Older Americans Act: Funding
Angela Napili
Information Research Specialist
Kirsten J. Colello
Acting Section Research Manager
April 9, 2010
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
RL33880
CRS Report for Congress
P
repared for Members and Committees of Congress

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Older Americans Act: Funding

Summary
The Older Americans Act (OAA) is the major federal vehicle for the delivery of social and
nutrition services for older persons. These include supportive services, congregate nutrition
services (meals served at group sites such as senior centers, community centers, schools,
churches, or senior housing complexes), home-delivered nutrition services, family caregiver
support, community service employment, the long-term care ombudsman program, and services
to prevent the abuse, neglect and exploitation of older persons. The OAA also supports grants to
older Native Americans and research, training, and demonstration activities. Funding for most
OAA programs is provided through appropriations legislation for the Departments of Labor,
Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS-Education).
The FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-117), signed into law December 16,
2009, provides $2.328 billion for OAA programs in FY2010.
The FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8) provided $2.052 billion for OAA
programs for FY2009. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, P.L. 111-
5) provided $220.0 million in additional FY2009 funding ($100.0 million for nutrition programs
and $120.0 million for the Title V, Community Service Employment for Older Americans
Program, or CSEOA). Total FY2009 OAA funding was $2.272 billion.
The FY2010 funding level for OAA programs is a 13% increase over the funding provided by the
FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, and a 2% increase over total FY2009 funding (including
both the Omnibus and ARRA). CSEOA received the bulk of this increased funding. Congress
appropriated $825.4 million to CSEOA in FY2010, compared with $691.9 million in FY2009
funding ($571.9 million from the FY2009 Omnibus, and $120.0 million from ARRA).
The President’s FY2011 Budget proposes $2.209 billion for OAA programs, 5% less than the
FY2010 level. CSEOA would receive $600.425 million, 27% less than its FY2010 level.
The FY2011 Budget proposes a $102.5 million Caregiver Initiative that would increase funding
for services to help family caregivers. The Caregiver Initiative proposes a $48.0 million increase
for supportive services and a $48.0 million increase for family caregiver support services, both
under OAA’s Title III. The Caregiver Initiative also proposes a $2.0 million increase for Native
American supportive services and a $2.0 million increase for Native American caregiver support
services, both under Title VI. Finally, the Caregiver Initiative proposes a $2.5 million increase for
Lifespan Respite Care.
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law a comprehensive health care reform bill,
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA; P.L. 111-148). Among other things, the
act appropriates $10 million in mandatory spending for Aging and Disability Resource Centers
(ADRCs) through FY2014. It also authorizes additional funding to the aging network, including
$15.0 million to ADRCs and $10.0 million to Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) for outreach and
education programs related to Medicare low-income assistance programs. These funds are
available for obligation through FY2012.
This report provides details of FY2010 funding and the FY2011 budget request for OAA as well
as for programs such as the Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program (ADSSP) and
Lifespan Respite Care Program which are administered by the Administration on Aging (AOA),
but authorized under the Public Health Service Act (PHSA).
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Older Americans Act: Funding

Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1
FY2010 Funding and FY2011 Budget Request ............................................................................ 2
Title II. Administration on Aging........................................................................................... 3
Title III. Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging............................................... 6
Title IV. Activities for Health, Independence, and Longevity ................................................. 8
Title V. Community Service Employment for Older Americans ............................................. 8
Title VI. Grants for Services for Native Americans .............................................................. 10
Title VII. Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Activities ....................................................... 11
Other Programs Administered by AOA...................................................................................... 11
Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program.............................................................. 12
Lifespan Respite Care ......................................................................................................... 12

Figures
Figure 1. Older Americans Act, FY2010 Funding ........................................................................ 2
Figure 2. Funding for Older Americans Act Programs, FY2001-FY2010 ..................................... 3

Tables
Table A-1. Funding for the Older Americans Act, Alzheimer’s Supportive Services,
White House Conference on Aging, and Lifespan Respite Care, FY2003-FY2010 .................. 14
Table B-1. FY2010 Funding and FY2011 Budget Request for the Older Americans Act,
Alzheimer’s Supportive Services, and Lifespan Respite Care ................................................. 18
Table C-1. Authorization of Appropriations for Older Americans Act
Programs in P.L. 109-365....................................................................................................... 20

Appendixes
Appendix A. Older Americans Act and Other AOA Programs: FY2003-FY2010 Funding.......... 13
Appendix B. Older Americans Act and Other AOA Programs: FY2010 Funding and
FY2011 Budget Request......................................................................................................... 18
Appendix C. Older Americans Act: Authorization of Appropriations ......................................... 20
Appendix D. Older Americans Act: Historical Development...................................................... 21

Contacts
Author Contact Information ...................................................................................................... 24
Acknowledgments .................................................................................................................... 24

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Older Americans Act: Funding

Introduction
Originally enacted in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) supports a wide range of social
services and programs for older persons.1 These include supportive services, congregate nutrition
services (meals served at group sites such as senior centers, community centers, schools,
churches, or senior housing complexes), home-delivered nutrition services, family caregiver
support, community service employment, the long-term care ombudsman program, and services
to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older persons. Except for Title V, Community
Service Employment for Older Americans, all programs are administered by the Administration
on Aging (AOA) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Title V is
administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration.
Funding for most OAA programs is provided through appropriations legislation for the
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-
HHS-ED). Funds for most AOA programs (Titles II, III, IV, VI, and VII) are part of the HHS
appropriations; Title V is part of the DOL appropriations. In FY2003, Congress transferred
administrative authority for the nutrition services incentive grant program from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA), where it had been since its inception, to AOA. The program
retains a separate authorization of appropriations under Title III and its appropriations are part of
the Labor-HHS-ED appropriations legislation.
The following report provides details of FY2010 funding and the FY2011 budget request for
OAA. It then discusses FY2010 funding and the FY2011 budget request for programs
administered by AOA, but authorized under the Public Health Service Act (PHSA). Finally, it
provides information about legislation that has been considered in the 111th Congress which
would increase authorizations or funding to certain OAA programs.
The appendixes provide more detailed funding information. Table A-1 of Appendix A provides
funding levels for OAA programs from FY2003 through FY2010. Table A-1 also includes
appropriations for the 2005 White House Conference on Aging, which was authorized by the
Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000 (P.L. 106-501). Finally, the table includes
appropriations for two programs administered by the AOA and authorized by the Public Health
Service Act (PHSA): Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program and the Lifespan Respite
Care program. Table B-1 of Appendix B compares the programs’ FY2010 funding levels to the
President’s FY2011 Budget proposal. Table C-1 of Appendix C shows the authorization of
appropriations for each title of the act as stipulated by the 2006 Older Americans Act
Amendments (P.L. 109-365). Appendix D provides information about OAA’s historical
development, including a summary of major amendments to the act.

