Pathways to Employment AmeriCorps VISTA Program
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How much do VISTAs get paid, and how often?
Our VISTA members receive an annual living allowance of around $12,100. The living allowance is deposited into the VISTAs' accounts on the 15th and 30th of each month. If either of these days falls on a weekend or holiday, the deposit will be made the Friday before. You can read more about VISTA benefits on our Benefits page.
2) What are MNA VISTA Program requirements?
Our VISTA members complete a minimum of 37.5 hours of service each week. We use a number of mandatory program activities that VISTAs must complete, including Quarterly Progress Reports, check-in calls, monthly timesheets, monthly group conference calls, VISTA Year Initiatives, and site visits.
3) Will my Education Award be taxed?
Yes, your Segal Education Award is taxable in the year or years in which you use it.
4) Do I have to pay taxes during my year of service?
Yes, you are still required to pay local, state, and federal taxes. Due to your low income as a VISTA member, you may be eligible for tax credits for one or several of these tax areas.
5) When do I get paid?
As an AmeriCorps VISTA member with MNA, you will receive your living allowance on the 15th and 30th of each month via direct deposit.
6) Am I eligible for food assistance, like the Michigan BRIDGE Card?
Yes, as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, you may be eligible for food assistance. We've covered what that means and how to apply on our Benefits page.
7) If I have a question, who should I ask?
For day-to-day questions about your office (Where is the copier?) or what's going on at your host site, check with your site supervisor. They'll help you find everything, brainstorm, and are generally a great resource.
For VISTA-specific questions, always go to your VISTA Leader first. It's their role to support you, so they are always willing to answer questions that you might have about being a VISTA! If your VISTA Leaders don't have all the information that you're looking for, they will often run it by the Program Manager to get the best answer possible for you.
Our VISTA members receive an annual living allowance of around $12,100. The living allowance is deposited into the VISTAs' accounts on the 15th and 30th of each month. If either of these days falls on a weekend or holiday, the deposit will be made the Friday before. You can read more about VISTA benefits on our Benefits page.
2) What are MNA VISTA Program requirements?
Our VISTA members complete a minimum of 37.5 hours of service each week. We use a number of mandatory program activities that VISTAs must complete, including Quarterly Progress Reports, check-in calls, monthly timesheets, monthly group conference calls, VISTA Year Initiatives, and site visits.
3) Will my Education Award be taxed?
Yes, your Segal Education Award is taxable in the year or years in which you use it.
4) Do I have to pay taxes during my year of service?
Yes, you are still required to pay local, state, and federal taxes. Due to your low income as a VISTA member, you may be eligible for tax credits for one or several of these tax areas.
5) When do I get paid?
As an AmeriCorps VISTA member with MNA, you will receive your living allowance on the 15th and 30th of each month via direct deposit.
6) Am I eligible for food assistance, like the Michigan BRIDGE Card?
Yes, as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, you may be eligible for food assistance. We've covered what that means and how to apply on our Benefits page.
7) If I have a question, who should I ask?
For day-to-day questions about your office (Where is the copier?) or what's going on at your host site, check with your site supervisor. They'll help you find everything, brainstorm, and are generally a great resource.
For VISTA-specific questions, always go to your VISTA Leader first. It's their role to support you, so they are always willing to answer questions that you might have about being a VISTA! If your VISTA Leaders don't have all the information that you're looking for, they will often run it by the Program Manager to get the best answer possible for you.
