Employment Opportunities
South Carolina AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps offers an option for people with disabilities to become active volunteers in their community by also giving them the opportunity to receive benefits that will not jeopardize their SSI or other benefits. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience and build a strong resume while giving back to the community at the same time.
AmeriCorps programs are national service opportunities. Some examples of service AmeriCorps members take part in are tutoring students, cleaning up parks, assisting families in finding resources to address financial problems, helping stock a local food bank, or helping a local citizen better understand the importance of nutrition in good health.
AmeriCorps programs are open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens 17 years and older with or without disabilities. Members serve full or part-time positions over a 9 to 12 month period and can serve up to two years in total.
AmeriCorps participants are eligible to receive an educational award after the completion of a specified time of service. Educational awards must be applied to college tuition, vocational training or outstanding college loans. AmeriCorps must pay the educational award directly to an educational institution or to a loan holder for repayment. Educational awards are considered wages but are subject to the income exclusion allowed for grants, scholarships and fellowships. This means that any portion of a grant, scholarship or fellowship used for paying tuition, fees, or other necessary educational expenses is excluded from income for SSI beneficiaries considered "students." For those who are considered "students," SSI disregards up to an additional $6,100 per year of wages. As an AmeriCorps participant, you are considered a student if you are not married or head of a household and under age 22. Some AmeriCorps participants may also receive a modest living allowance, health care, and student loan deferment.
The National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP) is a Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) training and technical assistance provider. Through comprehensive training, technical assistance, and product dissemination, NSIP strives to ensure meaningful service experiences for all Americans, regardless of their disabilities.
For more information about joining AmeriCorps nationally please visit www.AmeriCorps.gov or call 1-800-942-2677. For opportunities through the South Carolina AmeriCorps Commission, visit www.uwasc.org.
