Assistance up to $500

New York State Commission

Member

Assistance Fund

Emergency cash assistance of up to $500 for eligible AmeriCorps members living and serving in New York.

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Learn more
assistance up to
$
500
In collaboration with

Application and payment timeline

1 Week

Application opens

Applications are open and will remain open until funds are depleted.

Application review

Applications will be reviewed weekly.

Decisions and payments

Decisions and payments will be sent weekly.
Bringing smiles together
Hands-on for change
Be at least 17 years old at the time of application

Reside within New York or one of the following bordering states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont

Be an active AmeriCorps member serving a minimum of 300 hours in an eligible New York State Commission program

Have a financial emergency that occurred on or after August 1, 2024

Meet all of the requirements

To apply, you must meet  ALL of the requirements.

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Hands in, hearts full

Eligible Emergency Expenses

The emergency expense that threatens a member’s ability to continue their service must fall within the following categories:

Family Loss

Housing

Medical

Transportation

Other

Selecting the “Other” emergency category may require additional review. Please be prepared to provide supporting documentation.



For further information on eligible expenses, please visit the FAQ.

See FAQ
Leading with heart and purpose

How to apply

You will need to upload documents to confirm your identity and your connection to New York, myAmeriCorps screenshot verifying your AmeriCorps member status, and proof of need depending on how much you request.

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Step 1
Click apply button
This will take you to the application page.
Step 2
Create an account
provide your email address and set up a password.
Step 3
Complete application
Fill out the application form and upload the required
documents. Your application will automatically
save so you can return anytime.
Step 4
Submit
Submit your application to receive a confirmation text and
email with your Submission ID. Save this code to track
your application or contact support.
Central Park Nov 2024

Required Documents

You will need to upload documents to confirm your identity and residency, and a screenshot of your my.AmeriCorps or eGrants homepage verifying your AmeriCorps member status.

Please select one item from List A (Identity and Residency) OR one item from both List B (Identity) and List C (Residency) to upload.

List A
Residency & Identity
Only one document is needed to confirm identity and residency.
State Identification Card showing your full name and address
State Driver License showing your full name and address
Utility bill showing your full name and current address
Cell phone bill or internet bill showing your full name and current address
Insurance statement showing your full name and current address
Bank statement showing your full name and current address
2022 or 2023 tax return showing your full name and current address
Paystub from employer showing your full name and your current address
List B
Identity
Only one document is needed to confirm identity and residency.
Any State Identification Card showing your full name
Any State Driver's License showing full name
Any government issued card showing your full name
Passport showing your full name
Birth certificate showing your full name
List C
Residency
Only one document is needed to confirm identity and residency.
Signed and dated letter* stating the full name and phone number of the person writing the letter from the following entities acknowledging your State residency:
Landlord
Employer
Representative from your place of worship
Social worker or advocate

*You may use this template for this application.

** Plaid Verification: If you have a New York Driver’s License or State ID card, you are able to use our **express verification** to verify your identity and residency. You can be finished in as quick as 30 seconds!

AmeriCorps Member Verification: You will need to upload a screenshot of your my.AmeriCorps or eGrants homepage to confirm that you are an active AmeriCorps member in an eligible program. For an example, please visit bit.ly/3TWyZAi

Application
Assistance

Call

Call our team at (206) 558-6144 if you have questions

Text

For the fastest response, send us a text at (866) 953-3543

Email

Email the team at support@ameraid.org

$500

Take the control of your emergency. Start today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AmeriCorps Member Assistance Fund?
Which AmeriCorps programs are eligible?
What is considered an emergency expense?
What is not considered an emergency expense?
My emergency expense occurred prior to the launch, am I able to apply?
Will I be required to provide documentation to prove financial need?
I currently do not have permanent housing. Can I still apply, and how can I receive financial aid without a mailing address?
I currently do not have permanent housing. What residency documents can I use?
I currently do not have permanent housing. What address can I use on my application?
I live outside of the state boundaries. Can I still apply?
Are there any other options if I am not able to receive financial aid from the Member Assistance Fund?
Will every AmeriCorps member who applies receive financial assistance?
How are eligible applicants selected?
When are applications due?
What kind of documents will I need to submit?
There are multiple AmeriCorps members living at my address. How should we apply?
If I help someone complete an application, what information do I need to share with them?
How do I update my information or correct an error after I submit my application?
Is there an appeal process if after I apply I do not receive financial aid from the Member Assistance Fund?
What happens if I submit a duplicate application by mistake? Am I then disqualified as a result?
I submitted my application, but haven’t heard back yet. When will I find out if I’ve been approved?
Is this a one-time payment?
When will I get my payment?
How can I receive payments?
Can I have my payment sent to a different address from my residential address?
If approved, can I change my form of payment?
If approved, can I change my award amount?
If I am awarded emergency funding, will my taxes be impacted?
Is the information I provide in the application confidential?
The my.AmeriCorps or eGrants portal screenshots have sensitive information such as my Social Security Number. How can I share my information privately?
Why am I being asked demographic questions? Will my answers affect my eligibility?
Making connections that matter

Get started today!

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