Peace Corps FOIA 14-0117 Response Document

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http://inside.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?viewDocument&document_id=161&filetype=htm[7/9/2014 3:47:08 PM]

MS 220 Leave for Volunteers/Trainees

Effective Date: December 2, 2013
Responsible Office: Offices of Health Services and Global
Operations
Supersedes: 8/1/2008; 12/3/2007 8/3/07; 10/01/03; 10/15/99;
1/15/99; 1/30/97; 10/15/96; 5/13/83; 2/77

Table of Contents
Issuance Memo
Issuance Memo (12/2/2007)
Issuance Memo (5/25/12)
Attachment
Attachment A Country Specific Whereabouts Notification and Annual Leave Directive

Table of Contents
1.0 Purpose
2.0 Definition of Leave
3.0 Policies
3.1 Time Away from Community
3.2 Whereabouts Requirement
3.3 Travel Restrictions
3.4 Disciplinary Action
4.0 Annual Leave
4.1 Annual Leave Allowance
4.2 Timing for Annual Leave
4.3 Advancement of Annual Leave
4.4 Annual Leave Outside of Country
4.5 Annual Leave Within Country
5.0 Medical Coverage During Leave
6.0 Emergency Leave
6.1 Definitions
6.2 Preliminary Communication Concerning a Family Medical
Situation
6.3 Verification and Approval Authority
6.3.1 Emergency Leave Travel
6.3.2 Notification of Travel Itinerary
6.3.3 V/T Communication with OHS/COU
6.3.4 Travel After Arrival at Site of Emergency
6.4 Emergency Leave Duration
6.5 Volunteer Allowances During Emergency Leave
6.5.1 Emergency Leave Allowance
6.5.2 Refund of Unused Emergency Leave Allowance
6.5.3 Reimbursement for Extraordinary Expenses
6.5.4 Living Allowance
6.6 Extensions
6.6.1 First Extension
6.6.2 Further Extensions
6.6.3 Limitations
6.7 Travel for V/T Spouse and Children
6.8 Multiple Leaves for Family Medical Emergencies
6.9 Advance of Completion of Service (COS)
6.10 Resignation
7.0 Other Types of Leave
7.1 Special Leave
7.2 Holidays and Host Country Vacation Periods
7.3 Maternity Leave
7.4 Leave for Professional or Academic Examinations
7.5 Leave Without Allowance (LWOA)
8.0 Volunteer/Trainee Hold
8.1 Medical Hold
8.2 Administrative Hold
8.2.1 Return Transportation to Home of Record (HOR)
8.2.2 Allowances During Administrative Hold
9.0 Effective Date

