Our frequently asked questions

Improved health and wellbeing, a living stipend, and strong sense of community. Some programs offer supplemental insurance and health care benefits or an increase stipend to purchase healthcare.

No, AmeriCorps values the experience of older Americans. Whether you want a career change or have just retired, it’s never too late to serve. You can also check out opportunities specifically for individuals 55 and older through our AmeriCorps Seniors programs.

Search opportunities using the AmeriCorps Seniors Pathfinder. Once you find an opportunity you want to apply for, use the contact info on the listing to contact the program. The program will explain next steps to apply.

There are thousands of AmeriCorps Seniors opportunities in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Search the AmeriCorps Seniors Pathfinder to find an opportunities that fits your interests, availability, and geographical preference.

The minimum age requirement for most AmeriCorps programs is 18. However, some accept applications from 16-17-year-olds. While a few programs are designed specifically for young adults, the majority of our programs have no upper age limit.

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.