(a) To be a Senior Companion, an individual must:
(1) Be 55 years of age or older;
(2) Be determined by a physical examination to be capable, with or without reasonable accommodation, of serving adults with special needs without detriment to either himself/herself or the adults served;
(3) Agree to abide by all requirements as set forth in this part; and
(4) In order to receive a stipend, have an income that is within the income eligibility guidelines specified in this subpart D.
(b) Eligibility to be a Senior Companion shall not be restricted on the basis of formal education, experience, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, or political affiliation. [64 FR 14115, Mar. 24, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 46508, Sept. 10, 2009]