1 The Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006 (P.L. 109-365) reauthorized all OAA programs through FY2011. For
further information, see CRS Report RL31336, The Older Americans Act: Programs, Funding, and 2006
Reauthorization (P.L. 109-365), by Carol O'Shaughnessy and Angela Napili. An unofficial compilation of the OAA, as
amended, is at the Administration on Aging (AOA) website, at http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/OAA.
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FY2010 Funding and FY2011 Budget Request
The FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-117), signed into law December 16,
2009, provides $2.328 billion for OAA programs in FY2010. Figure 1 shows the distribution of
FY2010 OAA funding by program. Title III State and Community Programs on Aging received
the largest proportion of FY2010 funding under the act with 59% of funding appropriated to
nutrition, supportive services, family caregivers, and health promotion activities. More than one-
third (35%) of OAA funding in FY2010 was allocated to Title V, the Community Service
Employment for Older Americans Program (CSEOA). The remainder of FY2010 OAA funding
was allocated to AOA activities under Title II (2.8%), grants to Native Americans under Title VI
(1.5%), vulnerable elder rights protection activities under Title VII (0.9%), and research, training,
and demonstration activities under Title IV (0.8%).
Figure 1. Older Americans Act, FY2010 Funding
(percentage of total OAA funding, which is $2.328 billion)

Source: Prepared by CRS based on H.Rept. 111-366, Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 3288, pp. 989, 1298-
1299; Administration on Aging, FY2010 Appropriation, http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/About/Budget/docs/
Appropriation_FY_2010.pdf.
Notes: Sums may total to more than 100% due to rounding. Does not include other programs administered by
AOA such as Lifespan Respite Care or Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program.
The FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8) provided $2.052 billion for OAA
programs for FY2009. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-
5), provided $220 million in additional FY2009 funding ($100 million for nutrition programs and
$120 million for the Title V Senior Community Service Employment for Older Americans). Total
FY2009 OAA funding was $2.272 billion.
The FY2010 funding level for OAA programs is a 13% increase over the funding provided by the
FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, and a 2% increase over total FY2009 funding (including
both the Omnibus and ARRA).
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Older Americans Act: Funding

Figure 2. Funding for Older Americans Act Programs, FY2001-FY2010

Source: Prepared by CRS based on appropriations legislation and committee reports.
Note: ARRA is the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5), which provided $220 million to
Older Americans Act programs in FY2009 in addition to the $2,052 million provided by the FY2009 Omnibus
Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8).
On February 1, 2010, the President released the FY2011 Budget. It proposes $2.209 billion for
OAA programs, 5% less than the FY2010 level. CSEOA would receive $600.425 million, 27%
less than its FY2010 level.
The FY2011 Budget includes a $102.5 million Caregiver Initiative that would increase funds for
AOA services to help families with elder care and caregiving responsibilities. This request
includes a $48.0 million increase for supportive services under OAA’s Title III-B, a $48.0 million
increase for family caregiver support services under Title III-E, a $2.0 million increase for Native
American supportive services under Title VI, a $2.0 million increase for Native American
caregiver support services under Title VI-C, and a $2.5 million increase for Lifespan Respite Care
(which is authorized by PHSA).
The following provides details of FY2010 funding and the FY2011 Budget Request under Titles
II through VII of the OAA. Title I (Declaration of Objectives) does not authorize appropriations.
Title II. Administration on Aging
Title II establishes AOA within HHS as the chief federal agency advocate for older persons and
sets out the responsibilities of AOA and the Assistant Secretary for Aging. The Assistant
Secretary is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Funding authorized under Title II goes toward program administration and Aging Network
support activities. Aging Network support activities currently include the following:
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• National Eldercare Locator, a nationwide toll-free phone number and website
that helps identify community resources for older persons2;
• Pension Counseling and Information Program funds six regional counseling
projects that help older Americans learn about and receive the retirement benefits
to which they are entitled;
• Senior Medicare Patrol Program funds projects that educate older Americans and
their families to recognize and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud;
• National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides training and
technical assistance to state and local long-term care ombudsmen;
• National Center on Elder Abuse provides information to the public and
professionals, and provides training and technical assistance to state elder abuse
agencies and to community-based organizations;
• National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment helps to enroll seniors and
persons with disabilities into federal and state benefits programs for which they
are eligible but not yet enrolled3; and
• Health and Long-Term Care Programs Initiative (formerly “Choices for
Independence”) helps older Americans plan for long-term care services and
supports so that they can maintain their independence in the community.4
The FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-117) provides $64.3 million for Title II in
FY2010, a 6% increase over the FY2009 funding level. Of this amount, $30.6 million are for the
Health and Long-Term Care Programs Initiative, which reflects provisions newly authorized in
the Older American Act Amendments of 2006 (P.L. 109-365). Specifically, this initiative builds
on existing AOA programs related to Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), Evidence-
Based Disease Prevention, and Nursing Home Diversion/Community Living Programs.
As described by AOA, Health and Long-Term Care Programs focus on “empowering older
individuals to remain healthy and independent for as long as possible and on breaking the cycle of
unnecessary admissions and readmissions for costly nursing home care and hospital services.”5
The initiative has three components:
First, Aging and Disability Resource Centers provide “one-stop shop/single-entry points” for
consumer information on all long-term care options. ADRCs provide information and access to
community-based services to help older individuals to continue to live at home. There are
currently more than 200 ADRC sites nationwide, operating in 49 states, three territories, and the
District of Columbia.6

2 The National Eldercare Locator can be reached through http://www.eldercare.gov or 1-800-677-1116.
3 Funding for the National Center for Senior Benefits Outreach and Enrollment began in FY2008. More information is
at http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/HCLTC/Senior_Benefits/index.aspx and
http://www.centerforbenefits.org/.
4 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2010 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, pp. 70-71,
http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Program_Results/docs/2010/FY2010AoACongressionalJustificationFinal.PDF.
5 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, p. 89, http://www.aoa.gov/
AoAroot/About/Budget/DOCS/AoA_CJ_FY_2011.pdf.
6 AOA, Aging and Disability Resource Center Fact Sheet, http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Press_Room/
(continued...)
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Second, “Evidence-Based Disease Prevention” programs help seniors change behavior to reduce
risk of disease and disability. Funds support activities in areas such as falls prevention, physical
activity, and chronic disease self-management. This component builds on existing Title IV
evidence-based disease prevention projects.
Third, the “Nursing Home Diversion/Community Living Programs” component gives states funds
they could use to help seniors avoid institutionalization. It targets low-to-moderate-income
individuals who are at risk of nursing home placement but who are not yet eligible for Medicaid.
This component uses ADRCs to identify these individuals, to help them develop care plans, and
to link them to needed services.7 This component emphasizes “flexible, consumer-directed
models, such as Cash and Counseling.”8
The FY2011 Budget requests $36.2 million for Title II, a $28.0 million decrease from the FY2010
level. This decrease appears to be reflected in a proposed increase in funding Health and Long-
Term Care Programs under the authority of Title IV, which funds training, research, and
demonstration projects, rather than as part of Aging Network Support Activities under Title II.
The Budget Justification explains “Health and Long-Term Care funding allows AOA to identify
and evaluate the best models and practices nationwide, as part of its overall strategy for
strengthening its core programs and the national aging services network. To this end, AOA
draws on the latest research and the results of evaluations of its core programs at the State
and local level to identify cutting edge, state-of-the-art approaches for further testing and
replication.”9
HHS has also announced that a separate funding stream of $32.5 million of ARRA money would
be provided to AOA for evidence-based chronic disease self-management programs (CDSMPs)
for older people.10 $27.0 million will be used for cooperative agreements with State Units on
Aging and State Departments of Health to deploy CDSMPs. These cooperative agreements will
be administered by AOA. The initiative builds on AOA’s existing Evidence-Based Disease
Prevention Programs.11 AOA’s CDSMP activities will also receive $2.5 million for an interagency
agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to develop a quality assurance
program, and $3.0 million to continue funding a National Technical Assistance Center on
Evidence-Based Prevention Programs.12

