• Living allowance: The contracted amount of money paid in equal amounts each pay period throughout the term of service. A member may not receive more than the total amount in their Member Service Agreements. ​

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• Education Award: Each AmeriCorps member is eligible to receive up to two full time education awards in their lifetime. This award is determined by term of service. It can be used towards past federal student loans or towards future education expenses through Title IV schools. The education award is awarded with 60 days of your successful completion of your education term.

  • Matching institutions

  • How to use your education award

  • Amounts and eligibility rules 

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• Housing Reimbursement: Member serving in a full-time capacity are eligible for $200 per month towards rent or mortgage payments. Proof of rental agreement and payment receipt are required each month. 

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• National Service Forbearance: Members with qualifying federal student loans are able to put those loans into a forbearance, meaning no payments are required during your term of service. Forbearance requests are completed through  my.americorps.gov  accounts. 

• Accrued Interest Payments: Members with qualifying federal student loans and have those loans placed in National Service Forbearance, will qualify to have all accrued interest paid off at the end of the year through the National Trust. This is a taxable activity. 

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• Health Insurance: Any member serving in 1.) full-time status (40 hours per week) and 2.) serving at least a 6-month contract is eligible for the Corps Network health insurance, which is provided through Cigna. 100% of the premiums are paid by Habitat for the members. More information here. 

 

• Member Assistance Program (MAP): All Habitat Iowa members and their families are eligible to use the MAP (Member Assistance Program) which is a EAP program. This is program that allows members to access mental health counselors, life coaches, financial  advisors, lawyers and more. More information here. 

 

• Childcare assistance: Members serving in a full-time capacity (32-40 hours per week) may be eligible for childcare assistance. The eligibility is based on the household income and follows the state assistance program. www.americorpschildcare.com 

  • ​More information and application can be found here.

  • ​Webinar recording of how to use the program - YouTube Link 

 

• Training and professional development: Habitat for Humanity of Iowa provides training throughout the year. Members will also be provided training opportunities through the Midwest Habitat for Humanity Convention, the Iowa Nonprofit Summit and other conferences. Each member will be trained by their host sites to be successful in their service.

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• Applying for Public Benefits: Many members choose to apply for public benefits. Learn more here. 

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• Time Off: The AmeriCorps program has built in breaks for time off, sick leave, and holidays. Habitats observe many federal holidays throughout the year and generous amounts of time off. 

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• Volunteer Iowa Member Emergency Fund - Up to $500 for emergencies that an AmeriCorps member may face during service. Examples: broken down car, emergency move, medical issue preventing service, and more. More information can be found at Volunteer Iowa Member Assistance Fund (ameraidiowa.org)

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