Learn more about your bi-weekly stipend and the various benefits awarded to City Year Kansas City AmeriCorps members – both during and after service.
Plan & prepare
By prioritizing and planning, you can live in Kansas City on your City Year stipend. The information and resources below will help you prepare for your year (or two) of service.
Your stipend
As a first-year City Year AmeriCorps member, your bi-weekly stipend is $1,122 before taxes. This living allowance is paid on alternating Fridays, pending your timesheets are submitted and approved on time. You can expect your first stipend to be available via direct deposit or payment card two to three weeks after your official first day of service.
Federal taxes will be withheld from living allowance payments, and, where applicable, state and local taxes will also be withheld.
Your living allowance will not affect eligibility for federal need-based assistance programs under the Social Security Act: Food Stamps, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), HUD-subsidized housing, Veteran’s benefits, any other need-based Federal or federally assisted program (except a program supported under the Social Security Act or Federal student financial aid).
National benefits
In addition to your stipend, you’ll also receive health insurance, access to Employee Assistance and Talkspace Therapy programs, as well as relocation support.
Local benefits
In addition to receiving a living stipend and the national benefits outlined above, there are many local benefits available to you:
Physical/mental health benefits:
- Great Circle Counselors
- Eyecare: Through our partnership with Kansas City Free Eye Clinic (KCFEC), you have access to FREE vision care! KCFEC is a local nonprofit organization that provides optometry care to individuals living below the poverty line, and they will now be offering their services to our AmeriCorps members!
Team Thrift Punch Card, which you may use to purchase clothing pieces for service
Professional development opportunities
Food assistance
- You may be eligible for SNAP/EBT benefits
- City’s Farmers Market is behind our Kansas City office – SNAP is accepted at the Farmer’s Market
- Various discounts as also available from local merchants
Transit
- KCATA/RideKC is free
- KC Streetcar is free to the public
- Services Downtown & City Market
Your student loans may be eligible for forbearance
You may be eligible to have the repayment of a qualified student loan temporarily postponed while you are serving. While a loan is in forbearance, the individual is not required to make payments. Learn more on AmeriCorps’ website to see if you’re eligible and how to apply.
Whether you are relocating or a longtime resident of Kansas City, you will benefit by having a housing plan in place before service begins.
All City Year AmeriCorps members must attend an in-person registration and present documentation to complete the hiring process and verify eligibility.
Looking for more resources and information? We’ve got you covered.