(...continued)
Products_Materials/fact/pdf/ADRC.pdf. A directory of ADRCs is at the Aging and Disability Resource Center
Technical Assistance Exchange website at http://www.adrc-tae.org/tiki-index.php?page=ADRCLocator.
7 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, p. 91.
8 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2010 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, pp. 69-71.
9 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, p. 89. For more information
on Cash and Counseling see http://www.cashandcounseling.org.
10 The $32.5 million for CDSMP activities would come from the $650 million that ARRA provided to HHS for
evidence-based prevention and wellness programs. The ARRA provisions are described in CRS Report R40181,
Selected Health Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, coordinated by C. Stephen Redhead.
11 For more background, see AOA, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: Communities Putting Prevention to
Work: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, http://www.aoa.gov/AoAroot/PRESS_Room/News/2009/
03_18_09.aspx, and HHS, “Secretary Sebelius Awards Funding for Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs for
Older Americans,” press release, March 30, 2010, http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/03/20100330a.html.
12 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, pp. 93-94.
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On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law a comprehensive health care reform bill,
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA; P.L. 111-148). The act contains
provisions that would provide additional funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers
(ADRCs), AAAs, and the National Center for Benefits and Outreach Enrollment. Specifically,
Section 2405 of PPACA appropriates $10.0 million in mandatory spending for ADRCs for each of
FY2010 through FY2014. Additionally, Section 3306 of PPACA provides $45.0 million for
outreach and education programs related to Medicare low-income assistance programs. Of the
$45.0 million, $15.0 million is allocated to AAAs, $10.0 million allocated to ADRCs, and $5.0
million allocated to the National Center for Benefits and Outreach Enrollment.13 These funds are
available for obligation through FY2012. The HHS Secretary is authorized to enlist the support of
these entities to conduct outreach activities aimed at preventing disease and promoting wellness
as an additional use of these funds.
Title III. Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging
The major program under the OAA, Title III—Grants for State and Community Programs on
Aging—authorizes grants to 56 State and 629 Area Agencies on Aging to act as advocates on
behalf of, and to coordinate programs for older persons.14 Title III accounts for 59% of the OAA’s
total FY2010 funding. States receive separate allotments of funds for supportive services and
centers, family caregiver support, congregate nutrition (meals served at group sites such as senior
centers, community centers, schools, churches, or senior housing complexes), home-delivered
nutrition services, the nutrition services incentive grant program (allotted to states based on each
state’s share of total meals served nationwide by the nutrition services program the previous
year), and disease prevention and health promotion services.15 In FY2008, almost 10 million
older persons were served by Title III programs.16
The FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-117) provides $1.363 billion for Title III.
This is a 1% increase over the $1.346 billion provided by the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations
Act (P.L. 111-8), and a 6% decrease from the total FY2009 funding level (including both the
Omnibus and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). Together, the FY2009 Omnibus
and ARRA had provided $1.443 billion for Title III in FY2009.
ARRA provided $65 million for congregate meals and $32 million for home-delivered meals in
FY2009.17 AOA obligated all of these ARRA funds in FY2009. As of early February 2010, states
had spent 40% of funding, and they are anticipated to spend the rest by the end of FY2010,

13 Section 119 of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA, P.L. 110-275) provided
$25 million for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 for these activities. Funds were allocated to State Health Insurance
Programs (SHIPs), AAAs, ADRCs, and AOA. PPACA allocates the funds to SHIPs, AAAs, ADRCs, and the National
Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment in the same proportion as under MIPPA.
14 The 56 state agencies on aging include units in 50 states, 5 U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. More
information is at the AOA website at http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/OAA/Aging_Network/Index.aspx
and http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/OAA/.
15 State allotments for Title III programs are listed at HHS, AOA, Funding Allocations to State and Tribal
Organizations, http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/OAA/Aging_Network/State_Allocations/index.aspx.
16 HHS, AOA, Aging Network, Aging Integrated Database (AGID), 2008 State Program Reports, Total Counts: Clients
Served - All Services: 50 States + DC & Territories, http://www.data.aoa.gov/.
17 AOA has posted the state-by-state distribution of ARRA nutrition funds at http://www.aoa.gov/AoAroot/
Press_Room/News/2009/DOCS/AoA_ARRA_Nutrition_Services_to_States_3-3-09.xls and http://www.hhs.gov/
recovery/programs/aoa/arrafundingmap.html.
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according to AOA.18 In reports accompanying earlier versions of the bill, the House and Senate
Appropriations Committees described their rationale for providing additional funds. The House
Appropriations Committee noted that “These programs have been hit hard by rising food costs at
the same time as demand for services is increasing because of the economic downturn and the
growing elder population.”19 The Senate Appropriations Committee stated “The Committee notes
that due to the current economic crisis, many local senior programs are closing meals sites and
eliminating meal delivery routes. The additional funding provided will help offset these cutbacks,
which put our most vulnerable seniors at risk of hunger, poor health and isolation.”20 According
to AOA, ARRA funding has helped 20% of states eliminate waitlists for seniors requesting home-
delivered meals. AOA also estimates that without ARRA funding, 8.1 million fewer meals would
have been provided in FY2010.21
The FY2011 Budget requests $1.467 billion for Title III, an 8% increase over the FY2010 funding
level. Most of this increase is due to a new Caregiver Initiative to help individuals with family
caregiving responsibilities. The initiative stems from the work of the White House Task Force on
Middle Class Families.22 The Caregiver Initiative would provide a $48.0 million (13%) increase
for Title III-B supportive services, such as adult day care, transportation to medical appointments
and grocery stores, and personal care and chore services. AOA estimates that this additional
funding would support 1 million additional hours of adult day care, 3 million additional rides, and
1.3 million additional hours of personal care services (such as assistance with eating, dressing,
and bathing).23 The Caregiver Initiative would also provide a $48.0 million (31%) increase for
Title III-E family caregiver support services, such as respite care, training and counseling, and
access assistance services (to help caregivers locate services from private and voluntary
agencies). AOA estimates that this additional funding would provide services to nearly 200,000
additional caregivers.24
Under the FY2011 Budget, funding for Title III-C nutrition services would be $827.5 million, a
1% increase from the FY2010 level. AOA notes that the economic downturn has affected the
budgets of states, tribes, local governments, philanthropies, and private donors that partner with
AOA to provide meals. As a result, AOA projects that in FY2011, 14.7 million fewer meals will
be provided than in FY2010, when 228.5 million meals would be provided.25

18 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, p. 9.
19 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, 111th
Cong., 1st sess., January 26, 2009, H.Rept. 111-4 (Washington: GPO, 2009), p. 55.
20 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Making Supplemental Appropriations For Job Preservation
And Creation, Infrastructure Investment, Energy Efficiency And Science, Assistance To The Unemployed, And State
And Local Fiscal Stabilization, For The Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2009, and for Other Purposes, 111th Cong.,
1st sess., January 27, 2009, S.Rept. 111-3 (Washington: GPO, 2009), p. 58.
21 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, pp. 9, 34.
22 See “Supporting Family Caregivers,” in White House Task Force on the Middle Class, Annual Report of the White
House Task Force on the Middle Class, February 26, 2010, http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/
100226-annual-report-middle-class.pdf.
23 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, p. 27.
24 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, p. 60.
25 AOA’s estimate assumes a 3.2% inflation factor from FY2010 to FY2011, using the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s “food away from home” inflation index. HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for
Appropriations Committees, p. 34.
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More background on Title III nutrition services is in CRS Report RS21202, Older Americans Act:
Title III Nutrition Services Program, by Kirsten J. Colello.
Title IV. Activities for Health, Independence, and Longevity
Title IV of the OAA authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Aging to award funds for training,
research, and demonstration projects in the field of aging. In recent years, AOA has funded a
number of national efforts that support the work of State and Area Agencies on Aging, including
national resource centers that focus on legal assistance and the retirement needs of women, and
technical assistance for National Minority Aging Organizations. Other recent projects have
included the National Alzheimer’s Call Center, funding for supportive services to older
individuals in naturally occurring retirement communities,26 and funding for ADRCs. Other
activities have included outreach to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their benefits under
the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), conducted in cooperation with the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services.27
The FY2010 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-117) provides $19.0 million for Title IV, a
5% increase over the FY2009 level.
The FY2011 Budget requests $43.5 million for Title IV, a $24.5 million increase over the FY2010
level. This increase is due to the Budget’s $30.5 million request for Health and Long-Term Care
Programs under Title IV authority; previously Health and Long-Term Care Programs have been
funded under Title II Aging Network Support Activities.28 (See the discussion in the “Title II.
Administration on Aging” section above). The FY2011 Budget also proposes that chronic disease
self-management programs (CDSMPs), previously funded through Health and Long-Term Care
Programs’ Evidence-Based Disease Prevention component, instead be funded through a separate
ARRA funding stream (the $32.5 million discussed in the “Title II. Administration on Aging”
section above). Finally, the FY2011 Budget proposes to redirect funds currently being used in the
Health and Long-Term Care Programs’ Community Living Programs (CLP) component, and
focus them instead “on new approaches that will complement the aging services network’s role in
health and long-term care reform, such as discharge planning.”29
Title V. Community Service Employment for Older Americans
Title V, also known as the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), has as its
purpose the promotion of useful part-time opportunities in community service activities for
unemployed low-income30 persons who are 55 years or older and who have poor employment
prospects. For FY2010, the community service employment program represents 35% of the
OAA’s funds ($825.4 million out of $2.328 billion).

