Guidance from the Office of General Counsel

The following is legal guidance for Corporate for National and Community Service (CNCS) funded programs issued by the Office of the General Counsel.

Restrictions on legislative lobbying and partisan politics (Feb. 12, 2007) PDF

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the Inspector General's Debarment Authority (Dec. 30, 2004) PDF

Restrictions on legislative lobbying and partisan politics, including FAQs (en español) (Aug. 2, 2004) PDF

Memorandum addressed to All CNCS-supported programs:
Discussing the provision of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act that requires, in most cases, government agencies to disregard payments to AmeriCorps VISTA members and Senior Corps volunteers when determining their eligibility for assistance and benefits. (May 7, 2004) PDF

Memorandum addressed to All CNCS-supported programs: Subject: "Restrictions on legislative lobbying and partisan politics" (June 27, 2003) PDF

Faith-Based and Community Organizations: Guidance on Partnering with the Federal Government PDF; and Questions and Answers concerning the Corporation and Faith-Based Organizations. (May 6, 2003)

Memorandum addressed to All Corporation- supported programs on "Restrictions on legislative lobbying and partisan politics," with "Frequently Asked Questions." Versions: English PDF and/or Spanish PDF (Sept. 17, 2002)

A letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service confirming that benefits provided to AmeriCorps State/National members may not affect their eligibility for food stamps. PDF (May 3, 2001)

Update - Changes in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rules affecting AmeriCorps members. PDF (April 4, 2001)

Changes in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rules affecting AmeriCorps members.  PDF (April 3, 2001)

Fair Labor Standards Act and the AmeriCorps Member - USDL Opinion PDF (Nov. 18, 1998)

Impact of AmeriCorps Benefits on Food Stamp Eligibility PDF (May 24, 2007)