1.0 Purpose
This manual section sets out the Peace Corps' policies and
procedures regarding all types of leave for Volunteers and Trainees
(V/Ts).
2.0 Definition of Leave
For the purposes of this manual section:
(a) A V/T is on leave when he or she is on one of the types of
leave listed in Sections 4.0, 6.0, or 7.0 of this manual section;
(b) A V/T is not on leave when traveling on approved Peace Corps
business; and
(c) A V/T is not on leave when he or she takes time away from the
community for certain personal needs. See Section 3.1 below.
3.0 Policies
3.1 Time Away from Community
V/Ts need occasional days away from their communities to take
care of personal needs. Such time away from their community does
not constitute leave. However, such breaks should be taken
infrequently and must not be abused.
3.2 Whereabouts Requirement
For safety reasons, it is essential that Peace Corps is able to
contact V/Ts at all times during their service. In order to maximize
V/T's safety and security, whether on leave or at their community,
each post/country should have a written whereabouts policy, based
on MS 270 Volunteer/Trainee Safety and Security and an annual
leave policy. Post staff and Volunteers shall annually review and
comment on both policies. See Attachment A for a sample of a
post specific whereabouts notification and annual leave policies.
3.3 Travel Destination Restrictions
3.3.1 In-Country Travel
A Country Director has overall responsibility for the day-to-day
management and execution of safety and security programs at the
post and, in performance of that duty, may determine that certain
parts of the country in which the post is located are off-limits for
purposes of travel by V/Ts. The Country Director is responsible for
informing V/Ts if any parts of the country of their assignment are
off-limits for travel and V/Ts are responsible for complying with
the restrictions at all times, including when they are on time away
from their community or on leave.
3.3.2 Out-of Country Travel
When a V/T requests approval for leave, the V/T must inform the
Country Director of the planned travel destinations and receive
prior approval from the Country Director before commencing leave.
With respect to a particular destination, the Country Director:
(a) Must deny approval for V/T travel to a particular
destination if the Associate Director of Safety and
Security, in consultation with the Associate Director for
Global Operations, has restricted travel by V/Ts to such
destination because of a serious risk to the safety and
security of V/Ts or because of other significant
government interests.
(b) May deny approval for V/T travel to a particular
destination if the Country Director determines that such
travel would be detrimental due to significant political or
security considerations that are unique to the country of
service of the V/T.
(c) Must deny approval for V/T travel to a particular
destination in another country if the Country Director
responsible for that country has restricted travel by V/Ts
to such destination.
(d) Must deny approval for V/T travel to a particular
destination if the applicable Peace Corps Medical Officer
or the Office of Health Services has determined that
travel to the destination would pose a serious risk to
the health of the V/T or others.
(e) Must deny approval for V/T travel to a particular
destination if the State Department has restricted travel
by U.S. citizens to such destination.
When a V/T travels to another Peace Corps country, the V/T is
responsible for following the restrictions on travel destinations of
the post in that country. In addition, the V/T's Country Director
must inform the Country Director in the country of destination that
the V/T will be traveling to the destination country and must
specify the dates of travel.
3.4 Disciplinary Action
Failure to comply with the leave requirements in this manual
section may result in disciplinary action up to and including
administrative separation.
4.0 Annual Leave
Annual leave, also known as vacation leave, generally provides
Volunteers the opportunity to increase their understanding of their
host country and region or to travel to areas outside of their
country or region, while allowing time for rest and relaxation.
However, Volunteers must comply with the policies set out in MS
450 Volunteer and Trainee Transportation.
4.1 Annual Leave Allowance
Volunteers accrue two days of annual leave allowance for each
month of Volunteer service, regardless of whether they actually
use, or are authorized to take, the annual leave. See MS 221,
Volunteer Allowances.
Annual leave allowance is normally paid with the Volunteer's living
allowance. See MS 221.
4.2 Timing for Annual Leave
To ensure that annual leave is an integral part of a Volunteer's
service, annual leave is discouraged during the beginning or end of
service, and should not be taken during the first three months or
last three months of service, except when the Country Director
approves leave under special circumstances, or in conjunction with
an authorized emergency leave.
4.3 Advancement of Annual Leave
The Country Director has the discretion, consistent with policies
established in-country, to advance annual leave, not to exceed the
amount accruable during the Volunteer's service.
4.4 Annual Leave Outside of Country
Annual leave must be taken any time a Volunteer travels out of the
country of assignment for vacation purposes. Annual leave for out-
of-country travel is computed in terms of calendar days, including
weekends and host country and U.S. holidays. The day after
departure from the country of assignment through the day of
return to the country of assignment are counted as annual leave
days. The computation of annual leave days does not include the
necessary minimum time to travel between the Volunteer's site
and the point of exit out of or entry into the country of
assignment.
4.5 Annual Leave Within Country
When annual leave is taken within the Volunteer's country of
assignment, host country holidays are not counted in computing
annual leave days. All weekends and U.S. holidays that fall within
the annual leave period are counted in computing annual leave
days.
5.0 Medical Coverage During Leave
The Peace Corps continues to provide V/Ts with necessary medical
care during leave. A V/T who becomes ill or who is injured while on
leave should contact the Office of Medical Services (OHS/MS). See
MS 262, Peace Corps Medical Services Program.
6.0 Emergency Leave
The Counseling and Outreach Unit (OHS/COU) may authorize
emergency leave and travel, at Peace Corps' expense, for V/Ts in
the event of a family medical emergency, as defined below.
6.1 Definitions
The term medical emergency is defined as:
(a) a terminal illness
(b) a critical, life-threatening illness or injury
(c) onset of para/quadriplegia
(d) death
(e) a situation in which the personal presence of the V/T is
required to make new living or care arrangements for an ill or
injured family member
The term family medical emergency means a medical emergency
directly affecting:
(a) a member of the V/T's immediate family, i.e., a parent,
spouse, sibling, child, or grandchild related to the V/T by blood,
marriage, or adoption. This definition includes step-relatives, e.g.,
step-mother, but does not include in-laws, e.g., mother-in-law. A
Country Director may authorize a V/T spouse to accompany a V/T
who is authorized to take emergency leave (see paragraph 6.7).
(b) a caregiver who, in the absence of one or both parents, lived
with the V/T and performed a parent's duties and responsibilities
with respect to the V/T for at least five consecutive years prior to
the V/T's reaching the age of 18. This is a surrogate parent who
took the place of a parent absent in the V/T's life. This is not an
additional person who lived with the V/T.
(c) a person for whom the V/T assumed a parent's duties and
responsibilities for at least five consecutive years prior to this
