S. 2785: A Chance To Serve Act

This bill, known as the Chance To Serve Act, aims to expand benefits for volunteers of the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, as well as make certain provisions related to their service and associated benefits. Here are the main points outlined in the bill:

Peace Corps Volunteers

• Non-Competitive Eligibility: Individuals will receive non-competitive eligibility for federal civilian positions for three years after completing their Peace Corps service.
• Non-Discrimination Based on Immigration Status: The Peace Corps Act will be amended to allow lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees to serve as volunteers without discrimination based on their immigration status.
• Regularity of Stipend Payments: Measures will be put in place to ensure Peace Corps volunteers receive their monthly stipends regularly, even during government shutdowns.
• Health Care Benefits: Former Peace Corps volunteers will be eligible for health care benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs for one year after their service ends.
• Readjustment Allowances: The bill increases the readjustment allowance from $125 to $425 and allows for periodic adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. It also ensures that experts are consulted on health matters.
• Loan Suspension: Those with federal loans will have payments suspended and interest will not accrue during their service.
• Nontaxable Readjustment Allowances: Readjustment allowances received will not be subject to federal taxation.

AmeriCorps Volunteers

• Increase in Service Positions: At least 500,000 national service positions will be made available under AmeriCorps programs.
• Increased Living Allowance: Volunteers will receive a living allowance not less than 200% of the poverty line.
• Health Benefits: Former participants in national service programs will receive health care benefits at no cost for one year after completion of their service.
• Doubling Education Awards: The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award will be doubled.
• Loan Suspension: Similar to Peace Corps volunteers, AmeriCorps participants will have their loan payments suspended and interest will not accrue during their service.
• Non-Discrimination for Lawfully Admitted Aliens: Refugees and lawful residents will be allowed to serve without discrimination.
• Flexibility in Service Terms: The bill allows for shorter terms of service and adjustments in required hours.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The bill amends existing legislation to include service in a national service program or Peace Corps as qualifying service for public service loan forgiveness programs.

Exclusion from Gross Income

Payments received under national service awards or living allowances during service will not be included in gross income for tax purposes.

Relevant Companies

None found.