Man wearing Habitat AmeriCorps shirt, hardhat and sunglasses gives two thumbs up

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

Build sustainable solutions in the community. Gain valuable real-world experiences. Prepare for your future.

Why Habitat AmeriCorps?

  • Raise your awareness of the social issues that face your community.
  • Learn and develop new skills and confidence.
  • Gain hands-on project management experience.
  • Increase your knowledge of service and engagement.
  • Maximize your construction and homebuilding experience.
  • Improve your performance at a future job.
  • Help strengthen communities and families through your service.

Benefits

AmeriCorps National

  • Living allowance minimum of $17,600 for full-time positions and $9,350 for part-time positions for 10½ months of service.
  • The Segal Education Award of $7,395 for full-time positions and $3,697.50 for part-time positions following successful completion of service. Members may receive the aggregate value of two full-time education awards in their lifetime.
    • The education award is good for seven years from the end of service and can be used to repay your qualified student loans or for your future education at eligible schools.
    • Many educational institutions have committed to being Schools of National Service and offer additional incentives to AmeriCorps alumni.
    • National members age 55 and older at the start of service may be eligible to transfer the award to certain family members.
  • Possible forbearance of your qualified student loan, including accrued interest payments after the successful completion of the term of service. 
  • Health plan benefits – eligible for an Affordable Care Act compliant-health plan.
  • Childcare benefits, if you qualify.
  • Inclusion in a Member Assistance Program that offers counseling and financial planning resources.
  • Worker’s compensation.
  • Upon successful completion of service, access to more than 600 Employers of National Service.

AmeriCorps VISTA

  • Living allowance ranging from $22,882 to $39,522 for 12 months of service. This amount is determined by your specific service location, yet most locations are on the lower end of the range.
  • The Segal Education Award of $7,395 or an end-of-service stipend of $1,800 following successful completion of service. Members may receive the aggregate value of two full-time education awards in their lifetime.
    • The education award is good for seven years from the end of service and can be used to repay your qualified student loans or for your future education at eligible schools.
    • Many educational institutions have committed to being Schools of National Service and offer additional incentives to AmeriCorps alumni.
  • Possible forbearance of your qualified student loan, including accrued interest payments after the successful completion of the term of service. 
  • Health plan benefits.
    • Members who are not legally exempt from maintaining health care coverage are expected to have primary health coverage outside of VISTA. The plan benefits provide support to existing coverage to supplement some out-of-pocket, nonpremium costs of a plan that is secured on your own. This plan is not insurance and does not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.
  • Childcare benefits, if you qualify.
  • Mileage-based travel allowance of up to $1,000 for relocating more than 50 miles to serve; relocation allowance of $750.
  • Non-competitive eligibility hiring status for federal government jobs for one year following your service.
  • Upon successful completion of service, access to more than 600 Employers of National Service.
“AmeriCorps is a great journey. It’s growth.”
— Vanessa Dingee, Habitat AmeriCorps alum