least 55 years old to serve through AmeriCorps Seniors.
You don’t need a professional caregiving background just to qualify based on age. Local sponsors handle screening, training and placement and may establish additional requirements based on the assignments available in their communities.
Senior Companions generally serve between 5 and 40 hours per week, although your exact schedule depends on your local project and assignment.
Could I Get a Stipend?
Possibly.
Some Senior Companion positions provide a modest hourly stipend to volunteers who meet the program’s income requirements.
For 2026, stipended Senior Companion volunteers generally must have income at or below 200% of the applicable federal poverty guideline.
Income eligibility is based on your income and, if your spouse lives with you, your spouse’s income as well.
The exact dollar income limit depends on factors such as household size and whether you live in the contiguous United States, Alaska or Hawaii.
Your local Senior Companion project can tell you the current limit that applies to you.
Can Medical Expenses Lower the Income They Count?
Yes.
When determining whether you qualify for a stipend, AmeriCorps allows certain out-of-pocket medical expenses to be deducted from your annual income.
Qualifying expenses can include amounts you or your spouse pay for:
- Health insurance premiums
- Healthcare services
- Prescription or over-the-counter medications
- Long-term care insurance premiums
The expenses must not be paid or reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid, another insurer or another third party.
The deductible medical expenses are capped at 50% of the applicable AmeriCorps Seniors income guideline.
This can matter if your income is slightly above the basic limit but you’re paying significant medical expenses yourself.
What If My Income Is Very Low?
Applicants whose income is at or below 100% of the applicable federal poverty guideline receive special consideration for participation in the stipended Senior Companion Program.
That doesn’t automatically guarantee a position, since local project capacity and available placements still matter.
What If My Income Goes Up After I Join?
There’s some protection here too.
Once you’re enrolled as a stipended Senior Companion, AmeriCorps says you can remain eligible for the stipend as long as your income doesn’t exceed the applicable income guideline by more than 20%.
Sponsors review stipend eligibility periodically, so you still need to report the information they request.
How Much Is the Stipend?
AmeriCorps describes the payment as a modest stipend, not a wage.
I wouldn’t rely on one national dollar amount because local projects can differ, and current federal rules allow grantees to supplement the AmeriCorps-established stipend rate with non-AmeriCorps funds.
When you find a Senior Companion opening near you, ask the local sponsor:
- What is the current hourly stipend?
- How many hours would I serve each week?
- Are there any additional reimbursements?
- What income documentation do I need?
That will give you a much clearer picture of what the position actually provides.
Will the Stipend Affect My Other Benefits?
Federal Senior Companion rules provide important protections for these payments.
Senior Companion cost reimbursements and benefits aren’t treated as wages or compensation for purposes such as unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, retirement, public assistance or similar government benefit programs.
The federal rules also say these benefits don’t reduce or eliminate a Senior Companion’s eligibility for assistance or services under governmental programs.
That’s especially important for volunteers who receive programs such as SNAP or other income-based assistance.
If you receive a benefit with unusual eligibility rules, you can still confirm the treatment with the agency administering that particular benefit before enrolling.
What Else Do Senior Companions Receive?
The program provides protections and reimbursements beyond the stipend.
Senior Companion benefits can include:
- Accident insurance
- Personal liability insurance
- Excess automobile liability insurance when applicable
- Assistance with transportation costs to and from assignments and official project activities
- Service recognition
Depending on the local project’s available resources, volunteers may also receive:
- Help with meals while serving
- Assistance with the cost of a physical examination
- Reimbursement for certain approved out-of-pocket service expenses
Ask your local sponsor exactly what benefits and reimbursements are available through its project.
How Do I Find a Senior Companion Position?
AmeriCorps maintains the AmeriCorps Seniors Pathfinder, which lets you search for current volunteer opportunities by state and area.
Start with the AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program and use the Pathfinder to find projects serving your community.
Each listing provides contact information for the local organization running the program.
The local sponsor will explain its:
- Application process
- Screening requirements
- Background checks
- Training
- Available assignments
- Service schedule
- Current stipend and reimbursement amounts
You can also ask your local Area Agency on Aging whether a Senior Companion project operates in your area.
Is the Senior Companion Program Still Available?
Yes.
AmeriCorps Seniors continues to operate the Senior Companion Program nationwide, and its current Pathfinder lists active Senior Companion projects around the country.
The national eligibility age remains 55 and older, and the 2026 income guidelines continue to use 200% of the applicable poverty guideline for stipend eligibility.
However, available positions, stipend amounts and assignments depend on local project funding and capacity.
Relief Recap
If you’re 55 or older and would enjoy spending part of your week helping another person stay independent, the Senior Companion Program may be worth exploring.
You don’t need to qualify for the stipend to benefit from the experience, but income-qualified volunteers may receive a modest payment for their service along with transportation assistance and insurance protections.
For 2026, stipend eligibility generally uses 200% of the applicable federal poverty guideline, with special consideration for applicants at or below 100%. Certain out-of-pocket medical expenses can also be deducted when determining eligibility.
Use the AmeriCorps Seniors Pathfinder to see whether there’s a Senior Companion project near you and ask the local sponsor about its current openings, stipend amount and service schedule.
If you’re looking for help from the other side of this program, our guide to volunteer help for seniors covers programs that can connect older adults with companionship and other support.
