AmeriCorps Benefits

I received tuition assistance, job training and professional development. I think these are the best things that AmeriCorps offer. I received a Seagal Education Award at the end.

The flexible schedule has been the best benifit

Many of the AmeriCorps programs offer living stipends followed by an educational award on completing of the program.

AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare through the IMG allowance plan recently added some vision and dental coverage which has been extremely helpful. It will reimburse you up unto $1,000 for dental and $200 for vision. Reimbursements take forever to process though which can be tough when you are living in a VISTA stipend.

The best thing is the education stipend and government benefits you receive. It isn't a lot of money but you receive assistance in other ways.

You get 10 vacation days and 10 sick days as well as any federal holidays that your agency is closed on. The education award for AmeriCorps volunteers that complete at least 1700 hours is around $5,700 way more than the cash stipend of I think $1200. You can pick to receive one or the other at the end of your service. Keep in mind that BOTH are taxable. I'm located in NJ and since NJ expanded medicaid with the ACA I was able to get insured though my state's medicaid program and enroll in the medical reimbursement program through VISTA. I've never had to use the reimbursement card, but I've heard from other VISTAs that is can be difficult to get your pharmacy/doctor to accept it mainly because they just don't know what it is.

Segal Education Award of over $5,000 per year (only available for first 2 years of service, other benefits still available after second year)

Good for people who want to continue to get education or pay off student loans. You need a second job if you don't want to live pay check to pay check

It offered substandard insurance and no opportunity for a flexible spending account. I was disappointed in its lack of dental and vision coverage as well.

Good health insurance with a low deductible.