Intergenerational connection programs pair people of different ages for regular contact: a teenager showing a retiree how to video call, an employee visiting the same senior center resident each week, grandparents recording family stories with their grandchildren. Employers include this category because isolation affects people at both ends of the age range, and a structured program gives everyone an easy way to start.
Program costs that often qualify
Most intergenerational programs are low cost, and the expenses tend to be fees, materials and getting there. Plans that include this category commonly allow:
- Registration fees for programs pairing older adults with younger volunteers
- Background check fees required to volunteer with youth or seniors
- Materials for a family oral history or storytelling project
- Audio recorders or photo scanners for preserving family stories
- Workshop fees for mixed-age classes at a library or senior center
- Transportation to and from regular volunteer visits
- Memberships in services that match older adults with pen pals
For the wider list of categories employers tend to include, see our guide to LSA eligible expenses.
Common limits on intergenerational spending
- Donations to the host organization are usually excluded, even when a program suggests one.
- Paid care for an aging relative, such as a home aide or adult day program, is caregiving support and typically falls under a different benefit or category.
- Mileage is a grey area, and plans that allow it often set a monthly limit or ask for a simple log.
- Mentoring done as part of the job, such as supervising company interns, is outside the LSA.
Who signs up for intergenerational programs
Employees whose own grandparents live far away sometimes volunteer at a nearby senior center to fill that gap. Parents enroll their kids in reading-buddy programs with older adults so both sides get a weekly visit. Employees in their twenties who moved for work use mentorship pairings to get advice from someone outside their field, while older employees mentor teens through community groups. Families also use storytelling kits to record a grandparent's memories for the rest of the family. It also fits naturally alongside holistic employee wellbeing.
Designing the category around real participation
Name the small costs people face
Background checks, materials and transportation are what most participants pay for. Listing them in the plan makes the category easier to use than a broad description.
Keep caregiving separate
Explain that paid care for an aging relative belongs under caregiving or dependent care benefits, and that this category covers social connection programs.
Allow family participation
Many programs involve an employee's children or parents. If dependents can take part, say so in the category description.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an LSA for intergenerational connection programs?
Many plans with an emotional or social wellbeing category allow program fees, materials and related costs. Your employer's plan decides what counts and whether family members can take part.
Does a background check for volunteering count?
Often, when the check is required for a program in this category, like mentoring youth or visiting seniors. Keep the receipt along with the program details.
Can I use it for my parent's adult day program?
Usually not in this category. Adult day programs and home care are caregiving expenses, which may fall under a separate caregiving category or a dependent care FSA, depending on your situation and plan.
Is mileage for volunteer visits covered?
Some plans allow mileage or transit costs for regular visits, often with a monthly limit. Others exclude transportation, so check your plan before you start logging trips.
Tax treatment depends on the plan and location; our guide explains how LSA reimbursements are taxed.
This content is general information, not medical, legal, tax, or financial advice. Employer plan terms determine eligibility, and requirements may vary by location.
