Using the Segal Education Award

Use the MyAmeriCorps portal to manage your education award

• Check your award balance and value
• Request payments to educational institution and loan holder
• Request forbearance and interest accrual payment on qualified student loans
• Update contact information
• Access tax statements
• MyAmeriCorps works best using Internet Explorer/Microsoft Edge
• This video shows step by step instructions on submitting your education award request through MyAmeriCorps.Gov
• If you can’t get logged in or have an issue with your education award you must reach out to their helpdesk. ShoreCorps does not have this information.

You can use your education award to pay current educational expenses at eligible schools and at certain GI Bill-approved educational programs for veterans. Eligible schools are higher educational institutions, both domestic and foreign, that currently participate in the Department of Education’s Title IV student aid programs. This category includes most post-secondary colleges, universities, and technical schools.

Use this search to see if the educational institution you want to attend is on the list

Please note the following:

• Some schools offer matching funds, scholarships or in state tuition for AmeriCorps Alumni. Find the list online.
• No matter where you use it, your education award will be paid in two installments:
  • FIRST Payment - Beginning of Enrollment The institution enters this date when they accept your award. Usually the beginning of the semester your applying it to.
  • SECOND Payment - Midpoint Date The institution determines this date when they accept your award.

How:

• Log into your MyAmeriCorps account
• Click “My Education Award” & “Create Education Award Payment Request”
• On the form select “Education Expenses” in the Payment Type field. Fill out amount your requesting to use.
• Click the red “Search for Institutions”. When searching for the College/University less is more. The search can be submitted with only the state entered to display a list of all possible College/Universities in the state you selected for example. SU is in the directory.
• After submitting your request your education award status will read “pending institutional action”.

Paying for educational expenses at Salisbury University

This flowchart describes the process used at Salisbury University

At SU, Diane Lawrance is the accounts payable contact who will email you that she’s been notified of the award being sent to SU on your behalf. You can use the award to pay money owed to SU, receive a book store credit, or be reimbursed for an education related expense (you’ll supply a receipt to Diane). Return her email and let her know your plans for the money.

Answers to commonly asked questions:

• The education award can only be used for education expenses only, housing and meals are not considered educational.
• If semester debt was accrued after your first date of service the education award can be used for payment.
• The education award can be used for any required exam/test that is required for course/graduation (ex. PRAXIS/ETS exams).  The student will pay out of pocket and provide Diane Lawrance with a receipt that reflects the description and amount paid.
• If a student is receiving financial aid (ex. Loans), the education award may affect their financial aid.  Students need to contact the Financial Aid Office to inform them of the award and inquire about possible impact.
• You can use the award to pay for student loans acquired during your time at SU but you would NOT send the education award to SU to pay for your loans. See the section “Using the Education Award to Pay Student Loans” for instructions.

The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award can only be used to repay the qualified student loans

• Loans backed by the federal government under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (except PLUS Loans to parents of students). Examples include: Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, Wm. D. Ford Federal Direct Loans, Federal Consolidated Loans, Supplement Loans to Students, & Guaranteed Student Loans.
• Loans under Titles VII or VIII of the Public Service Health Act. Examples include: HEAL, HPSL, Nursing Student Loans, Primary Care Loans, & Loans for Disadvantaged Students.
• Loans made by a state agency, including state institutions of higher education

How:

• Log into your MyAmeriCorps account
• Click “My Education Award” & “Create Education Award Payment Request”
• On the form select “Loan Payment” in the Payment Type field. Fill out amount your requesting to use.
• Click the red “Search for Institutions”. You MUST find the company that holds your student loans (ex. FedLoan, Nelnet, Navient etc.) The “institution” is NOT your college/university. Schools cannot make direct payments to federal loans on your behalf. When searching for the student loan company less is more. The search can be submitted with nothing in the fields to display a list of all possible loan companies.

After submitting your request your education award status will read “pending institutional action”. The “institution” is the loan company, it is NOT waiting on ShoreCorps or Salisbury University, it is waiting on the loan company to respond. If the status stays at pending for two weeks or more reach out to the MyAmeriCorps help desk and call your student loan company.

The education award counts as taxable income in the tax year in which you use your award.

• You will receive a 1099 MISC income form from the IRS for any amount over $600 that you used from your education award in that tax year.
• You can access tax forms in your MyAmeriCorps account
• Consider not using it all at once. This completely depends on your overall financial situation and taxes, but it is important to note that it will be considered income on your taxes in the year in which you use it.

To transfer your award, you must be at least 55 years old at the start of service and the award must go to your child, stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or foster child.

Step by step instructions for transferring the education award are located here.

For more information on resources now that you’re an AmeriCorps Alumni

You can join the AmeriCorps Alumni Network for even more benefits and opportunities.

Schools of National Service seeks to reward service and incentivize education by providing benefits to students who choose to serve. This is the list of Schools of National Service.