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Frequently Asked Questions
Americorps Program Administration FAQ
- Can a member transfer to another program?
- Can an Americorps member be a member of the Virginia Credit Union?
- Is an Americorps member entitled to unemployment benefits?
- Can the educational voucher be used for vocational technical schools?
- What education document is required?
- How long must AmeriCorps programs retain records?
- What is the Corporation policy on members' enrollment in WBRS?
Question: Can a member transfer to another program?
Answer: The Program Director’s Handbook (2002-2003), page 94 specifically provides that "With the [specified] restrictions a commission…may grant permission to transfer a member to another AmeriCorps State or AmeriCorps National program. Note that members may not transfer across different streams of service." In addition, the applicable policy states that "Should a program not be renewed, members who were scheduled to continue their term of service should be placed in another program if at all feasible, or they can receive a pro-rated education award if they have completed at least 15 percent of the necessary hours."
As noted in the restrictions, "the member must apply to and be accepted to [the other] program, which must have an available slot in the incoming class (this means the program is able to provide a full term of member support costs and an education award)." Please note carefully the additional restrictions provided on page 94. Provided there are no prohibitions noted in the restrictions, and all prerequisites have been satisfied, it appears proper steps can be taken to enroll the candidate in WBRS.
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Question: Can an Americorps member be a member of the Virginia Credit Union?
Answer: If the individual is paid by a local or state governmental entity, the member qualifies for membership in the Virginia Credit Union (VACU). Family membership would also qualify for membership inclusion.
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Question: Is an Americorps member entitled to unemployment benefits?
Answer: Americorps members are NOT entitled to unemployment. They are NOT considered employees for the purpose of receiving unemployment compensation. Pursuant to the AmeriCorps Provisions, Section B.11.d.iv. (page 25) "The U.S. Department of Labor ruled on April 20, 1995 that federal unemployment compensation law does not require coverage for members because no employer-employee relationship exists."
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Question: Can the educational voucher be used for vocational technical schools?
Answer: The educational voucher can be used for vocational tech schools. However, one has to check with the Corporation and/or U. S. Department of Education to verify if the vocational school is a "qualified institution of higher education" that has a Title IV Program Participation Agreement with the U. S. Department of Education.
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Question: What education document is required?
Answer: AmeriCorps Provisions, Section B.14.b, specifically note that "To verify whether the member meets the requirement relating to high-school education, the Grantee must obtain from the member, and maintain in the member's file, a written declaration (emphasis added) under penalty of law that the member meets the requirements of these provisions relating to high school education."
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Question: How long must AmeriCorps programs retain records?
Answer: All records MUST be maintained for a minimum of three years after the end of a program. These records should include, but are not limited to, member and financial documentation.
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Question: What is the Corporation policy on members' enrollment in WBRS?
Answer: You may not replace a member who leaves service before completing a full term unless the member who leaves was not enrolled in the National Service Trust (e.g., a third term member). This provision applies regardless of whether the member leaves service with a pro-rated education award or without an education award.
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