26 For more background on naturally occurring retirement communities, see CRS Report RL34289, Supportive Services
Programs to Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, by Kirsten J. Colello.
27 A compendium of Title IV grant projects is at http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Grants/Compendium/index.aspx.
28 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, p. 89.
29 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, pp. 91-92. AOA explains
that CLP’s goal of helping seniors avoid institutionalization can be accomplished by ADRCs and other AOA-funded
services.
30 Participants’ incomes must be no greater than 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. 20 C.F.R. § 641.500.
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Enrollees work part-time in a variety of community service jobs, such as in day care centers,
libraries, schools, and hospitals, as well as “green” assignments such as recycling and tree-
planting programs.31 The program operates on a program year (PY) basis from July 1 through
June 30. In PY2009 (ending June 30, 2010), the DOL estimates that the program will provide for
66,179 job slots, serving about 99,269 participants, at a cost of $6,428 per participant.32
Enrollees are paid no less than the highest of the federal minimum wage, the state or local
minimum wage, or the prevailing wage paid by the same employer for similar public occupations.
In addition to wages, enrollees receive training, physical examinations, personal and job-related
counseling, placement assistance into unsubsidized jobs, and transportation for employment
purposes, under certain circumstances.
The 2006 Older Americans Act Amendments (P.L. 109-365) maintained the program focus on
employing older people in community service jobs and reemphasized the community service
aspects of the program. While the program’s purpose is to move participants into unsubsidized
employment, the amendments recognized that many older people who have special needs may
need to remain in subsidized employment and that the program supplements the income for some
workers who cannot find jobs in the private economy.33
In FY2009, Title V received $571.9 million from the Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8)
and $120.0 million from ARRA (P.L. 111-5), totaling $691.9 million for Title V in FY2009. The
ARRA conference report stated “The wages paid to these low-income seniors will provide a
direct stimulus to the economies of local communities, which will also benefit from the
community service work performed by participants.”34
ARRA made the additional Title V funds available from the date of enactment through June 30,
2010. ARRA required the funds to be allotted within 30 days of enactment to current grantees in
proportion to their program year 2008 allotment.35 Furthermore, the Secretary of Labor would be
allowed to recapture any unexpended funds for the program year, and reobligate them within the
next two program years, in accordance with section 517(c) of the Older Americans Act.

31 DOL, SCSEP Frequently Asked Questions, http://www.doleta.gov/Seniors/html_docs/docs/seniorsFAQ.cfm; DOL,
FY2011 Congressional Budget Justification, Employment and Training Administration, Community Service
Employment for Older Americans, p. CSEOA-14, http://www.dol.gov/dol/budget/2011/PDF/CBJ-2011-V1-06.pdf.
32 There are more participants than job slots because as participants leave the program, their job slots can be filled by
new participants. DOL, FY2011 Congressional Budget Justification, Employment and Training Administration,
Community Service Employment for Older Americans, pp. CSEOA-12, CSEOA-16.
33 For further information, see CRS Report RL31336, The Older Americans Act: Programs, Funding, and 2006
Reauthorization (P.L. 109-365), by Carol O'Shaughnessy and Angela Napili.
34 U.S. Congress, Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1, 111th Cong., 1st sess., February 12, 2009, H.Rept. 111-16
(Washington: GPO, 2009), p. 449.
35 DOL has posted ARRA allotments at http://www.dol.gov/recovery/2009/03/19/fbgla/
DOL_Formula_Block_Grant_Allocation_03192009_1447.xls and http://www.dol.gov/recovery/2009/03/19/fbgla/
DOL_Formula_Block_Grant_Allocation_03192009_1447.pdf. Program year 2008 allotments were announced in U.S.
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Program Year 2008 Planning Instructions and
Allotments for All SCSEP Grant Applicants, Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 26-07, Attachments H and
I, Washington, DC, April 29, 2008, http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEGL26-07.pdf. The allotments were
subsequently revised in U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Program Year (PY)
2008 Revised Allotments and Due Date for All SCSEP Grant Applicants, Training and Employment Guidance Letter
No. 30-07, Attachment H Revised, Washington, DC, May 30, 2008, http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEGL30-
07.pdf.
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The FY2010 funding level of $825.4 million is $253.5 million (44%) higher than the level
provided in the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, and $133.5 million (19%) higher than the
total FY2009 level (including both the Omnibus and ARRA).36 The conference report
accompanying the FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act states that “additional resources
provided in the Recovery Act are insufficient to meet the needs of low-income older workers
adversely impacted by the recession. Many CSEOA [Community Service Employment for Older
Americans] grantees are maintaining waiting lists for available community service jobs but are
unable to fill those jobs due to funding limitations.”37
The FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act made $225.0 million available upon enactment, to
remain available through December 31, 2011. The conference report stated “In determining those
current grantees that can effectively use funds made available immediately in this Act, the
Secretary should take into account demonstrated need, financial management, and sustained and
satisfactory performance.”38 DOL explains that this funding “was intended as a one-time
provision related to current economic conditions. The additional funding was provided as a
short-term program expansion to support temporary job opportunities for low-income elderly
individuals while the nation recovers from the economic downturn.”39
The FY2011 Budget requests $600.4 million for Title V, or $225.0 million (27%) less than the
FY2010 funding level. The DOL estimates that the requested FY2011 funding level would serve
92,024 participants in 61,893 job slots.40
Title VI. Grants for Services for Native Americans
Title VI authorizes funds for supportive and nutrition services to older Native Americans. Funds
are awarded directly by AOA to Indian tribal organizations, Native Alaskan organizations, and
non-profit groups representing Native Hawaiians. To be eligible for funding, a tribal organization
must represent at least 50 Native American elders age 60 or older. In FY2009, grants were
awarded to 244 tribal organizations representing approximately 400 Indian tribes and two
organizations serving Native Hawaiian elders.41 The program provides services such as
transportation, home-delivered and congregate nutrition services, information and referral, and a
wide range of home care services.

