AmeriCorps members are volunteers who receive a living stipend at or near the poverty line during their term of service, as well as an Education Award after their term. We recognize that not everyone has the privilege to be able to support themselves during an AmeriCorps term, but we hope that the resources below will help a broader group of members be able to participate in our programming.

Resources:

  • UNUM Employee & Member Assistance Program
  • Patricia Sagawa Corpsmember Relief Fund
  • SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) - food stamps
  • Medicaid health insurance

UNUM Employee & Member Assistance Program

At Conservation Legacy, you are provided up to 3 sessions of support each for up to 3 different challenges within a year (Nov.-Oct.) at no cost to you. When you call in to request a referral, you can choose to schedule a face-to-face meeting in your area, or you may choose to connect by telephone with a Licensed Professional Counselor. UNUM also provides a 24/7 crisis line that can be used as often as necessary.
​Use of this program is confidential and available 24/7. They are primarily to help with everyday issues, NOT emergencies, however they do have 24/7 crisis counselors available. You can also connect with a specialist for help with balancing work and life issues. Just call and one of UNUM's Work/Life Specialists can answer your questions and help find resources in your community.​
Counselors available for:
  • Stress, depression, anxiety
  • Relationship issues, divorce
  • Job stress, work conflicts
  • Family and parenting problems
  • Anger, grief, and loss
Specialists available for:
  • Childcare/Elder care
  • Legal questions
  • Identity theft
  • Financial services, debt management, credit report issues
  • Reducing your medical/dental bills
And many other topics and issues you may need support for.

How to use it

Online: https://www.unum.com/employees/services/life-balance
Call them: 1-800-854-1446 (multi-lingual)
***Ask a staff member for your Group Number***
Billing will be made directly to Conservation Legacy. You will be notified if your request does not fall within the Conservation Legacy program by UNUM. 
Use of this resource must be during your employment or service term. Extended support beyond your term can be set up with the individual provided to you by UNUM. 

Patricia Sagawa Corpsmember Relief Fund

This is a fund set up by The Corps Network, an organization that supports over 130 corps programs across America. As a member of The Corps Network, Conservation Legacy is able to offer this resource to its members. 
The fund is designed to offer support to young adults facing conditions that may prevent them from serving or completing their term of service. Funds can be requested to support short-term relief including, but not limited to:​
  • Childcare
  • Clothing and Supplies (boots, tent, backpacks, etc.) *only supplies not covered by the program are eligible
  • Food
  • Housing
  • Medical Expenses
  • Transportation (public transportation, fuel, repairs, etc.)
  • Unforeseen need to travel home
  • Utilities​

How to use it:

Apply online: Patricia Sagawa Corpsmember Relief Fund – The Corps Network
  • Applicants can request up to $500 at one time. Requests may not to exceed two in a calendar year.
  • Applicants will be asked to explain their need in a narrative format, but will not be required to submit proof of income or need.

SNAP & Medicaid Benefits (Virginia residents)

If you are a Virginia resident, you may be eligible for state benefits. If you will be living (or "living" - camping here should count) in Virginia for the duration of your term, you are eligible for Virginia benefits. Residents of other states may be eligible in their home state, and our staff are happy to help you with that application process. Because AmeriCorps members are technically volunteers, your living stipend should not be counted as income when benefits are calculated. 

How to use it:

You can check your eligibility or begin your application from the CommonHelp site. If you are only interested in Medicaid, select "Apply for Health Care Benefits." If you are interested in other programs, such as SNAP, select "Apply for All Benefit Programs."
We will provide a Stipend Verification Letter stating the details of your AmeriCorps service and emphasizing that your living stipend should not be considered as income when determining benefits. Upon request, we can also provide a letter verifying your Virginia residency during your term (intended for folks who plan to live out of a vehicle in the area - if you already live here, use other proof of residence).
​Apply Online: Virginia CommonHelp​
​Apply via Phone: 1-855-522-5582
Apply in Person: Find your local office
Guidance from the local Harrisonburg office for applying online:
  • List "AmeriCorps" as your employer
  • Do list your living stipend as income
  • Attach the Stipend Verification Letter to your application
  • If needed, attach the Residency Letter
  • If you leave the state after your service, be sure to report it to the office so they can close your case. If you move within the state and may still be eligible for benefits, they can transfer your case to a different office.
Here is the official guidance from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the agency that administrates AmeriCorps (note that ACC's programming is through AmeriCorps State and National):
​The AmeriCorps State and National program was authorized by the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA), 42 U.S.C. § 12501 et seq. The NCSA states that allowances, earnings, and payments to participants in AmeriCorps programs “shall not be considered income for the purposes of determining eligibility for and the amount of income transfer and in-kind aid furnished under any Federal or federally-assisted program based on need, other than as provided in the Social Security Act.” 42 U.S.C. § 12637(d). Based on this language, the USDA issued an opinion in 2001 stating that AmeriCorps State and National benefits are excluded from income for food stamp purposes.