Major expansion of financial, health, and educational benefits for Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.
This act significantly improves the financial and social conditions for individuals serving in the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, making service more accessible and rewarding. It introduces the suspension of payments and interest accrual on federal student loans during service, doubles AmeriCorps education awards, and makes stipends tax-exempt. Furthermore, volunteers gain one year of post-service health care and easier access to federal government jobs.
Key points
Suspension of payments and interest accrual on federal student loans during service; these months count toward loan forgiveness programs.
Doubling of the AmeriCorps Education Award (Segal Award) and making both the award and living allowances non-taxable.
Provision of one year of health care eligibility after service ends (VA facilities for Peace Corps, continued policy for AmeriCorps).
Extending the period for non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs for former volunteers from one year to three years.
Significantly increasing the monthly readjustment allowance for Peace Corps and raising the AmeriCorps living allowance to at least 200% of the poverty line.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_5682
Sponsor: Rep. Kim, Andy [D-NJ-3]
Process start date: 2023-09-22