36 The final FY2010 amount was also larger than that proposed by the FY2010 Budget Request and by the House-
passed and Senate-reported FY2010 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bills. For FY2010, the President had
requested $575.4 million, the House bill had proposed $615.4 million, and the Senate bill had proposed $575.4 million.
(H.Rept. 111-366, p. 1251).
37 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban
Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 3288, 111th
Cong., 1st sess., December 8, 2009, H.Rept. 111-366 (Washington: GPO, 2009), p. 1251.H. Rept. 111-366, p. 989.
38 H.Rept. 111-366, p. 989. The $225 million are being prorated across two program years, 2009 ($66.176 million) and
2010 ($158.823 million). DOL, FY2011 Congressional Budget Justification, Employment and Training Administration,
Community Service Employment for Older Americans, p. CSEOA-16. The grantees receiving the $225 million are
listed in DOL, “US Department of Labor awards $225 million to Senior Community Service Employment Program
grantees,” press release, January 29, 2010, http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/eta20100124.htm.
39 DOL, FY2011 Congressional Budget Justification, Employment and Training Administration, Community Service
Employment for Older Americans, p. CSEOA-2.
40 DOL, FY2011 Congressional Budget Justification, Employment and Training Administration, Community Service
Employment for Older Americans, p. CSEOA-12.
41 HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, p. 44.
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The 2000 amendments (P.L. 106-501) added a new part to Title VI authorizing caregiver support
services to Native American elders. Respite, caregiver training, information and outreach,
counseling, and support groups are among the services provided.
The FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-117) provides $34.1 million for Title VI,
a 1% increase over the funding level in the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8),
and a 7% decrease from the total FY2009 funding level (counting both the Omnibus and ARRA).
In FY2009, ARRA had provided an additional $3 million for nutrition services for Native
Americans under Title VI.42
The FY2011 Budget requests $38.1 million for Title VI, a $4.0 million (12%) increase over the
FY2010 level. The increase would be due to the Caregiver Initiative (discussed in the “Title III.
Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging” section above), which would provide a $2.0
million increase for Title VI supportive services, and a $2.0 million increase for Title VI-C
caregiver support services.
Title VII. Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Activities
Title VII authorizes the long-term care ombudsman program as well as elder abuse, neglect, and
exploitation prevention programs. Most Title VII funding is directed at the long-term care
ombudsman program. Of its $21.9 million funding in FY2010, more than three-quarters ($16.8
million) is for ombudsman activities. The purpose of the program is to investigate and resolve
complaints of residents of nursing facilities, board and care facilities, and other adult care homes.
In FY2008, ombudsmen handled nearly 272,000 complaints, conducted investigations on almost
185,000 cases, and provided more than 455,000 consultations to individuals and long-term care
facilities.43 More background on the ombudsman program can be found in CRS Report RS21297,
Older Americans Act: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, by Kirsten J. Colello.
The FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-117) provides $21.9 million for Title VII,
a 2% increase over the FY2009 level. The FY2011 Budget requests $23.3 million for Title VII, a
6% increase over the FY2010 level.44
Other Programs Administered by AOA
The AOA also administers the Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program and the
Lifespan Respite Care Program. Both programs, described in greater detail below, are authorized
under the PHSA and not the OAA. In addition to these two programs, AOA has received funding
to organize and convene the White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA), which, once a
decade, makes aging policy recommendations to the President and Congress. The last conference
occurred in 2005 and was authorized under the OAA amendments of 2000 (P.L. 106-501).

42 AOA has posted the distribution of ARRA nutrition funds, by tribe, at http://transparency.cit.nih.gov/
RecoveryGrants/tribegrant.cfm?grant=TribalNutrition
43 HHS, AOA, Aging Network, Aging Integrated Database (AGID), National Ombudsman Reporting System, Total
Counts, Cases Opened and Total Number of Complaints; Other Ombudsman Activities, Total Number of Consultations
to Facilities and Individuals: 50 States + DC & Territories, http://www.data.aoa.gov/.
44 State allocation tables are at HHS, AOA, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees,
pp. 83-86.
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Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program
The Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program (ADSSP) Program [formerly known as
the Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstration Grants to States (ADDGS) Program] aims to improve
and expand home and community-based care and other supportive services for persons with
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) and their caregivers. Between 2007 and
2009, AOA awarded 47 ADSSP cooperative agreements to states to implement such projects
across the United States.45 Although current authorization under Section 398B of the PHSA has
expired, Congress continues to appropriate funding.46 The FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations
Act (P.L. 111-117) funds ADDGS at $11.5 million, the same as the FY2009 level. The FY2011
Budget proposes to maintain funding at $11.5 million.
Lifespan Respite Care
The Lifespan Respite Care Program awards matching grants to eligible state agencies to (1)
develop or enhance lifespan respite care activities at the state and local levels; (2) improve the
statewide dissemination and coordination of respite care; and (3) provide, supplement, or improve
access and quality of respite care services to family caregivers caring for children and adults. The
law defines “respite care” to mean planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult of any
age with a special need in order to give temporary relief to the family caregiver. The program was
enacted under the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-442), which amended the PHSA to
create a new Title XXIX authorizing appropriations totaling $289 million for FY2007 through
FY2011; however, Congress first appropriated funding for Lifespan Respite Care Program
activities in FY2009. In September 2009, AOA awarded grants to 12 states to implement the
program.47 The FY2010 Consolidated Appropriation Act (P.L. 111-117) provides $2.5 million for
Lifespan Respite Care, the same as the FY2009 level. As part of the Caregiver Initiative, the
FY2011 Budget proposes to double funding to $5.0 million.48

45 More information about the Alzheimer’s Disease Support Services Program is on the AOA website at
http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/HCLTC/Alz_Grants/index.aspx
46 The ADDGS Program was authorized under Sections 398 to 398B of the PHSA (42 U.S.C. 280c-3 to 280c-5).
Authorization of appropriations expired in 2002.
47 More information about the Lifespan Respite Care Program is on the AOA website at http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/
AoA_Programs/HCLTC/LRCP/.
48 The Lifespan Respite Care Program is authorized for $53.3 million for FY2009, $71.1 million for FY2010, and $94.8
million for FY2011 (42 U.S.C. 300ii-4).
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Older Americans Act: Funding

Appendix A. Older Americans Act and Other AOA
Programs: FY2003-FY2010 Funding
Table A-1 shows appropriations history for the act’s programs for FY2003-FY2010. In addition,
the appropriations histories for other programs administered by AOA are also provided.
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Older Americans Act: Funding

Table A-1. Funding for the Older Americans Act, Alzheimer’s Supportive Services,
White House Conference on Aging, and Lifespan Respite Care, FY2003-FY2010
($ in millions)
FY2009
American
OAA Programs, Alzheimer’s
Recovery and
Supportive Services, White House
FY2009
Reinvestment
Conference on Aging, and Lifespan
Omnibus
Act
Respite Care
FY2003
FY2004
FY2005a
FY2006b
FY2007c FY2008d
(P.L. 111-8)
(P.L. 111-5)
FY2010
Title II: Administration on Aging
$20.233
$30.618
$31.567
$30.812
$31.518
$49.653
$60.390
0
$64.262
Program
administration
17.869 17.324 18.301 17.688 18.385 18.064 18.696 0
19.979
Aging network support activities
2.364e 13.294f 13.266 13.124 13.133 31.589g 41.694h 0
44.283i
Title III: Grants for State and
1,240.891 1,243.059 1,250.192 1,242.378 1,263.232 1,283.816 1,346.337
97.000j 1,363.068
Community Programs on Aging
Supportive services and centers
355.673
353.889
354.136
350.354
350.595
351.348
361.348
0
368.348
Family caregiversk
149.025 152.738 155.744 156.060 156.167 153.439 154.220 0
154.220
Disease
prevention/health
promotion 21.919 21.970 21.616 21.385 21.400 21.026 21.026 0
21.026
Nutrition
services
714.274 714.462 718.696 714.579 735.070 758.003 809.743 97.000l 819.474
Congregate
meals
(384.592) (386.353) (387.274) (385.054) (398.919)n
(410.716)
(434.269)
(65.000)m
(440.783)
Home-delivered
meals
(180.985) (179.917) (182.826) (181.781) (188.305)n (193.858) (214.459) (32.000)o
(217.676)
Nutrition services incentive grants
(148.697)p (148.192) (148.596) (147.744) (147.846) (153.429) (161.015)
0
(161.015)
Title IV: Activities for Health,
40.258 33.509r 43.286 24.578 24.058 14.655 18.172 0
19.023
Independence, and Longevityq
Title V: Community Service
442.306 438.650 436.678 432.311 483.611n 521.625 571.925 120.000 s 825.425
Employment for Older Americans
Title VI: Grants to Native
33.704 32.771 32.702 32.353 32.375 33.214 33.597 3.000
t 34.097
Americans
Supportive and nutrition services
27.495
26.453
26.398
26.116
26.134
26.898
27.208
3.000u 27.708
Native American caregiversv
6.209 6.318 6.304 6.237 6.241 6.316 6.389 0
6.389
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Older Americans Act: Funding

