Food Stamps for AmericCorps Members

Many AmeriCorps members are eligible for Food Stamp benefits. To qualify, you must have less than $2,000 in resources available - If you are a Senior (60 and up) or have a disability, you may have up to $3,000 in resources. Your car, the home you live in and "tools of the trade" do not count as resources.

There are additional Food Stamp Program rules apply only to AmeriCorps members. These rules are different depending on which program you are enrolled.

• AmeriCorps*VISTA members:

  Due to Food Stamp Program rules that apply only to AmeriCorps*VISTA participants, it is recommended that you fill out your application and mail it in before you participate in your pre-service orientation. If you are already enrolled in the Food Stamp program when you being your term of service, Federal regulations specify that your monthly living allowance is exempt from consideration as earned income. However, if you sign up for benefits after you begin your VISTA service, your monthly living allowance will be considered earned income, lowering the amount of food stamp dollars you will receive each month. If you have any questions, contact us.

• AmericCorps*State Team
  As an AmeriCorps*State team member, you are required to report your monthly living allowance as well as any other income to Economic Services. However, Food Stamp program policy states that your AmeriCorps earnings are to be excluded from consideration as income when calculating your monthly benefits. This provision will help raise your monthly benefit amount.