Some of the Benefits of being a Foster Grandparent

What is a Foster Grandparent?

Foster Grandparent Volunteers are seniors 55 & wiser that serve as volunteer mentors and/or tutors for children who need a little extra help or one-on-one help.  While volunteering, Foster Grandparents strengthen their community by building bridges which cross generations and providing youth services that may otherwise be unavailable.  Foster Grandparent Volunteers must meet income eligibility requirements and are encouraged to serve an average of 15 hours per week. The schedule is very flexible and based on volunteer interest.

Eligibility: Anyone age 55 or over meeting the income qualification is eligible for reimbursement (stipend) through the Foster Grandparent Program. Other qualifications include a genuine love for children, an ability to understand directions, a willingness to accept supervision, a readiness to receive training, and passing a background check.

Stipend: The hourly stipend ($3.15/hr) the Foster Grandparents receive for their volunteer service is not subject to taxation. It cannot be treated as wages or compensation for certain purposes, including retirement benefits. The Social Security Administration has issued an instruction that stipends are excluded as income in determining how much a volunteer will receive in his/her retirement fund check.

The law also provides that payments a volunteer receives are not counted in figuring his or her eligibility for Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, low-income housing or any other federal program that bases eligibility on income.

Transportation: Foster Grandparents will receive mileage reimbursement for travel to and from assignments, program activities, in-service, orientation, and recognition events while funds are available. The rate of reimbursement is $.35 per mile ($87.50 monthly cap due to limited funding).

Vacation: Foster Grandparents earn paid vacation leave time based on the amount of service they provide during the month. Vacation time may be taken only after earned. It may be taken a day at a time, an hour at a time, or several days at a time. Grandparents are encouraged to utilize vacation leave each year.  All vacation hours not used during the school year will be paid out at the end of the grant year, pending available funding and earning caps. 

Sick Leave: Foster Grandparents earn paid sick leave time based on the amount of service they provide during the month. Sick leave may be used as it is earned for illness, doctor appointments, dentist, optometrist, or for other medical reasons. Sick leave hours not taken during the school year will be paid out at the end of the grant year, pending available funding and earning caps.

Holidays: Foster Grandparents receive a list of yearly government and school holidays and are paid for holidays as long as they are actively involved with the program.  

Inclement Weather: If the roads are or appear to be dangerous, or too difficult to drive in, Foster Grandparents are asked to stay home. Do not travel in bad weather.Grandparents will still be paid for the day, but are not required to complete their volunteer duties that day.  

Accident Insurance: Foster Grandparents are covered by accident, personal liability, and excess auto liability insurance. Foster Grandparents must report accidents occurring during service hours to the Volunteer Station and the FGP staff within seventy-two (72) hours of the accident. Claim forms can be obtained from the FGP staff office. Foster Grandparents are covered by accident insurance while traveling to and from work and while on the job.

Physical Examinations: Foster Grandparents receive the benefit of a free medical examination and a yearly check-up. The FGP staff will arrange physicals. 

Questions?

Call the Uintah Basin Association of Governments and ask about the 

Foster Grandparent Program. 

(435) 722-4518 

or visit us at

330 East 100 South * Roosevelt, UT 84066