FY2009
American
OAA Programs, Alzheimer’s
Recovery and
Supportive Services, White House
FY2009
Reinvestment
Conference on Aging, and Lifespan
Omnibus
Act
Respite Care
FY2003
FY2004
FY2005a
FY2006b
FY2007c FY2008d
(P.L. 111-8)
(P.L. 111-5)
FY2010
Title VII: Vulnerable Elder Rights
18.559 19.444 19.288 20.142 20.156 20.633 21.383 0
21.883
Protection Activities
Long-term care ombudsman program
n/aw
14.276 14.162 15.000 15.010 15.577x 16.327 0
16.827
Elder abuse prevention
n/aw
5.168 5.126 5.142 5.146 5.056 5.056 0
5.056
Legal
assistance
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Native Americans elder rights program
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total Older Americans Act
$1,771.057 $1,798.051 $1,813.713 $1,782.574 $1,854.950 $1,923.596 $2,051.804 $220.000 y $2,327.758
Programs
Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services
$13.412 $11.883 $11.786 $11.660 $11.668 $11.464 $11.464 0
$11.464
Programz
White House Conference on Aging
0
$2.814aa $4.520aa
0aa 0 0 0 0 0
Lifespan Respite Care






$2.500bb 0
$2.500bb
Source: FY2003-FY2006: Appropriations legislation and committee reports, various years. FY2007-FY2008: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, Committee Print of
the Committee on Appropriations, U.S. House of Representatives, on H.R. 2764 / P.L. 110-161, January, 2008, pp. 1776, 1809-1810, http://www.gpoaccess.gov/congress/
house/appropriations/08conappro.html. FY2009: “Explanatory Statement Submitted by Mr. Obey, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Regarding H.R.
1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009,” Congressional Record, February 23, 2009, pp. H2372, H2385; H.Rept. 111-16, Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1, pp. 449, 455.
FY2010: H.Rept. 111-366, Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 3288, pp. 989, 1298-1299; Administration on Aging, FY2010 Appropriation, http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/
About/Budget/docs/Appropriation_FY_2010.pdf
a. FY2005 amounts reflect the 0.80% across-the-board reduction required by P.L. 108-447, Division J, Section 122. The Administration was given discretion on how to
distribute the reduction among individual accounts and line items.
b. FY2006 amounts reflect two rescissions: (1) There was a 1% across-the-board reduction required by P.L. 109-148, Division B, Title III, Chapter 8, Section 3801. (2) On
June 14, 2006, the HHS Secretary notified the Appropriations Committees that he would transfer funds among HHS programs to finance activities related to the
Medicare drug benefit cal center. This transfer was a 0.069% across-the-board reduction and it reduced Administration on Aging funds by $0.9 million. It was
authorized by Section 208 of P.L. 109-149.
c. For FY2007, P.L. 110-5 specified dollar amounts for some, but not all, programs. Agencies had some flexibility to determine program amounts based on FY2006
appropriations.
d. P.L. 110-161, the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, applied an across-the-board reduction of 1.747% to figures in the bill text and Explanatory Statement
narrative (Division G, Title V, §528).
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Older Americans Act: Funding

e. Includes approximately $1.2 million for the Eldercare Locator, and $1.2 million for Pension Counseling and Information Program. These programs were authorized by
the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000 (P.L. 106-501, §205).
f.
Starting in FY2004, Aging network support activities include funds for activities previously funded under Title IV: Senior Medicare Patrols, National Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Resource Center, and National Center on Elder Abuse. Also includes funds for the Eldercare Locator, and Pension Counseling and Information Program.
g. The Choices for Independence Initiative included newly authorized provisions of the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006 (P.L. 109-365) related to “aging and
disability resource centers (ADRCs), evidence-based prevention programs, and consumer-directed services targeted at individuals who are at high risk of nursing home
placement and spend-down to Medicaid” (H.Rept. 110-231, p. 207). The Bush Administration’s FY2008 budget requested Choices for Independence funds under Title
IV, while the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 110-161) provided the funds under Aging Network support activities under Title II. The President’s
FY2008 budget request would have provided $28.0 million for Choices for Independence. P.L. 110-161 provided $16.2 million for Choices for Independence (after a
1.747% across-the-board reduction). Choices for Independence was subsequently renamed “Health and Long-Term Care Programs” in the Obama Administration’s
FY2010 budget request.
h. Includes $28.0 million for Choices for Independence. The Bush Administration’s FY2009 budget request would have funded Choices for Independence at $28.0 million
under Title IV, which authorizes funds for training, research, and demonstration projects.
i.
Includes $30.589 million for Health and Long-Term Care Programs (formerly known as Choices for Independence). This is the same as the President’s FY2010 budget
request.
j.
Total FY2009 funding for Title III was $1,443.337 million. This includes $1,346.337 million from the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8) and $97.000
million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5).
k. Authorized by the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000 (P.L. 106-501, §316). Funding for Native American family caregiving is shown in Title VI.
l.
Total FY2009 funding for Title III-C Nutrition Services was $906.743 million. This Includes $809.743 million from the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8)
and $97.000 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5).
m. Total FY2009 funding for congregate meals was $499.269 million. This includes $434.269 million from the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8) and
$65.000 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5).
n. Funding level was specified in P.L. 110-5, Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007.
o. Total FY2009 funding for home-delivered meals was $246.459 million. This includes $214.459 million from the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8) and
$32.000 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5).
p. Congress transferred the program, previously funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to the Administration on Aging in FY2003. P.L. 110-19 repealed certain
provisions regarding state agency and tribal grantee commodity purchases, as added by the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006 (P.L. 109-365), and restored
former commodity purchase provisions, with revisions.
q. The Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006 (P.L. 109-365) renamed Title IV, formerly titled “Training, Research, and Discretionary Projects and Programs.”
Activities under Title IV are also sometimes referred to as “Program Innovations.”
r. See tablenote f. Funds shown are reduced from FY2003 level due to transfer of some funds to Title II.
s. Total FY2009 funding for Title V was $691.925 million. This includes $571.925 million from the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8) and $120.000 million
from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5).
t. Total FY2009 funding for Title VI was $36.597 million. This includes $33.597 million from the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8) and $3.000 million
from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5).
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Older Americans Act: Funding

u. Total FY2009 funding for supportive and nutrition services to Native Americans was $30.208 million. This includes $27.208 million from the FY2009 Omnibus
Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-8) and $3.000 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5).
v. Authorized by the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000 (P.L. 106-501, §604).
w. Separate amounts not specified.
x. Separate amounts not specified in FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act tables. These figures were calculated by CRS by applying the 1.747% across-the-board
reduction to figures in the Explanatory Statement narrative in the Congressional Record, December 17, 2007, p. H16242.
y. Total FY2009 funding for Older Americans Act programs was $2,271.804 million. This includes $2,051.804 million from the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L.
111-8) and $220.000 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5).
z. Formerly known as Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstration Grants to the States. The FY1999 Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 105-277) transferred the
administration of the program from the Health Resources and Services Administration to the Administration on Aging. The program was authorized under Sections
398 to 398B of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 280c-3 to 280c-5). Authorization of appropriations expired in 2002.
aa. P.L. 106-501 required the President to convene the conference no later than December 31, 2005. It was held December 11-14, 2005. See http://www.whcoa.gov.
FY2006 obligations for the White House Conference on Aging were funded by carryover balances of prior-year appropriations.
bb. The Lifespan Respite Care program is authorized by Title XXIX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 300ii to 300ii-4). It is administered by the Administration
on Aging. The Lifespan Respite Care program received its first funding in FY2009.

