Member Benefits

VISTA Member Benefits (for members starting in 2022)

• A living stipend paid bi-weekly. As of July 1st, 2023, these amounts have increased to $62.69/day, $877.66/bi-weekly, $22,882/year before taxes. 

• End of service benefit options:

  • Members can choose an education award worth $6,895 that may be used to pay for eligible student loans or expenses at qualified colleges and universities. 

    • Loan forbearance – if members select the education award, they can put federally qualified student loans into forbearance during their term of service.

    • If a loan is in forbearance and a member completes their term of service, the National Service Trust will repay a portion of the interest that accrued on the loan during the term of service.

  • Or members may choose a cash stipend of $1,800.

• Relocation allowance: If members are relocating more than 50 miles from their home of record to their service site they may be entitled to a relocation allowance. It is based on miles traveled regardless of mode of transportation. Mileage reimbursement is $.40/mile. 

• Settling In allowance. If a member is relocating more than 50 miles from their home of record, then they will also receive a one-time allowance of $750 to help with moving costs.

• Choice of Health Care Benefit or Health Care Allowance through AmeriCorps. More information can be found on the AmeriCorps Health Care page and on VISTA Campus. 

• Mental health, life coaching, and legal counseling (among other) benefits through the Member Assistance Program.

• 10 personal leave days and 10 medical leave days which can be used with the approval of the host site supervisor.

• Paid leave on holidays that are recognized by the host site (member does not use their personal leave for holidays).

• Child-care benefits for children under 13. More information can be found on the AmeriCorps Childcare Site

• One-year noncompetitive status for a federal government job.

• Professional development and networking opportunities

• Any other site specific information: housing assistance, meal assistance, gas assistance, etc.

• Additional VISTA Benefit details can be found on VISTA Campus