Member Support & Benefits

Introduction

The content below shows four sections that members can navigate to help understand the resources available to our members:

1) Program Benefits

2) Stipend, Health Insurance, & Childcare

3) Host Site Benefits

4) Additional Support

This page goes over the support and benefits available to CLEC AmeriCorps members.

Program Benefits

Click on the appropriate tab to learn more about the program benefits available to our members. Contact Lainie Juhl if you have any questions.

  • The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is offered to individuals who complete a term of service and can be used to pay for a range of educational expenses, like repaying qualified student loans or future tuition payments.

    You can earn up to two full Education Awards with multiple service terms.

    Find out more about the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award by reading this fact sheet or visit the AmeriCorps website.

    Taxes and the Segal Education Award - FAQs

  • AmeriCorps members may be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for Washington members or Idaho Department of Health & Welfare for Idaho members.

    Additional eligibility criteria may apply. For example, if you are living and preparing food with a spouse who is employed, you may exceed the criteria for SNAP benefits.

    WACC staff can provide an income verification letter for applying for SNAP benefits. Please reach out to your Enrollment Coordinator, Lainie Juhl, to request a personalized copy of this letter for your SNAP application.

  • Jump-start your career and gain transferable skills employers value including leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

    Once you complete your service, leverage the Employers of National Service network, which connects you with hundreds of employers from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors who are committed to hiring alumni.

    To get started, check our professional development webpage.

  • CLEC AmeriCorps positions are eligible for forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans.

    In addition, interest payments that accrue during service may be eligible for repayment by AmeriCorps.

    Read more about Forbearance and Accrued Interest Payment on the AmeriCorps website.

  • Join a network of like-minded leaders who are passionate about improving communities.

    AmeriCorps alumni receive access to special benefits and resources. Check them out below:

    • AmeriCorps Alums: After service, members can join this network that connects alumni to jobs and professional development.

    • Employers of National Service: This resource connects you with hundreds of employers from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors who are committed to hiring alumni.

    • Schools of National Service: These are schools that offer scholarships, application fee waivers, and other benefits for AmeriCorps alums.

  • AmeriCorps service is considered qualifying employment for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Members who choose this option are not eligible for loan deferment or interest forbearance.

    Read more about PSLF on the Federal Student Aid website.

Stipend, Health Insurance, & Childcare

  • Members serving in a 900-hour or 1700-hour position will receive a stipend over the course of 10 or 10.5 months of service.

    The stipend is NOT an hourly wage nor a salary. Payments will not fluctuate based on the number of hours served in a particular period.

    Western Washington University administers the stipend and it is paid out twice a month on the 10th and 25th. It is still subject to tax deductions.

    If a member serves all required hours and, with supervisor approval, ends their term of service before the originally agreed upon end date, the living allowance payments will cease.

  • Available only to 1700-hour members.

    During the enrollment process, members can choose to enroll in healthcare coverage via The Corps Network if they are not already covered by another health plan. This insurance is covered for 1700-hour members by CLEC AmeriCorps.

    The Corps Network Health Plan does not cover dental nor vision insurance. 1700-hour members who need dental and vision should see if they are eligible for Medicaid.

    900-hour members who need insurance should also see if they are eligible for Medicaid.

    Refer to one of the websites listed below to see if you are eligible:

  • Available only to 1700-hour members. Certain eligibility requirements apply.

    For more information, please visit the AmeriCorps Childcare Benefits Program website.

These benefits are only available for eligible positions. Click on the appropriate tab to find out more information. If you have any questions, please contact Lainie Juhl.

Host Site Benefits

Host sites also provide benefits to members, though they vary. Contact your site supervisor to find out what benefits are available to you.

  • The host site must provide:

    • Mileage reimbursement if you are required to travel during service. This does not include your commute from home. 

    • Name badge that includes your AmeriCorps position title (must include "AmeriCorps" in title).

    • Physical workspace and applicable technology are not considered benefits and must be provided to you. If you do not have a designated workspace or technology, please contact your supervisor or WACC staff.

  • Host sites often provide additional benefits such as:

    • Bus passes

    • Library cards

    • Gym or recreation center cards

    • Meal tickets

    • Professional development budget

    These benefits vary by host site and are not guaranteed to the member. These optional benefits are not provided through WACC. 

Additional Support

  • Need help accessing medical, mental, and dental resources or finding food banks?

    Dial 2-1-1 to connect to community resources or visit the websites linked below:

    Washington 211

    2-1-1 Idaho CareLine

  • Members who do not have health insurance may qualify for Medicaid. Use the links below to see if you are eligible in your state.

    Apple Health (Washington)

    Idaho Medicaid

    Note: If a member has insurance with The Corps Network Health Plan, they may not apply for Medicaid unless they unenroll from The Corps Network Health Plan first.

  • Use the maps linked below to locate food banks and meal programs in your area:

    Too Good To Go: Use this app to rescue unsold food from restaurants and combat food waste.

  • Call the Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 or use their chat feature.

    You can also use the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 to connect to a volunteer Crisis Counselor.

    Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP or text your zip code to HELP4U to receive referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

  • Getting an ORCA LIFT Card

    NOTE: Available only in King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties.

    ORCA LIFT makes riding transit more affordable. Income-qualified riders can save up to 50% or more on Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Sound Transit Link, Sound Transit Regional Express buses, Sounder Trains, King County Water Taxi, and Seattle Streetcar.

    Ways to qualify:

    We are still updating this section with information about bus cards in other regions.

    Parking

    SpotHero: Use this website or download the app to find and reserve affordable parking.

  • Members who serve on college campuses or are enrolled in college classes should research and utilize resources that may be available to them.

    College campuses frequently offer free or reduced counseling services or food assistance programs.

    Check the campus website or ask an advisor what could be available to you.

  • This document is a collection of resources for members and supervisors in need of computers or other technology.

    Technology Access Resource Document

Additional community resources are available to those who need them.