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Older Americans Act: Funding

Appendix B. Older Americans Act and Other AOA
Programs: FY2010 Funding and FY2011 Budget
Request
Table B-1. FY2010 Funding and FY2011 Budget Request for the Older Americans
Act, Alzheimer’s Supportive Services, and Lifespan Respite Care
($ in millions)

FY2010
FY2011 Request
Proposed change
Title II: Administration on Aging
$64.262
$36.202
-44%
Program administration
19.979
22.508
+13%
Aging network support activities
44.283
13.694
-69%
Health and Long-Term Care Programs
(30.589)
a -100%
a
Aging network support activities, excluding Health and Long-Term
(13.694) (13.694)
0
Care Programs
Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging
1,363.068
1,467.146
+8%
Supportive services and centers
368.348
416.348b +13%b
Family caregiversc 154.220
202.220b +31%b
Disease prevention/health promotion
21.026
21.026
0
Nutrition services
819.474
827.552
+1%
Congregate meals
(440.783)
(445.644)
+1%
Home-delivered meals
(217.676)
(220.893)
+1%
Nutrition services incentive grants
(161.015)
(161.015)
0
Title IV: Activities for Health, Independence, and Longevity
19.023
43.534
+129%
Program Innovations
19.023
13.049
-31%
Health and Long-Term Care Programs
a
30.485
a
Title V: Community Service Employment for Older Americans
825.425
600.425
-27%
Title VI: Grants to Native Americans
34.097
38.097
+12%b
Supportive and nutrition services
27.708
29.708b +7%b
Native American caregivers
6.389
8.389b +31%b
Title VII: Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Activities
21.883
23.290
+6%
Long-term care ombudsman program
16.827
17.783
+6%
Elder abuse prevention
5.056
5.507
+9%
Legal assistance
0
0
0
Native Americans elder rights program
0
0
0
Total Older Americans Act Programs
$2,327.758
$2,208.694
-5%
Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Programd $11.464
$11.464
0
Lifespan Respite Caree $2.500
$5.000b +100%b
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Source: FY2010: H.Rept. 111-366, Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 3288, pp. 989, 1298-1299;
Administration on Aging, FY2010 Appropriation, http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/About/Budget/docs/
Appropriation_FY_2010.pdf. FY2011: Department of Labor, FY2011 Congressional Budget Justification, Employment
and Training Administration, Community Service Employment for Older Americans, pp. CSEOA-12, http://www.dol.gov/
dol/budget/2011/PDF/CBJ-2011-V1-06.pdf; Administration on Aging, Fiscal Year 2011 Justification of Estimates for
Appropriations Committees, p. 15, http://www.aoa.gov/AoAroot/About/Budget/DOCS/AoA_CJ_FY_2011.pdf
a. The FY2011 Budget requests funding for Health and Long-Term Care Programs under Title IV authority.
Previously it has been funded as part of Aging network support activities under Title II.
b. The FY2011 Budget proposes a $102.5 million Caregiver Initiative that would increase funding for services
to help family caregivers. The Caregiver Initiative proposes a $48.0 million increase for supportive services
and a $48.0 million increase for family caregiver support services, both under Title III. The Caregiver
Initiative also proposes a $2.0 million increase for Native American supportive services and a $2.0 million
increase for Native American caregiver support services, both under Title VI. Finally, the Caregiver Initiative
proposes a $2.5 million increase for Lifespan Respite Care (authorized by the Public Health Service Act).
c. Funding for Native American family caregiving is shown in Title VI.
d. Formerly known as Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstration Grants to the States. The program was authorized
under Sections 398 to 398B of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 280c-3 to 280c-5). Authorization
of appropriations expired in 2002.
e. The Lifespan Respite Care program is authorized by Title XXIX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
§§ 300ii to 300ii-4). It is administered by the Administration on Aging.

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Appendix C. Older Americans Act: Authorization of
Appropriations
Table C-1 shows the authorization of appropriations for each title of the act as stipulated by the
2006 Older Americans Act Amendments (P.L. 109-365).
Table C-1. Authorization of Appropriations for Older Americans Act
Programs in P.L. 109-365
Older Americans Act Programs
Authorization of Appropriations
Title II, Administration on Aging
Administration on Aging
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Eldercare Locator
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Pension counseling and information program
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Title III, State and Community Programs on Aging
Supportive services and centers
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Congregate nutrition services
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Home-delivered nutrition services
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Disease prevention and health promotion
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Family caregiver support
FY2007, $160.0 million; FY2008, $165.5 million; FY2009, $173.0
million; FY2010, $180.0 million; FY2011, $187.0 million.
Nutrition services incentive program
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
(formerly the USDA commodity or cash-in-lieu
of commodities program)
Title IV, Activities for Health, Independence, and Longevity
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Title V, Community Service Senior Opportunities Act
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Title VI, Grants for Native Americans
Indian and Native Hawai an programs
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Native American caregiver support program
FY2007, $6.5 million; FY2008, $6.8 million; FY2009, $7.2 million;
FY2010, $7.5 million; FY2011, $7.9 million.
Title VII, Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Activities
Subtitle A—State Programs
Long-term care ombudsman program
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
prevention program
Legal assistance development program
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Subtitle B—Native American Organization and Elder Justice Provisions
Native American elder rights program
FY2007-FY2011, such sums as may be necessary.
Grants for state elder justice systems
No authorization specified.
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Appendix D. Older Americans Act: Historical
Development
Congress created the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1965 in response to concern by
policymakers about a lack of community social services for older persons. The original legislation
established authority for grants to states for community planning and social services, research and
development projects, and personnel training in the field of aging. The law also established the
Administration on Aging (AOA) within the then-Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
(DHEW) to administer the newly created grant programs and to serve as the federal focal point on
matters concerning older persons.
Although older persons may receive services under many other federal programs, today the act is
considered to be the major vehicle for the organization and delivery of social and nutrition
services to this group. It authorizes a wide array of service programs through a nationwide
network of 57 state agencies on aging and 655 area agencies on aging, supports the sole federal
job creation program benefitting low-income older workers, and funds training, research, and
demonstration activities in the field of aging.
Prior to the creation of the act in 1965, older persons were eligible for limited social services
through some federal programs. However, with the recognition that older persons were becoming
an increasing proportion of the population and that their needs were not being formally addressed
through existing programs, many groups began advocating on their behalf. Their actions led
President Truman to initiate the first National Conference on Aging in 1950. Conferees called for
government and voluntary agencies to accept greater responsibility for the problems and welfare
of older persons. Further interest in the field of aging led President Eisenhower to create the
Federal Council on Aging in 1956 to coordinate the activities of the various units of the federal
government related to aging.
The beginning of a major thrust toward legislation along the lines of the later-enacted OAA was
made at the 1961 White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA). The conferees called for a
federal coordinating agency in the field of aging to be set up on a statutory basis, with adequate
funding for coordinating federal efforts in aging, as well as a federal program of grants for
community services specifically for the elderly.49
In response to the WHCOA recommendations, Representative John Fogarty of Rhode Island and
Senator Pat McNamara of Michigan introduced legislation in 1962 to establish an independent
U.S. Committee on Aging to cut across the responsibilities of many departments and agencies,
and create a program of grants for social services, research, and training that would benefit older
persons. Because there were objections by the Administration to the creation of an independent
federal agency on aging, the legislation was not enacted. Legislation introduced the following
year by Representative Fogarty and Senator McNamara modified the 1962 proposal by creating
within DHEW the AOA, which was to be under the direction of a Commissioner for Aging,
appointed by the President with the approval of the Senate. However, the 1963 proposal was not
enacted.

