A Chance To Serve Act
Sponsored By: Senator Andy Kim
Introduced
Summary
Expands benefits and legal protections for Peace Corps and AmeriCorps volunteers. It would raise pay and education benefits, broaden health and hiring protections, and extend loan relief and tax exclusions for national service participants.
Show full summary
- Peace Corps volunteers would get 3 years of noncompetitive federal hiring eligibility, more predictable monthly stipends, temporary post-service VA hospital care, a bigger readjustment allowance now based on $425, suspension of federal student loan payments and interest during service, and tax-free readjustment payments.
- AmeriCorps participants would see at least 500,000 national service positions, a living allowance of no less than 200 percent of the poverty line, free health coverage equal to their service policy for a year after service, and a doubled Segal AmeriCorps education award.
- Loan and tax treatment changes would let full-time national service and Peace Corps service count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness and would exclude national service education awards and living allowances from gross income under a new Internal Revenue Code section.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More pay and spots for national service
If enacted, the government would make at least 500,000 national service slots available. People serving would get a living allowance of at least 200% of the poverty line. The AmeriCorps education award would be doubled and could pay for recognized post‑secondary credentials. CNCS could give planning grants and waive local matching funds for the first two years. Former participants would get one year of free health coverage and could be noncompetitively hired for three years; shorter service terms could be approved, but reduced hours would cut awards proportionally. Refugees, asylees, and other lawfully admitted immigrants could not be barred from serving or from getting education benefits.
Tax-free national service pay and awards
If enacted, amounts you receive as a Segal AmeriCorps education award or as a living allowance during national service would not be counted as federal taxable income for tax years ending after enactment. Readjustment allowances under the Peace Corps would also be excluded from federal taxable income.
Better pay, health, and hiring for Peace Corps
If enacted, the Peace Corps Director would have to make stipends arrive on a regular, predictable day each month when possible, including during short government shutdowns. Former volunteers could elect up to one year of VA hospital and medical care starting the day after service ends. The readjustment payment base would rise from $125 to $425 and could be adjusted for inflation. The Director would consult outside health experts and follow CDC guidance on prescriptions. Former volunteers would have noncompetitive hiring eligibility for three years, and the Peace Corps could not deny service or protections to lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
Student loan pause during national service
If enacted, payments and interest on qualifying federal student loans would be suspended while you serve in the Peace Corps or a national service program, if the loan predated your service. Each paused month would count as a payment for loan forgiveness or rehabilitation purposes. Full‑time national service and Peace Corps service would also count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Andy Kim
NJ • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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