WRC Benefits
Below is a list of benefits associated with our program. Most of these are meant to be brief descriptions of the benefits. If you should have any more questions about any of the following please feel free to contact the project supervisor for more information.
- Living Allowance
- Health Insurance
- Education Award
- Loan Forbearance / Deferment
- Food Stamps
- Child Care
- Life Insurance
- Training / Member Development
Living Allowance
VISTA members have a different living allowance than USA members. VISTAs receive $865 gross a month. USAs receive $925 gross a month. USA members have FICA withheld from each paycheck; VISTAs do not.
Your living allowance IS taxed as income at your tax rate.
Living allowance will be distributed on the 10th and 25th of each month. If the date falls on a Saturday, the checks will be deposited or mailed on the Friday before. If the date is on a Sunday, the stipend will be received on the following Monday.
USA members have the option for direct deposit. Direct deposit is required for VISTAs. This is highly recommended to all members, especially those from out of state. If accepted into the program, please inquire about the documents needed to start direct deposit. Some banks are not the same as where you may live now and if you want to keep the same bank, it will be much easier for you to start the process while you are at home.
Checks must not be cashed before the date printed on the check.
The net living allowance will be less than the gross amount. Three deductions are made from the check: federal tax, L & I for injury while on the project, Medical Aid, Social Security and any other garnishes you are having deducted now. Please look into any garnishes you have deducted to see if they apply. We do not know every case so you must take responsibility and look into these garnishes.
It will be a short wait until you start receiving regular paychecks (you will receive your first paycheck at the end of your first month of service). When you come out make sure you can financially wait that amount of time. Members who plan usually do not have a problem with this scenario. Please inquire if you have concerns.
Health Insurance
Insurance Policy: Mutual of Omaha (Processed by Summit America)
Preferred Provider Network: Provided by Beechstreet Network
Contact Number: 1-800-233-2478
The health insurance is basic health coverage for AmeriCorps members only. Contact Provider for more information.
For more information Download our Health Insurance FAQs
Education Award
Upon completing your term of service, you earn the $4,725 education award. Some universities will match your Ed Award money.Use it sooner than later: inflation can significantly affect it. To minimize the tax effect, use it during lower income years. You can use your education award to pay off current student loans BUT they must be a federal loan. Please check with your loan holders to see if you can use the education award on them. Most student loans are federal but it never hurts to check anyway!
Some consolidated loans are NOT covered (check with your lender)
To ensure expediency of Ed Award benefits, your Exit forms must be filled out with accuracy. You can use your Ed Award at any educational institution accredited by the US Dept. of Education. A maximum of two Education Awards, for two terms of service can be received.
Loan Forbearance / Deferment
Members are eligible to put their loans into forbearance during their term of service. It is a good idea to contact all your loan lenders to make sure you can receive forbearance for your term of service with AmeriCorps. During the beginning of the year paperwork, you will fill out paperwork on each of your loans to put them into forbearance but we HIGHLY recommend you contact all your loan lenders to let them know what you will be up to in the coming year.
AmeriCorps will pay interest on your qualified school loans during your term of service ONLY if you fill out an Accrued Interest form at the beginning of your term (This is NOT automatic).
Food Stamps (If Eligible)
AmeriCorps monthly living allowance is not counted as income when determining eligibility for food stamps. There are some additional challenges with food stamps and the VISTA program. Please contact the Project Supervisor for more information.
Once you have Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) benefits you must do a review occasionally (simple paperwork) to keep your benefits. This is the members’ responsibility, not the staff of WRC at ESD 112 or the DSHS office.
There are certain circumstances that may deem you ineligible for assistance. Please consult with our recruitment coordinator or the DSHS for more information.
For more information please visit the Department of Social and Health Services
Child Care
This is not automatic. All full time members must apply and qualify, including second-year members.
Your eligibility is based upon your household gross monthly income. (This includes your spouse’s income and your monthly living allowance).
AmeriCorps CARE pays up to the local market rate for childcare (state).
You will need the following documentation when filling out the forms - birth certificate for each child needing care (care is provided only to children under 13 years old), 4 most recent and consecutive pay stubs, or aid letters for all adults whose income should be counted in your household. It takes 3 to 4 weeks to process files.
If you choose an unlicensed caregiver you will need a copy of their social security card. You may choose a licensed care provider or an unlicensed care provider to come to your home providing for your child ONLY.
If we have required AmeriCorps overnight activities, childcare is paid for 24 hours/day.
For more information please visit: http://www.naccrra.org/americorps/
Life Insurance (VISTA Only)
AmeriCorps VISTA members may purchase life insurance. The cost of the insurance premium deducted from members’ biweekly allowance is $1.75. If you choose not to purchase and then change your mind while in service, you will need a physical examination, which will be at your own expense. Members may cancel at any time. Life insurance ends 31 days after you have completed your term of service.
Training / Member Development
SERVES Institute are two times a year and last for three days. They are a grant requirement and therefore mandatory. Travel and lodging are paid for. Friday meetings, for member development purposes, are also mandatory. See our section on “Trainings & Projects” to find out more about training sessions we offer to our members throughout the year.