Include a statement that, by signing the member service agreement, the individual certifies under penalty of law that he or she meets the eligibility requirements as stated above in 45 CFR §2522.200(a). (Note: the member’s signature is not sufficient to verify age, citizenship, or criminal history, but it is sufficient to verify high school education.)

Consider the additional eligibility requirements for tutoring programs, if applicable (45 CFR §§ 2522.900-.940), and ensure that those requirements are clearly stated.

For guidance on creating the member position description, see the Member Position Description Outline.

– Minimum number of service hours;
– Other requirements as developed by the recipient (see Recommendations/ Best Practices)

Specify the start and end dates for the term of service, ensuring that the total duration of the term is 12 months or less.

Other requirements to successfully complete the term of service may include:
– Completing the full duration of the service term (for example, some programs require members to serve until the specified end date on the contract even if they complete their required hours earlier);

– Satisfactorily completing all assignments, tasks, or projects;

– Submitting all required timesheets and data collection reports.

Amount of the living allowance the member will earn, if applicable (AC VIII.A). (Note: minimum and maximum living allowance amounts for each type of service term can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity under which the AmeriCorps grant was awarded)

Healthcare coverage, if applicable (AC VIII.D)(Note: healthcare coverage must be provided or made available to all full-time members (except EAP or Partnership Challenge grants), and may be provided to less-than-fulltime members serving in a full-time capacity) (AC VIII.D.)

Childcare coverage, if the member qualifies (AC VIII.E and 45 CFR § 2522.250) (Note: member eligibility criteria are described in 45 CFR § 2522.250)

Student loan forbearance and interest payments, if the member qualifies (FAQ G.7)

Specify the exact dollar amount of the award.

If desired, include additional information about the use and limitations of the education award.

• For living allowance:

State the living allowance as a weekly/biweekly/monthly dollar amount and emphasize that payments will not fluctuate based on the number of hours served in a
particular time period; if a member serves all required hours and is permitted to conclude his or her term of service before the originally agreed upon end of term, living allowance payments must cease, and the recipient may not provide a lump sum payment to the member (AC VIII.A).

If desired, specify the minimum number of hours a member must serve during a pay period in order to earn a living allowance (FAQ C.26).

Specify that FICA and income taxes will be withheld from the living allowance (AC VIII.C).

For healthcare coverage:

Specify the nature of the healthcare coverage provided by the program (see AC VIII.D. for health insurance options that satisfy the requirement).

For childcare coverage:

Specify how the member may apply for childcare benefits (see https://www.americorpschildcare.com/).

For student loan forbearance and interest payments:

If desired, include additional information about what types of loans are eligible and how to apply.

Programs may offer additional benefits to members if desired, such as a housing allowance; however, the value of the additional benefits combined with the living allowance cannot equal more than the maximum living allowance (FAQ C.57).

Provide a list of behaviors that will not be tolerated for AmeriCorps members (e.g., tardiness or unexcused absences, stealing or lying).

Specific actions will be taken against members for violations of this prohibition, including personnel actions up to and including termination, and/or the requirement to satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

More specific details about the actions programs must take for drug violations can be found in 45 CFR §2522.230 and must be included in the “Consequences” section of the member service agreement.

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or, in most instances, religion. It is also unlawful to retaliate against any person who, or organization that, files a complaint about such discrimination. In addition to filing a complaint with local and state agencies that are responsible for resolving discrimination complaints, you may bring a complaint to the attention of the Corporation for National and Community Service. If you believe that you or others have been discriminated against, or if you want more information, contact: [Name, address, phone number – both voice and TTY, and preferably toll free – FAX number and email address of the recipient] or

Office of Civil Rights and Inclusiveness Corporation for National and Community Service 250 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
(800) 833-3722 (TTY and reasonable accommodation line)
(202) 565-3465 (FAX);
eo@cns.gov (email)

The specific circumstances under which a member may be released for cause (AC V.B.11)

If these steps include suspension and/or release for cause, or if certain type(s) of violations would result in an immediate suspension or release for cause, describe this clearly.

Copy and paste the full text from 45 CFR §2522.230 into this section of the member service agreement; include the header “45
CFR §2522.230.”

To create a grievance procedure that meets CNCS requirements, start with the full text of 45 CFR §2540.230.

Edit the text to increase the clarity of the procedure or to add specific program/ organizational details (such as the name/job title of the individual to whom written grievances should be submitted).

Do not change any of the required timeframes and steps in the procedure.

Authorization to conduct a criminal background check (this can also be handled through a separate authorization document;

Required service or training events that the member will be expected to attend, such as member orientation and/or National Day of Service events;

Vacation/sick leave policies for the program, such as the number of leave days a member may take and the process for requesting leave;

Process by which members with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (FAQ C.72);

The process by which this agreement may be amended if necessary (e.g., by written consent of both parties).

Parental or legal guardian signature and date for members under 18 years of age (AC IV.B)

Member service agreements should be signed before commencement of service so that members are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities (AC V.B).