Dear Grantees,

The National Service Trust is getting ready to launch a new online payment system that will automate the AmeriCorps Education Award process. As you might have learned at the recent National Conference in Seattle, the Trust has developed an online payment system that will allow AmeriCorps Members (and Alumni) to request their AmeriCorps Education Award benefits, including interest accrual and forbearance, online. The new automated process will be easy to use and eliminates the need to fill out and submit paper forms. Members will also be able to update their contact information, view their account information, the status of their requests, and contact the Trust all through the system. Best of all, payments will be made faster then previously. The new online system will make the Education Award process a much quicker and simpler process for all involved.

The AmeriCorps Online Payment system is expected to launch late Summer/early Fall of this year. Additional information, including updates on the system launch, please go to the "For Individuals" section on the AmeriCorps.gov website. We will continue to update that site, including the date when your Members can go on to register and begin using the system.

To help get the word out to the AmeriCorps Members we have created a short, one page information sheet. We have attached this sheet in this email in hopes that you can assist us in getting the word out by passing the attached file on to your Members.

If you have any questions or require additional information, feel free to contact the Trust at epayments@americorps.gov. Thank you for your help in spreading the word about the new AmeriCorps Online Payment System.

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Below is text that you may provide to AmeriCorps programs to assist them in informing their members of the upcoming Trust automation.

The National Service Trust has developed a new online payment system that will allow you to request your AmeriCorps Education Award benefits online. The new automated process is easy to use and eliminates the need to submit paper forms. Once you register for the system, you can create your requests online and submit to your Education or Financial Institution for processing. Through the new online payment system, requesting AmeriCorps Education Award payments, Interest Accrual payments and Forbearance on your qualified student loans will be a much simpler process.

Additionally, this new automated system will let you view the status of your requests, provide up to date information on your AmeriCorps Education Award balances, show the history of your requests and even let you update your contact information online. The automated payment process and online system will provide many benefits to you. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• No more paper forms
  The new system will eliminate the need to fill out and submit the paper forms currently required by the Trust, as well as enhance traceability through use of the online site.
       
• Track the status of your requests
  You will be able to track the status of your requests, eliminating the worry of whether your request got lost or misplaced.
      
• Receive payments faster
  The new online system will allow for quicker turn-around of payments. Your Education or Financial Institution will receive payments much sooner than with a paper-based process.
       
• Manage your account online
  You can view up to date account balance and information from your homepage. You will also have the capability to update your contact information.
      
• Easy access to help and information
  The system reduces the need to call the Trust because most questions can be answered by visiting the online site. FAQ’s and online help will be available from anywhere in the system.

Look for the new system to be available for use late Summer/early Fall 2006. For more information, updates, and announcements about the system, please go to www.AmeriCorps.gov. If you have a specific question, please feel free to e-mail epayments@americorps.gov and a representative from the Trust will assist you.