person's attaining the age of 18.
6.2 Preliminary Communication Concerning a
Family Medical Situation
Families usually initiate discussion of emergency leave by calling
OHS/COU concerning a family medical situation, who in turn
contacts the Country Director. V/Ts and Country Directors who
learn directly of a family medical situation should immediately
contact OHS/COU by fax or telephone.
Many family medical situations are resolved before becoming family
medical emergencies or otherwise do not fit the definition of a
family medical emergency (see paragraph 6.1). V/Ts, with the
assistance of OHS/COU and the country staff, should attempt to
resolve their concerns about family medical situations in-country.
The Country Director may authorize telephone calls, from V/Ts to
their families, to be made at Peace Corps' expense (chargeable to
the in-country budget). OHS/ COU will make every effort to
provide the V/T with information regarding a family medical
situation.
6.3 Verification and Approval Authority
OHS/COU will evaluate the situation to determine whether a family
medical emergency exists, including verification of the emergency
with a third party (e. g., doctor, nurse, funeral director, coroner),
and then authorize or deny emergency leave. Neither the
Country Director nor his/ her staff has the authority to
approve emergency leave. Any authorization made contrary to
this policy may result in the personal liability of the Country
Director or staff for expenses incurred for travel and allowances
issued to the V/T.
Upon approval of emergency leave, OHS/COU will send a fax to
country with instructions and fiscal information.
6.3.1 Emergency Leave Travel
Each V/T authorized emergency leave travel will be issued a round-
trip travel authorization and a ticket for one-way or round-trip
travel, whichever is appropriate, to the location of the emergency,
to be charged to OHS/COU.
V/Ts should have current passports, valid exit and re-entry visas,
and World Health Organization (WHO) cards before they leave the
country of assignment. V/Ts who leave without these documents
and need assistance obtaining them should contact OHS/COU the
first working day after arrival in the United States.
See paragraph 5.0 for information on medical coverage during
leave.
6.3.2 Notification of Travel Itinerary
The Country Director must inform OHS/COU of the V/T's complete
travel itinerary to the United States by fax or cable prior to the
V/T's departure. The communication should include a copy of the
travel authorization, stating the cost of the airfare, and the amount
of emergency leave and travel allowance actually disbursed to the
V/T. OHS/COU will notify the family of the V/T's estimated time of
arrival.
6.3.3 V/T Communication with OHS/COU
V/Ts must keep OHS/COU informed about the family medical
emergency and their whereabouts in the United States during the
emergency leave and during any authorized extensions. Each V/T
should be instructed to contact OHS/COU within three working days
after arrival in the United States.
6.3.4 Travel After Arrival at Site of Emergency
Post will issue the V/T a travel authorization and a ticket to (and
usually from) the site of the family emergency. If, after arrival at
the location of the emergency, it is necessary for the V/T to travel
to another location, for reasons directly related to the family
emergency, OHS/COU may authorize such travel.
6.4 Emergency Leave Duration
Emergency leave is limited to a maximum of 14 days, plus travel
time. See paragraph 6.6 for information about extensions to
emergency leave.
During pre-service training, because it is of short duration and is
considered crucial to a Volunteer's effective service, extended
absence from a training program may not be advisable. Although
OHS/COU may authorize 14 days' emergency leave, the Country
Director and training director have the authority to set a shorter
limit to the number of days a Trainee may be absent from a
training program. In some cases, it may be necessary for a Trainee
to resign from Peace Corps and re-enter training at a later time.
6.5 Volunteer Allowances During Emergency
Leave
6.5.1 Emergency Leave Allowance
During emergency leave, V/Ts are entitled to receive the current
authorized leave allowance for each day of leave actually used
(maximum of 14 days, excluding travel time) and an en route
allowance to be charged to OHS/COU. See MS 221, Volunteer
Allowances.
Country Directors should normally disburse 14 days' emergency
leave allowance and the en route allowance to the V/T before
departure from the host country. If all of the allowance is not
disbursed, this fact should be noted in the itinerary fax or cable
which is sent per paragraph 6.3.2 above.
6.5.2 Refund of Unused Emergency Leave Allowance
V/Ts must return the allowance for any day of the emergency
leave that is not actually taken.
6.5.3 Reimbursement for Extraordinary Expenses
V/Ts are expected to stay with family and friends during
emergency leave. With the prior approval of OHS/COU, V/Ts who
incur extraordinary expenses for food and lodging during the first
14 days of emergency leave (e. g., if circumstances preclude
lodging with family or friends) may be reimbursed for expenses
incurred, upon presentation of proof of actual cost to OHS/COU.
Such reimbursements shall not exceed the staff per diem
authorized for that location.
6.5.4 Living Allowance
The V/T will continue to receive the normal living allowance during
emergency leave (excluding any extension period) and during
travel time. Payment of the living allowance during an extension
depends on the type of extension authorized (see paragraphs 6.6,
4.0, and 6.5).
6.6 Extensions
6.6.1 First Extension
After confirming a continuing medical emergency, OHS/COU may
authorize, with the concurrence of the Country Director, an
extension of 14 days' additional leave to be charged to accrued
annual leave (see paragraph 4.0) or to leave without allowance
(LWOA) (see paragraph 6.5). Although Volunteers may have
accrued annual leave, they may not use such leave for an
extension of the emergency leave without prior approval of
OHS/COU and the Country Director. Extensions should only be
granted if warranted by the family medical emergency.
6.6.2 Further Extensions
The V/T is expected to return within a reasonable time after the
family medical emergency is resolved. Generally, a V/T who needs
more than 28 days to resolve a family medical emergency should
consider resignation (see paragraph 6.10). Under extraordinary
circumstances (usually involving a terminal illness where the
attending physician confirms that life expectancy is short and death
could occur at any time), OHS/COU may authorize, with the
concurrence of the Country Director, further extensions to be
charged to accrued annual leave or LWOA.
6.6.3 Limitations
An authorized extension requires the Country Director's
confirmation that a Volunteer's continued absence will not have an
undue adverse effect on the Volunteer's project or Peace Corps'
effectiveness in the host country or that a Trainee's continued
absence will not adversely affect his/her training.
Under no circumstances may the combined emergency leave and
extensions, excluding travel time, exceed 60 days.
6.7 Travel for V/T Spouse and Children
The Peace Corps will generally provide travel and allowances only
for the affected V/T. However, in the case of a V/T married to
another V/T, the Country Director may authorize, with the
concurrence of OHS/COU, emergency leave for an accompanying
spouse and/or child. In authorizing emergency leave for a V/T
spouse, the Country Director should consider the effect on the
accompanying spouse's training or project, the site situation, and
other relevant factors. Authorization for a child to accompany the
V/T should be based on the needs of the child. The travel and
emergency leave allowance (travel only for a child) are charged to
OHS/COU.

