(a) Eligibility.

1. (1) The preferred target group consists of eligible persons with the greatest economic or social needs, particularly low-income minority elderly.

2. (2) Eligibility criteria:

   1. (A) Any person sixty (60) or more years of age;
   2. (B) The spouse of a sixty-plus (60+) program participant;
   3. (C) An individual with a disability or disabilities, not yet age sixty (60), who resides in the home with and accompanies older persons eligible under the Older Americans Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3001 et seq., when the care and maintenance of the person with disabilities would otherwise prevent participation of the older person (see Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) if SSBG client), and if participation of the person with disabilities will not prevent participation of older persons and their spouses; or
   4. (D) Persons age sixty (60) or more who meet SSBG income, residence, and need for service criteria, if served by SSBG funds.
3. (3) A means test may not be used to determine eligibility unless required by a specific funding source.

(b) Transportation agreements.

1. (1) Area agencies on aging must consider all transportation alternatives available, including the use of volunteers or purchased services, in attempting to meet the total unmet transit needs identified.
2. (2) Area agencies on aging must coordinate and/or enter into agreements with agencies which provide services to older individuals in the planning and service area.

(c) Transportation development.

1. (1) Each area agency on aging must require subcontractors for client transportation services to coordinate in both the development and implementation of any locally or state approved transportation development programs.
2. (2) Priority must be given to the transporting of participants to essential services as identified by the area agency on aging's area plan.
3. (3) Transportation subcontractors must make service available to handicapped mobility impaired older persons in the contract area.
4. (4) Transportation subcontractors must comply with the United States Department of Health and Human Services regulation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.