The Older Americans Act: Programs, Funding, and 2006 Reauthorization (P.L. 109-365)
December 18, 2006 - RL31336
The Older Americans Act (OAA) is the major vehicle for the delivery of social and nutrition services for older persons. Originally enacted in 1965, the act supports a wide range of social services and programs for older persons. Authorization of appropriations expired at the end of FY2005. The Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006 (P.L. 109-365) reauthorized all programs under the act through FY2011. The major program under the act, Title III -- Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging -- authorizes grants to 56 state and 655 area agencies on aging to act as advocates on behalf of, and to coordinate programs for, older persons. Title III accounted for 70% of the act's total FY2006 appropriations ($1.24 billion out of $1.78 billion). States receive separate allotments of funds for supportive services and centers, family caregiver support, congregate and home-delivered nutrition services, the nutrition services incentive grant program, and disease prevention and health promotion services. Title V -- Community Service Senior Opportunities Act -- is the only federally subsidized employment program for low-income older persons. It represented almost one-quarter of the act's total funding in FY2006 ($432.3 million). P.L. 109-365 added requirements that state and area agencies on aging ...