Learn more about your biweekly stipend and the various benefits awarded to City Year New York AmeriCorps members – both during and after service.
Plan & prepare
By prioritizing and planning, you can live in New York City on your City Year stipend. The information and resources below will help you prepare for your year (or two) of service.
Your stipend
Currently our AmeriCorps members serving as student success coaches earn $1,178 biweekly. Those serving as afterschool enrichment coaches earn $594 biweekly. Your AmeriCorps stipend is taxable, and the amount of taxes deducted from your paycheck will depend on the number of allowances you claim when you complete Form W-4 (Withholding Allowances) as part of your hiring paperwork. You may change your elections at any time. For example, at a stipend of $1,178 first-year members claiming only themselves receive an estimated amount of $700 biweekly after taxes are deducted. Please note that federal and state income tax withholding rates are subject to change from year to year.
Paychecks are deposited directly into your bank account every other week.
National benefits
In addition to your stipend, you’ll also receive health, dental and vision insurance, access to Employee Assistance and Talkspace Therapy programs, as well as relocation support.
Local benefits and assistance programs
Food assistance
New York’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enables those with limited incomes to use an electronic benefits card to purchase nutritious food at neighborhood grocery stores. The level of support you are eligible for varies based on your financial circumstances, sources of income, and living expenses. Our current AmeriCorps members report that they have received up to $190 per month to apply toward their grocery expenses. Specific information about SNAP benefits and the process to apply, as well as eligibility documentation from City Year, will be provided at your in-person registration day. The Food Bank for New York City provides information on SNAP.
MTA Transit
Beginning on your first day of service, City Year will provide you with a monthly unlimited MetroCard. This card can be used for all modes of MTA transportation including the subway and bus service. Each month your Impact Manager will provide you with a new MetroCard.
Other considerations
Additional income
To supplement their stipend, some AmeriCorps members work part-time in addition to their full-time service. City Year does not prohibit members from doing so, though other commitments cannot interfere with your school-based service, training, or professional development.
Service is typically 50 hours per week plus your commute. Members with additional jobs or responsibilities typically limit them to weekends to allow themselves time to relax and rest after long days of service with their students.
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 New York, you will benefit by having a housing plan in place before service begins.
Keep yourself organized and ready for registration day.
Looking for more resources and information? We’ve got you covered.
