If you were receiving or wish to receive government assistance, such as food stamps, before joining VISTA, that assistance cannot be taken away or reduced as a result of your VISTA allowance. To keep the assistance, you may need to show an "Income Disregard Letter," to the agencies that provide the services. It is always important, when talking with benefits employees, that you identify yourself as an AmeriCorps*VISTA serving under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act.
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