VISTALand

For many VISTAs, living on the monthly allowance is one of the biggest challenges of service. Budgeting is essential. Luxuries disappear and credit cards must be used wisely.
The allowance is designed to give you a taste of life as lived by many Americans in poverty that is the amount is set at 105% of the poverty income threshold in your community.

Making it on such a low income can be a useful experience. It builds empathy towards those living in poverty.

Please use tips listed on the Li...

From AmeriCorps*VISTA Rules and Restrictions:
During a term of service, members live at the economic level of the people they serve. The member living allowance is at the poverty level. A member may not receive any additional monetary compensation beyond the standard allowances for services rendered as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. A member also may not accept any benefit from the sponsoring organization or the community served that relates to the AmeriCorps VISTA assignment without approval fro...

When in doubt about your relocation, please contact VMSU (VISTA Member Services Unit) at 866.473.5733 or VISTAmembersupportunit@cns.gov. Before or during your relocation, please fill out “Travel to service form.” Contact your Supervisor or VISTA leader or the VMSU office to get a copy of this form.

Refer to VISTA Member Handbook Chapter 5: Relocation Allowance

Members serving a 12-month term and moving from their home of record to their project site are eligible to receive a relocation al...

Refer to VISTA Member Handbook: Chapter 2: Overview of Your Year in AmeriCorps VISTA

BEFORE YOU BEGIN SERVICE

As an AmeriCorps VISTA candidate, you are expected to attend to important legal administrative tasks related to your enrollment, and to make vital decisions to maximize your benefits. Once you become a candidate, one of your first responsibilities is to cooperate fully with AmeriCorps VISTA in an investigation of your background.

CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK
AmeriCorps VISTA and its spons...

Refer to VISTA Member Handbook: Chapter 2: Overview of Your Year in AmeriCorps VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA ADMINISTRATIVE FORMS AND TASKS

Before or during the Pre-Service Orientation for AmeriCorps VISTA candidates, you must complete various forms and administrative tasks to establish your AmeriCorps VISTA benefits tax withholding, and other conditions of service. These required administrative tasks include the following:

•End-of-service benefits election form. AmeriCorps VISTA members have a ...