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An annual member stipend of $13,600 a year for a full time member, and $16,100 a year for a team leader is paid on a pro-rated monthly basis to the member, provided the member completes their required service activities.
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Members who successfully complete their term of service as defined by the national legislation are eligible to receive an Education Award of $5,550 (effective for Y17 members) for a full-time, 1,700 hour term of service. The awards are provided from a special account in the United States Treasury called the National Service Trust (NST), which is managed by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
A member’s Education Award can be used in the following ways:
To repay guaranteed existing or future student loans (qualified student loans do not include loans made privately by banks, parents, or friends);
To pay all or part of the cost of attending an institution of higher education (including certain vocational programs);
To pay expenses incurred while participating in an approved school-to-work program.
The Education Award must be used within seven years of the completion of the member’s term of service. A member may apply for an extension if, during the seven-year period, the member performs another term of service in an approved AmeriCorps position, or if the member was unavoidably prevented from using the award.
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AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive payment forbearance on most qualified student loans, which means you won’t have to make payments while in service. Your lender will be able to tell you which of your loans qualify for forbearance. Loan forbearance for a qualified student loan is guaranteed in AmeriCorps legislation.
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Although student loans may be eligible for payment forbearance, the interest on the loans continues to accumulate. If a member qualifies for payment forbearance and completes the application forms during their term of service, AmeriCorps will pay all (for full-time members) of the interest that accrues during their term of service. To obtain this benefit, the member must complete their term of service. These interest payments are considered taxable income.
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WSP provides, at no cost to members, health care insurance through Anthem Blue Cross. The health care insurance is limited and does not cover dental or vision. However, it will cover a percentage of prescriptions, in-plan doctor visits, and emergency care. You are automatically covered with insurance from your first day of service through the end of the month in which you exit.
Members are encouraged to seek medical benefits to supplement the provided insurance. Many members can qualify for and participate in the California MediCal program. MediCal will cover vision and dental insurance. If your case worker asks you if you already have insurance, inform them that you have a very limited plan that does not cover such items. If you have problems registering for MediCal, please have your social worker contact the Member Coordinator for income verification.
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A limited amount of qualifying travel expenses may be reimbursed to the member.
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WSP members are eligible to participate in the State Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fund to cover medical expenses relating to injuries or illnesses occurring while on the job.
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WSP recognizes the importance of supporting the entire family as members strengthen communities through service. Child care benefits are designed to assist the member and to support the developmental needs of children. Thus, child care needs to be consistent in order to ensure both the success of the member and to create a positive experience for children.
First Financial Associates (FFA) administers the child care benefits for WSP through the AmeriCorps Care program.
Through AmeriCorps Care, full-time AmeriCorps members can access the following services:
Timely, direct payment of child care costs to child care provider based on the predetermined allowance.
Thorough consultation from a child development specialist located in the community where child care is needed.
Detailed review of all available child care options in your community.
Consumer information about the quality of child care and how to identify it.
Materials and resources, including checklists for the visit to child care providers, charts identifying milestones in child development, and other helpful materials.
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The State of California offers various services to AmeriCorps WSP members under the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is a service designed to help manage life’s challenges. Everyone needs a helping hand once in a while, and the EAP can provide it. The following services are available to members: Clinical Counseling, Work and Life Services, and online member services.
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