What does Preamble of A Chance To Serve Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To expand the financial, health care, and educational benefits received by Peace Corps and AmeriCorps volunteers, and for other purposes,' aims to expand benefits for Peace Corps and AmeriCorps volunteers.

What does SHORT TITLE. of A Chance To Serve Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'A Chance To Serve Act'.

What does EXPANDED BENEFITS FOR CURRENT AND FORMER PEACE CORPS of A Chance To Serve Act do?

This section amends the Peace Corps Act to grant non-competitive eligibility to former Peace Corps volunteers for three years following their service. The definition of who can serve as a Peace Corps volunteer is expanded to include lawful permanent residents of the United States. The Director of the Peace Corps is directed to ensure stipends are paid regularly and predictably. Former Peace Corps volunteers are made eligible for hospital care and medical services at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities for one year after their service. Readjustment allowances for Peace Corps volunteers and volunteer leaders are increased from $125 to $425 and may be periodically adjusted to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index. The Director of the Peace Corps is required to consult with health experts, including mental health professionals, and follow CDC guidance regarding medication prescriptions for volunteers. Loan payments made under the Higher Education Act of 1965 are suspended and interest does not accrue during a volunteer’s Peace Corps service. Readjustment allowances received under the Peace Corps Act are made nontaxable.

What does EXPANDED BENEFITS FOR AMERICORPS VOLUNTEERS. of A Chance To Serve Act do?

This section expands benefits for AmeriCorps volunteers by requiring not fewer than 500,000 national service positions. It mandates a living allowance for national service participants that is not less than 200 percent of the poverty line. The section allows for the non-competitive appointment of individuals who have completed national service to federal positions for three years after completion. It requires the Corporation for National and Community Service to provide former participants with health care coverage for one year after their service. The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is doubled. The Education Award can now be used for obtaining recognized post-secondary credentials. Federal student loan payments are suspended and interest does not accrue during national service. Refugees, asylees, and other lawfully admitted aliens may not be prohibited from serving in national service programs or receiving education benefits based on their immigration status. Planning grants may be awarded to underserved communities to develop national service programs, with matching fund requirements waived for the first two years. The Corporation for National and Community Service can determine shorter terms of service in AmeriCorps, with a corresponding reduction in the education award.

What does PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS. of A Chance To Serve Act do?

This section amends Section 455(m)(3)(B) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The amendment strikes 'or' at the end of clause (i). The amendment strikes the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserts '; or'. The amendment adds a new clause (iii) to specify eligibility for public service loan forgiveness. The new clause (iii) includes serving in a national service program authorized under a national service law or as a Peace Corps volunteer.

What does EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME OF CERTAIN PAYMENTS FOR NATIONAL of A Chance To Serve Act do?

This section amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude certain payments from gross income. Specifically, it excludes national service educational awards under the National and Community Service Act of 1990. It also excludes living allowances provided during participation in national service programs authorized under national service laws. The amendments apply to taxable years ending after the date of enactment of this Act.

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A Chance To Serve Act

Last updated: 9/11/2025 · Introduced: 9/11/2025

Author: Andy Kim (D-NJ)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill expands benefits for Peace Corps and AmeriCorps volunteers, including granting non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs and providing access to healthcare at VA facilities for a limited time.
It significantly increases financial support for AmeriCorps volunteers by mandating a living allowance at or above 200% of the poverty line and doubling the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.
The bill modifies public service loan forgiveness programs to include Peace Corps and AmeriCorps service, and makes certain national service payments and education awards exempt from federal income taxes.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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