(a) To be an RSVP volunteer, an individual must:
(1) Be 55 years of age or older;
(2) Agree to serve without compensation; and
(3) Reside in or nearby the community served by RSVP.
(b) Eligibility to serve as an RSVP volunteer shall not be restricted on the basis of formal education, experience, race, color, national origin including limited English proficiency, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, or military service.
[64 FR 14135, Mar. 24, 1999, as amended at 83 FR 64655, Dec. 17, 2018]
RSVP volunteers are not employees of the sponsor, the volunteer station, AmeriCorps or the Federal Government.
[83 FR 64655, Dec. 17, 2018]
(a) RSVP volunteers may be provided the following cost reimbursements within the limits of the project's available resources:
(1) Transportation. RSVP volunteers may receive assistance with the cost of transportation to and from volunteer assignments and official project activities, including orientation, training, and recognition events.
(2) Meals. RSVP volunteers may receive assistance with the cost of meals taken while on assignment.
(3) Other volunteer expenses. RSVP volunteers may also be reimbursed for allowable out-of-pocket expenses incurred while performing their assignments.
(b) RSVP volunteers must be provided the following cost reimbursements:
(1) Recognition. RSVP volunteers shall be provided recognition for their service.
(2) Insurance. An RSVP volunteer is provided with the AmeriCorps-specified minimum levels of insurance as follows:
(i) Accident insurance. Accident insurance covers RSVP volunteers for personal injury during travel between their homes and places of assignment, during volunteer service, during meal periods while serving as a volunteer, and while attending project sponsored activities. Protection shall be provided against claims in excess of any benefits or services for medical care or treatment available to the volunteer from other sources.
(ii) Personal liability insurance. Protection is provided against claims in excess of protection provided by other insurance. It does not include professional liability coverage.
(iii) Excess automobile insurance. (A) RSVP drivers who drive in connection with their service shall be provided protection against claims in excess of the greater of either:
(1) Liability insurance the volunteers carry on their own automobiles; or
(2) The limits of applicable state financial responsibility law, or in its absence, levels of protection to be determined by AmeriCorps for each person, each accident, and for property damage.
(B) RSVP volunteers who drive their personal vehicles to or on assignments or project-related activities shall maintain personal automobile liability insurance equal to or exceeding the levels established by AmeriCorps.
[83 FR 64655, Dec. 17, 2018, as amended at 89 FR 70544, Aug. 30, 2024]
No. An RSVP volunteer's cost reimbursements are not subject to any tax or charge, and are not treated as wages or compensation for the purposes of unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, temporary disability, retirement, public assistance or similar benefit payments or minimum wage laws. Cost reimbursements are not subject to garnishment, and do not reduce or eliminate the level of, or eligibility for, assistance or services that a volunteer may be receiving under any governmental program.
[83 FR 64656, Dec. 17, 2018]