49 U.S. Department of Health Education and Welfare, Special Staff on Aging, The Nation and Its Older People, Report
of the White House Conference on Aging, Jan. 9-12, 1961, Washington, April 1961.
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The OAA as introduced in 1965 basically paralleled the 1963 proposal. Sponsors emphasized
how it would provide resources necessary for public and private social service providers to meet
the social service needs of the elderly. The act received wide bipartisan support and was signed
into law by President Johnson on July 14, 1965. In addition to creating AOA, the act authorized
grants to states for community planning and services programs, as well as for research,
demonstration, and training projects in the field of aging. In his remarks upon signing the bill, the
President indicated that the legislation would provide “an orderly, intelligent, and constructive
program to help us meet the new dimensions of responsibilities which lie ahead in the remaining
years of this century. Under this program every state and every community can now move toward
a coordinated program of services and opportunities for our older citizens.”50
Major Amendments to the Older Americans Act
Since the original legislation was enacted in 1965, the OAA (P.L. 89-73) has been amended
numerous times. The following provides a summary of major amendments to the OAA over the
past four decades.
1960s
The first amendments to the act in 1967 extended authorization for the state grant program and
for research, demonstration, and training programs created in 1965. In 1969, Congress added
authority for a program of area-wide model projects to test new and varied approaches to meet the
social service needs of the elderly. The 1969 amendments also authorized the foster grandparent
and retired senior volunteer programs to provide part-time volunteer opportunities for the elderly.
(Authority for volunteer programs was subsequently repealed and these programs were
reauthorized under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973.)
1970s
Major amendments to the act occurred in 1972 with the creation of the national nutrition program
for the elderly. The 1973 amendments represented a major shift in federal law with the
establishment of substate area agencies on aging. For the first time, Congress authorized the
creation of local agencies whose purpose is to plan and coordinate services for older persons and
to act as advocates for programs on their behalf. These amendments also created legislative
authority for the community service employment program for older Americans which had
previously operated as a demonstration initiative under the Economic Opportunity Act. In 1974,
Congress passed legislation to extend the national nutrition program for the elderly. The 1975
amendments extended the OAA through 1978, specifying certain services to receive funding
priority under the state and area agency on aging program. In 1977, Congress made changes to
the OAA nutrition program primarily related to surplus commodities.
The 1978 amendments represented a major structural change to the act when the separate grant
programs for social services, nutrition services, and multipurpose senior center facilities were
consolidated into one program under the authority of state and area agencies on aging. The intent
of these amendments was to improve coordination among the various service programs under the

50 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, vol. 2, Washington, 1965, p. 744.
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act. Among other changes were requirements for establishing state long-term care ombudsman
programs and a new Title VI authorizing grants to Indian tribal organizations for social and
nutrition services to older Indians.
1980s
The 1981 amendments made modifications to give state and area agencies on aging (AAAs) more
flexibility in the administration of their service programs. These amendments also emphasized the
transition of participants to private sector employment under the community service employment
program. In 1984, Congress enacted a number of provisions, including adding responsibilities for
AOA; adding provisions designed to target services on low-income minority older persons;
giving more flexibility to states regarding service funds allocations; and giving priority to the
needs of Alzheimer’s victims and their families. The 1986 amendments increased authorized
appropriations to provide a higher per meal reimbursement rate and directed the Secretary of
Agriculture and HHS to inform state, AAA’s, and meal providers of their eligibility to participate
in the National Commodity Processing Program.
The 1987 amendments expanded certain service components of the state and area agency
program to address the special needs of certain populations. Congress authorized six additional
distinct authorizations of appropriations for services: in-home services for the frail elderly; long-
term care ombudsman services; assistance for special needs; health education and promotion
services; services to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation of older individuals; and outreach
activities for persons who may be eligible for benefits under the supplemental security income
(SSI), Medicaid and food stamp programs. Among other changes were provisions designed to
give special attention to the needs of older Native Americans and persons with disabilities,
emphasize targeting of services to those most in need, elevate the status of AOA within the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and liberalize eligibility of community service
employment participants for other federal programs.
1990s
The 1992 amendments restructured some of the act’s programs. A new Title VII, Vulnerable Elder
Rights Protection Activities, was created to consolidate and expand certain programs that focus
on protection of the rights of older persons. Title VII incorporated separate authorizations of
appropriations for the long-term care ombudsman program; program for the prevention of elder
abuse, neglect, and exploitation; elder rights and legal assistance development program; and
outreach, counseling, and assistance for insurance and public benefit programs. In addition,
provisions were included to strengthen requirements related to targeting of Title III services on
special population groups. Other amendments authorized programs for assistance to caregivers of
the frail elderly; clarified the role of Title III agencies in working with the for-profit sector; and
required improvements in AOA data collection.
In 1993, Congress amended the OAA to establish an Assistant Secretary for Aging (formerly the
Commissioner on Aging) within HHS, extended the time frame for convening the White House
Conference on Aging, and made technical amendments to the act and several other acts.
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2000s
The 2000 amendments were enacted after six years of congressional debate on reauthorization.
P.L. 106-501 extended the act’s programs through FY2005. These amendments authorized the
National Family Caregiver Support Program under Title III; required the Secretary of the
Department of Labor (DOL) to establish performance measures for the senior community service
employment program; allowed states to impose cost-sharing for certain Title III services older
persons receive while retaining authority for voluntary contributions by older persons toward the
costs of services; and consolidated a number of previously separately authorized programs. In
addition, the amendments required the President to convene a WHCOA by December 31, 2005.
In 2003, Congress amended the OAA to revise provisions for the Nutrition Services Incentives
Program whereby maintaining access to commodities within the Department of Agriculture, but
transferring authority for such program from the Department of Agriculture to AOA.
The 2006 amendments extended the act’s programs through FY2011. Among other things, the law
authorized the Assistant Secretary on Aging to designate an individual within AOA to be
responsible for prevention of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation and to coordinate federal elder
justice activities. It revised the formula for the allocation of Title III funds and revised the Title V
community service employment program to place more emphasis on training of older individuals,
while maintaining emphasis on employing them in community service activities. The law also
required the Secretary of Labor to conduct a national competition for Title V funds every four
years. The 2006 amendments also required states to conduct increased planning efforts related to
the growing number of older people in coming decades; and focused attention on the needs of
older people with limited English proficiency and those at risk of institutional placement. The law
added authority for the Assistant Secretary on Aging to conduct several new demonstration
programs under Title IV. Among these are demonstration projects for model projects to assist
older people to age in place, including in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities
(NORCs).

Author Contact Information

Angela Napili
Kirsten J. Colello
Information Research Specialist
Acting Section Research Manager
anapili@crs.loc.gov, 7-0135
kcolello@crs.loc.gov, 7-7839

Acknowledgments
Parts of this report were originally authored by Carol O’Shaughnessy. The graphics were created by Pat
McClaughry.

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