The Peace Corps will not pay the travel expenses of an
accompanying spouse who is not a V/T.
6.8 Multiple Leaves for Family Medical
Emergencies
No more than one emergency leave may be granted in connection
with the same family medical emergency. For purposes of granting
emergency leave, the death of a family member whose injury or
illness occasioned one emergency leave is regarded as a different
family medical emergency.
V/Ts who return to their assignments following an emergency leave
and who later feel obligated to take additional leave for the same
family medical emergency may:
(a) Request annual leave in accordance with the guidelines
specified by the Country Director.
(b) Request leave without allowance (LWOA), with appropriate
discontinuance of the readjustment and living allowances.
(c) Resign from the Peace Corps to return home permanently.
If either annual leave or LWOA is approved, the V/T is responsible
for all transportation costs. In the event of the family member's
death, a V/T who is on annual leave or LWOA to attend to that
family member's illness or injury, may be retroactively authorized
emergency leave by OHS/COU and reimbursed for travel provided
the travel meets the requirements of the "Fly America Act" for
reimbursement.
6.9 Advance of Completion of Service (COS)
OHS/COU will normally advance the COS date of a Volunteer who
begins an emergency leave within 90 days of his/her established
COS --unless the Country Director determines that there are
compelling programmatic reasons for returning the Volunteer to
the host country. See MS 281, Completion of Service Date
Advancement and Extension of Service.
6.10 Resignation
V/Ts on emergency leave who need additional time at home to
meet personal responsibilities should consider resigning from Peace
Corps service (see MS 284, Early Termination of Service). A V/T in-
country who has been denied emergency leave may discuss with
his/her Country Director the possibility of using annual leave,
taking LWOA, or resigning.
Eligibility for reinstatement after resignation is governed by MS
282, Transfer, Reassignment, Reinstatement, Reenrollment of
Trainees and Volunteers.
7.0 Other Types of Leave
7.1 Special Leave
A Volunteer who extends service for a year or more (by one or
more extensions) is entitled to 30 days of special leave. See MS
281, Completion of Service Date Advancement and Extension of
Service, for more information.
7.2 Holidays and Host Country Vacation Periods
Volunteers may be excused, according to Post policy, from work on
holidays during which their host country counterparts do not work.
Volunteers are not ordinarily excused from work on U.S. holidays,
which are not observed by their co-workers. During host country
vacation periods, Volunteers, unless otherwise permitted in this
manual section, are expected to take annual leave or use this time
to work on Peace Corps activities.
7.3 Maternity Leave
If the V/T is approved to continue service, the V/T may be granted
45 days of maternity leave with full allowances. She may elect to
take the leave at any time before or after the birth or both. She
also may elect to use some, or all, or her accrued annual leave for
this period. After the 45-day maternity leave is expired, the CD
may grant up to 45 days of additional maternity leave at the V/T's
request. The decision to grant this additional leave must be based
on programmatic considerations balanced against the needs of the
mother.
7.4 Leave for Professional or Academic
Examinations
Volunteers who leave their sites to take examinations relating to
post-service activities may be authorized up to three days'
administrative leave during which time the living allowance and
readjustment allowance will continue but no other allowances will
be paid or authorized. Examples of such exams are LSAT, MCAT,
GRE and the Foreign Service Exam. Any absence beyond three
days will be charged to annual leave or LWOA.
7.5 Leave Without Allowance (LWOA)
V/Ts who must be absent from their training or project site for
personal reasons may be placed in LWOA status for up to 30 days
at the discretion of the Country Director, who may also approve an
extension up to an additional 30 days. The Country Director's
decision must be based on a determination that a Trainee's
absence will not adversely affect his/her training, or that a
Volunteer's absence will not adversely affect the Volunteer's project
unduly or Peace Corps' effectiveness in the host country.

