What AmeriCorps Members Actually Earn and Receive

AmeriCorps pays a living allowance, not a salary, plus health insurance and other benefits while you serve

AmeriCorps members receive a monthly living allowance instead of a traditional paycheck. The amount varies by program type and location, but as of 2024 ranges from roughly $200 to $300 per month for full-time service. You also get health insurance coverage during your service term, and depending on your program, dental and vision coverage. The education award you earn — which you can use after your service ends — is separate from these monthly benefits.

The living allowance is meant to cover basic expenses while you work full-time for AmeriCorps, typically 40 hours per week. It is not a wage you negotiate; the amount is set by your specific program and the region where you serve. Some programs offer housing or meals as part of the package, which effectively increases what you receive.

Key Takeaways

• AmeriCorps members receive a monthly living allowance ranging from approximately $200 to $300, plus health insurance during service.
• The living allowance amount depends on your program type (AmeriCorps Seniors, AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA) and your service location.
• You earn an education award during service that you can use after your term ends to pay down student loans or fund future education.
• Some programs provide housing, meals, or transportation as part of your benefits package, which reduces your out-of-pocket costs.
• Health insurance through AmeriCorps does not count as taxable income, but your living allowance does.

How the living allowance breaks down by program type

AmeriCorps State and National members typically receive the highest living allowance, usually between $250 and $300 per month for a full-time year of service. This program places you with nonprofits, schools, and government agencies on specific projects. The exact amount depends on the organization you work for and the cost of living in your area.

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members receive a smaller living allowance, often around $200 to $250 per month, because VISTA emphasizes the volunteer aspect of the work. VISTA members focus on anti-poverty initiatives and community development.

AmeriCorps Seniors (which includes Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) works differently — members are typically age 55 or older and receive a stipend rather than a living allowance. The stipend is smaller, usually $50 to $200 per month depending on the specific program and hours served.

Your program director can tell you the exact living allowance for your position before you commit. The amount does not change during your service term.

Health insurance and other benefits during service

All AmeriCorps members receive health insurance coverage at no cost to you. This typically includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, though the specific plan varies by program. The insurance is active only during your service term — it ends when your service ends.

Some programs also provide additional benefits like childcare subsidies, professional development funding, or transportation assistance. These are program-specific, so ask your recruiter what is included with the position you are considering.

The health insurance benefit is not taxable income, which means it does not count toward your taxable earnings for the year. Your living allowance, however, is taxable and you will receive a 1099 form at the end of the year.

The education award and how to use it

The education award is money you earn during service that becomes available after your term ends. For a full year of full-time service, most AmeriCorps members earn between $6,000 and $7,000 in education award funds. You can use this money to pay down federal student loans or to fund future education at a college, graduate school, or approved training program.

The education award is held in a federal account and you have seven years after your service ends to use it. If you do not use it within seven years, you lose it. You can transfer unused funds to a child or grandchild in some cases, but the rules are specific — ask your AmeriCorps program about transfer options before your service ends.

Unlike the living allowance, the education award is not taxable income when you receive it, and it is not taxable when you use it for education expenses.

What you do not receive as an AmeriCorps member

AmeriCorps does not provide a retirement plan, paid time off, or unemployment insurance. You accrue no vacation days and receive no sick leave — if you cannot work, you do not receive payment for that day. This is one reason AmeriCorps is considered a volunteer program rather than employment.

You also do not receive a signing bonus, relocation assistance, or reimbursement for moving costs, though some individual programs may offer these as part of their specific package. Check with your program about what support is available before you move.

After your service ends, you are not automatically covered by unemployment insurance, though you may be able to file for it depending on your state and circumstances. This is worth understanding before your service term ends, especially if you do not have another job lined up.

Tax implications and what to expect on your tax return

Your living allowance is taxable income. At the end of your service year, AmeriCorps will send you a 1099 form reporting the total living allowance you received. You will need to report this on your tax return, and you may owe federal income tax on it.

The health insurance benefit is not taxable, and neither is the education award itself. However, if you use the education award to pay for education expenses, you may be able to claim education tax credits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit — consult a tax professional about whether you may have access to.

Some AmeriCorps members may have access to for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) because their living allowance is their only income and it is modest. If you have dependents or earned very little that year, you may receive a refund even if no taxes were withheld from your living allowance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work a second job while serving in AmeriCorps?

Most AmeriCorps programs require full-time commitment and do not allow outside employment. Some part-time AmeriCorps programs may permit a second job, but you need to ask your program director before taking one. Working without permission could result in dismissal and loss of your education award.

Do I have to pay taxes on my living allowance while I am serving?

No taxes are automatically withheld from your living allowance, but you are responsible for paying taxes on it when you file your return. Some members set aside money each month to cover their tax bill, or you can pay estimated taxes quarterly if you expect to owe a significant amount.

What happens to my health insurance after my service ends?

Your AmeriCorps health insurance ends on your last day of service. You may be able to continue coverage through COBRA for a limited time, though you will pay the full premium yourself. Check with your program about COBRA options before your service ends.

Can I use my education award to pay off private student loans?

No, the education award can only be used for federal student loans or for education expenses at an approved school or training program. Private student loans do not may have access to. You can use it to pay tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other education-related costs.

What if I leave AmeriCorps before my service term ends?

If you leave early, you receive a prorated education award based on the time you actually served. For example, if you serve six months of a one-year term, you earn roughly half the education award. You keep the living allowance you already received, but you do not receive payment for unused service time.