WASHINGTON – Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen announced the agency will provide additional financial support to the 7,000 volunteers and trainees who were evacuated from their posts last month due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Our volunteers returned to the United States during a very challenging time, so I am pleased to announce this $1,500 wellness stipend,” said Director Olsen. “We are able to provide this one-time stipend thanks to the strong support of the Administration and Congress, which recently authorized a supplemental appropriation for the Peace Corps to cover costs associated with the evacuations and post-service benefits for volunteers.”

The new stipend is intended to help returned volunteers and trainees cover near-term health and wellness costs. These funds will be provided in addition to the evacuation and readjustment allowances that were disbursed in recent weeks.

Evacuees were also provided with two months of health insurance coverage and the option to purchase a third month of coverage. Other benefits include Non-Competitive Eligibility for federal jobs and the opportunity to apply for enrollment in the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program, which provides financial support to graduate students.

“Peace Corps volunteers have a wealth of leadership, technical and cross-cultural skills that make our communities and the American workforce stronger,” said Director Olsen. “We are partnering with stakeholders across government, the private sector and higher education to assist returned volunteers as they determine what’s next in their lives, in the workplace, at graduate school or back in the Peace Corps when conditions permit.”

For more information on post-service benefits visit the COVID-19 Updates page.