The program design is a 10-month program with a living allowance of $12,100, paid on a monthly basis of $1,210 per month.
The AmeriCorps VISTA website explains that the stipend “enables you to live very frugally, like the community you are serving. The allowance is based on poverty rates for a single individual in your geographic area.” ... Fortunately, many AmeriCorps members have developed strategies to live well while living on a budget.
Second, SSI recipients serving in AmeriCorps State/National need to be aware that SSA considers the living allowance to be “earned income.” This may result in a decrease in monthly SSI benefits, which are based on an individual's countable income.
It's a valid concern: AmeriCorps members serving in full‐time positions receive a living allowance that typically ranges from $12,530 to $17,000 during their year of service. The amount is on par with the income of many of the people who AmeriCorps members serve. No, it isn't much, but is it doable? Absolutely.
AmeriCorps member benefits
While it's true that AmeriCorps members are considered volunteers and do not receive a salary, they do receive a monthly living stipend to help cover rent, groceries, gas, and other expenses.
The program design is a 10-month program with a living allowance of $12,100, paid on a monthly basis of $1,210 per month.
Unlike other student aid and scholarships, the AmeriCorps education award is taxed as annual gross income regardless of how it is used.
Benefits of Service. AmeriCorps can set you up for a bright future in your career by providing hands-on work experience, valuable networking opportunities, and professional skills training. In fact, some incredibly successful people got their start with AmeriCorps.
The end-of-service stipend is the only end-of-service benefit available during an extension period. Federal income tax and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) deductions are withheld from the stipend at the time of payment.
Some AmeriCorps programs pay for housing, which drastically reduces cost of living.
Living on the AmeriCorps Stipend
It really varies. The AmeriCorps program that I did matched ~25% of applicants -- but it was in a large city and provided housing, which made it more desirable. On the other hand, a placement in the rural midwest or south, e.g., would be less competitive.
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