FAQs about the Continuation of Service Benefit

Congrats! You’ve finished your first service year and signed up to serve an additional year as a City Year AmeriCorps member. Thank you! It’s exciting because you’ll have even more time working with talented teammates and supportive school communities to help students set goals and reach their full potential—and further develop your own valuable career skills.

But we know that extending your service may not always be the easiest financial choice. There is generally a four-to-six week gap between service years, and we recognize the strain that may place on corps members who want to serve our communities again.

In an effort to make service more accessible and equitable, City Year has increased AmeriCorps member stipends and now we’re offering the Continuation of Service Benefit—meant to help cover expenses during that four-to-six week period.

Here are some of your questions about the Continuation of Service Benefit answered:

How much money will I receive with the Continuation of Service Benefit?

Starting March 1, 2023, a one-time payment of $1,500 (pre-tax) will be disbursed to returning AmeriCorps members at the end of their first full term of service.

Who is eligible to receive the Continuation of Service Benefit?

To be eligible for the cash payment, AmeriCorps members must be currently serving with City Year, have applied to serve for an additional year, be confirmed to serve a consecutive term with City Year and complete their current term in good standing.

Currently serving AmeriCorps members will not be eligible for the cash payment if:

• They decide to return post-graduation and after the final confirmation deadline
• They apply to return and are confirmed but subsequently exit early, before their second service year begins
• They are serving or have served terms of service with other AmeriCorps programs and not with City Year

How do I apply for the Continuation of Service Benefit?

AmeriCorps members confirmed to return for a second year will be notified of this new benefit toward the end of their first term of service.

To qualify, prospective returning corps must:

• Meet all eligibility requirements
• Complete all parts of their returning AmeriCorps member application
• Be approved to return by local site staff and the HQ Corps Talent Acquisition Team
• Return their signed confirmation letter by the given deadline

What other unique benefits does City Year offer its corps members?

Relocation allowance: All City Year AmeriCorps members relocating 50 miles or more for service can receive a $500 (pre-tax) one-time relocation payment. To be eligible for this benefit, you must have relocated at least 50 miles to start service and be accepted, confirmed and have started service.

Talkspace: Talkspace is an online therapy platform that makes connecting with fully licensed, respected therapists via video, text or phone simple and convenient to provide AmeriCorps members with three free months of services. Currently serving AmeriCorps members may access this benefit anytime during their service.

Segal Education Award: As a member of the federal AmeriCorps program, you are eligible to earn the Segal Education Award (valued at $6,895) after a 1700-hour service year, which can go toward pursuing further education, to pay off existing, qualified student loans or educational travel. This award is pro-rated for our new 1200-hour and 900-hour roles.

University Partnerships: City Year Alumni University Partners is a network of higher education institutions providing benefits to members of the City Year network. City Year alums are eligible for application fee waivers, enrollment deferrals and exclusive scholarship opportunities through these partnerships! Our wide range of partners believe the service experience of City Year alums can be an incredible asset to their communities, no matter the specific focus of their program of study.