VISTA Living

VISTA LivingBenefitsLiving Allowance Tips and TricksSupport HealthcareYou are covered by the AmeriCorps Health Benefits Program. This is not a health insurance policy, but it does provide healthcare benefits. You are covered from your first day of service to your last day of service.

How is it different?It only covers you there are no benefits for family members or dependents. There is no coverage for pre-existing conditions. You can have an insurance plan in addition to your health support. BenefitsPrescriptions are usually covered in full. For doctors visits your co-pay is usually $5. For emergency room visits your co-pay is usually $25.

(Disclaimer: This does not include lab tests, x-rays, etc. although these may be covered.) How can I access my healthcare plan?You will receive your health benefits card within your first month of service. To access healthcare before you receive your card, call and they can email you a card. SevenCorners does not have a direct line for healthcare providers to call. Prevent this!

Jenna: Free mental health and counseling clinics/ programs 6More informationFind out which healthcare providers are covered at americorps.sevencorners.com. Get more information about health benefit policies at vistacampus.org.

Food AssistanceYou are eligible for food assistance! Apply through the Human Services Department in the county in which you serve. Apply by mail, by appointment, by visiting the DHS office, or (in some counties) online. How much you received in food support is determined on an individual basis. What to bringA completed application for food support. Your Service Verification Letter. A copy of your lease or certificate of rent payment. Proof of your utilities cost. A current bank statement Tips and TricksTo shift from the social stigma of food stamps, Minnesota now uses an Electronic Benefits Transfer system and individuals receive an EBT card, which works like a debit card.

Six months after applying you will be asked to a 6-month review. You need to turn this in!For more information, go to dhs.state.mn.gov.

Student Loan ForbearanceStudent loan forbearance is only available for eligible federal student loans. You can access a forbearance request at My.AmeriCorps.gov. You must contact your loan holder in order to apply for and receive loan forbearance. InterestDuring the forbearance period you do not have to pay off your student loans, but interest will still accrue. At the end of your service term, apply to be reimbursed for the accrued interest by having your loan holder complete an AmeriCorps Interest Accrual Request Form. Certain loans can be deferred instead of being put in forbearance. See the VISTA Handbook for more information. What should I do now?Look at the VISTA Handbook, Chapter 6 at vistacampus.org. Contact your loan holder to see if you are eligible for loan forbearance or loan deferment. Research the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to find out if you are eligible. Make a plan now!

Emily loan forbearance process 15Other PerksReduced-cost YMCA memberships ($15/month). Using your EBT card at Farmers Markets ($5 of free produce with each use).Low-cost vet care at organizations like Kindest Cut and the Pet Project. Free tax services and financial advice through AccountAbility Minnesota. Free bike repair help, and an opportunity to earn a bike with Cycles for Change. 16BudgetingWrite it down. Budget in the fun stuff. Budget in for emergencies.

Gina budgeting 17EMERGE Financial Education Classes2014 Class Schedule (participants must take all four classes) August 6, 13, 20, 27September 3, 10, 17, 24October 1, 8, 15, 22November 5, 12, 19, 26

Every Wednesday of each month at 6:00-9:00pm with FREE dinner!

Emerge Community Development 1101 W Broadway Ave Minneapolis, MN Bridges out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities Habitat for Humanity of MinnesotaGolden Valley, MNTuesday, August 26th 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

This workshop is a comprehensive approach to understanding the dynamics that cause and maintain poverty from the individual to the systemic level. Bridges Out of Poverty uses the lens of economic class and provides concrete tools and strategies for a community to prevent, reduce, and alleviate poverty.

Registration fee: $65 Budgeting Advice from AlumniI watched a lot of Netflix.

Potlucks!

Cancel the internet and get yourself a library card.

Always pack your lunch.

You can say no; your friends will support that. What can we do as a group?Two Things to RememberCheck the Minnesota VISTA Living Guide!Get involved! Ask Ellen or Amy!

VISTA Living SupportAmy Krill, AmeriCorps VISTA Leader akrill@mnliteracy.org 651-251-9066