AmeriCorps Frequently Asked Questions
Members
What are the minimum qualifications to be in the ASTAR program?
• You must be at least 18 years old to be in the ASTAR program
Do all AmeriCorps positions in ASTAR receive a living stipend?
• No, only the full-time and half-time positions have a living stipend attached to the position.
• The minimum time are education award only positions
How does the living stipend get dispersed and how often?
• The living stipend is dispersed every two weeks in equal distributions over the term of service. If a member starts late the stipend is prorated based on the number of pay periods left in the contract from the time the individual is officially enrolled.
Can I count my lunchtime as part of my AmeriCorps service hours?
• No, in most cases you cannot count your lunch or other breaks as AmeriCorps time.
Do I have to serve the entire contract period?
• As a stipend AmeriCorps member, you are signing on for a full term of service. This term generally starts mid-August (individual start dates vary) and ends August 14th of the following year. You must serve until the end of the contract date to continue to receive your education award and be eligible for the Segal Education Award. If you finish your hours early you still need to continue serving in order to continue to receive your stipend. If you choose to stop service after completing your contracted hours your stipend will stop. If you do not complete your contracted hours by August 14th of the program year you may not be eligible for the Segal Education Award.
How do I use my Education Award?
• Download "How do I use my Education Award" to learn all the specifics.
Can my education award be used by someone else in my family?
• The education award can be used or given to an immediate family member IF the AmeriCorps member earning the award is over 55 years of age at the time of enrolling in the program. If not, the answer is NO.
• The education award can be held in the My AmeriCorps portal for up to 7 years.
Is the Segal Education Award taxable income?
• Currently, yes, it is taxable income, and it taxed upon being used.
I still have questions. How do I contact someone?
Please email Lisa Clark at lclark@frostburg.edu or call her at (301)697-3359.
