Our frequently asked questions

Yes, most AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance during their service term. AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps Members receive a modest living allowance that equals roughly $180 every two weeks, before taxes (approximately $4000 for a 10-month Traditional Corps term, or $4800 for a 12-month FEMA Corps term.) Team Leaders receive a living allowance that equals roughly $500 every two weeks, before taxes (approximately $12,000 for an 11-month Traditional Corps term, or $14,000 for a 12-month FEMA Corps term.)

Housing accommodations vary across AmeriCorps programs. AmeriCorps NCCC and AmeriCorps NCCC-FEMA Corps provide housing. Other programs provide a larger stipend so members can find their own housing.

Most programs look for people with a passion for service and do not require specific skills. Some programs list desired skills or look for applicants with specific education, volunteer, or job experience.

Living allowance, and education award to pay for college or trade school expenses, or to repay qualified student loans, loan deferment and interest forbearance on qualified student loans, while in service, professional development, alumni network, and more. Some of our programs provide health care benefits or a stipend to purchase healthcare. You may also be eligible to receive a childcare benefit if you have children under the age of 13.

On September 27, 2007, President Bush signed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 (“CCRAA”) into law. In addition to other amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, the CCRAA created two new federal programs: a new Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and a new Income-Based Repayment plan (IBR) for the repayment of federal loans. The new Income-Based Repayment plan helps to make repaying education loans more affordable for low-income borrowers, such as an AmeriCorps Member living on a stipend; AmeriCorps service is also recognized as equivalent to a public service job for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. To learn more, see Education Award FAQs.

Members may qualify for postponement, or forbearance, of the repayment of their loans during service. The education award will help you pay off qualified student loans when you're finished. You may also qualify to have the interest accrued on your student loans during service paid for by the National Service Trust. Contact your lender for more specific information or to confirm your loan status during AmeriCorps service. To learn more, see Education Award FAQs.

To serve in AmeriCorps State and National or AmeriCorps NCCC, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States. To serve in AmeriCorps VISTA, you must have one of the following citizenship statuses: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens, or persons legally residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. By law, only AmeriCorps VISTA members who are either U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens—sometimes referred to as “Lawful Permanent Residents”—are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award.  All other members will receive an end of service cash stipend.

The time commitment varies depending on program. Generally, AmeriCorps service commitments range from three months to one year. AmeriCorps Seniors programs offer a variety of flexible time commitments to work with your availability and interest. AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors have full time and part-time opportunities.

Each AmeriCorps programs' application process is slightly different. Use our Fit Finder to find the right program for you. On the program-specific pages, scroll to the How to Apply section. Ultimately, all AmeriCorps applicants must submit an application on the MyAmeriCorps Portal.

Because each AmeriCorps programs' application process is slightly different, it's tough to say. Most applications will take you roughly 30 minutes to complete. Some applications require references, a phone survey, or supplemental questions.