Education Award FAQs

How long will it take to get my Education Award packet?
How do I request an Education Award payment?
What will my Education Award pay for?
Can I use my Education Award to pay for classes I took in the past?
Where can I use my Education Award?
How long do I have to use my Education Award?
Can I get cash back if I don’t use my entire Education Award?
Is the Education Award taxable?
Can I use my Education Award to pay school expenses or make loan payments for someone else?
Who do I contact if I have a problem or need a duplicate Education Award voucher?

How long will it take to get my Education Award packet?

It depends on how quickly your exit paperwork is processed and sent to the National Service Trust. Your exit paperwork should be turned in to your Site Supervisor within 10 days of completing your service hours. OKMM will notify you by e-mail when you have been exited from the program. Once the Trust receives confirmation of your successful completion, an Education Award voucher and information packet will be sent to the address you provided on your exit form. It may take 4 to 6 weeks for the packet to arrive.

How do I request an Education Award payment?

Visit http://my.americorps.gov to access My AmeriCorps, a tool that gives alumni access to forms, services and the AmeriCorps Online Payment System. Once you’ve created a user account, you can update your profile, request interest accrual payments and manage your Education Award. Check out OKMM's online My AmeriCorps tutorial.

What will my Education Award pay for?

The Education Award can be used to pay current educational expenses, such as tuition, books and supplies. Qualified expenses vary by school, so talk to your financial aid counselor; he or she can help you figure out what is and is not allowed. The award can also be used to pay qualified student loans, which are loans backed by the federal government under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (except PLUS Loans to parents of students), or under Titles VII or VIII of the Public Health Service Act. To be sure your student loan qualifies, ask your lender.

Can I use my Education Award to pay for classes I took in the past?

No. The Education Award can only be used to pay educational expenses incurred after you became an AmeriCorps member. This does not apply to student loans; you may use the award to pay qualified student loans that were borrowed at any time.

Where can I use my Education Award?

The Education Award can be used for both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at any Title IV school. To check the status of a school, visit the FAFSA Web or call the Department of Education at 800.433.3243.

How long do I have to use my Education Award?

The Education Award is valid for seven years after the completion of your service term. An extension may be granted in special circumstances. To be considered for an extension, you must apply before the end of the seven-year period.

Can I get cash back if I don’t use my entire Education Award?

No. The Education Award can’t be “traded in” at cash value.

Is the Education Award taxable?

Yes. Your Education Award is taxable in the year you use it. If you only use a portion of your award, you will only be taxed for that amount. The Trust will send you a 1099 Form, which reflects the amount the Trust reports to the IRS as miscellaneous taxable income.

Can I use my Education Award to pay school expenses or make loan payments for someone else?

No. The Education Award can only be used by the member who earned it.

Who do I contact if I have a problem or need a duplicate Education Award voucher?

You can contact the National Service Trust at 800.942.2677. Live operators can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. EST. To request a duplicate voucher or report a change of address, e-mail edawardvoucher@cns.gov.