LWOA status must be reported to Volunteer and PSC Services
(CFO/VPS) by the Country Director on Form PC-440, Notice of
Volunteer-Trainee Action. In LWOA status, V/Ts do not accrue
readjustment allowance nor receive other allowances, except for a
portion of the living allowance which may be continued if needed
to meet on-going expenses at the assigned site (e. g., rent or
electric bill).
In extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the Regional
Director, after any authorized period of administrative hold expires,
a V/T who has applied for a transfer or transfer/extension may be
placed on LWOA for up to 30 days. In these situations, the
Regional Director may also approve extensions of LWOA up to an
additional 30 days.
leave.
8.0 Volunteer/Trainee Hold
8.1 Medical Hold
Medical hold is a non-duty status to which a V/T is assigned
because of an unresolved medical condition. V/Ts who are outside
the country of assignment may be placed on medical hold as
necessary and appropriate by the office of Medical Services
(OHS/MS) for a maximum of 45 days. See MS 221, Volunteer
Allowances, for information on medical hold allowances.
medical hold.
8.2 Administrative Hold
V/Ts whose departure for overseas duty, return to overseas duty,
or transfer to another country of assignment is delayed for the
convenience of the Peace Corps may, with the authorization of the
Regional Director, be placed on administrative hold for a period not
to exceed 60 days.
administrative hold.
8.2.1 Return Transportation to Home of Record (HOR)
With the authorization of the Regional Director, Peace Corps will
provide transportation to the HOR and to any subsequent country
of assignment for V/Ts who are sent home during an administrative
hold period.
8.2.2 Allowances During Administrative Hold
During the period of administrative hold, the living allowance will
be discontinued. See MS 221, Volunteer Allowances, for hold
allowance information.
9.0 Effective Date
This manual section shall become effective on the date of issuance.

Attachment A
MS 220
12/3/2007

Below is a sample Country Specific Whereabouts Notification and Annual
Leave Directive. Individual country directives will vary by need.

Peace Corps [name of Country]

General Statement
Peace Corps [name of country] has made a commitment to the government and people of [name
of country/post] to provide technical assistance and exposure to the culture of Americans.
Because Volunteers are promoting the three goals of Peace Corps 24 hours, 7 days a week,
Volunteers are strongly encouraged to spend as much time in their communities as possible to
enable Volunteers to meet Peace Corps goals.

From experience, we know that Volunteers who frequently leave their communities lose the
confidence of counterparts and community members, lose contact with the activities of the
community, and minimize language learning. Absenteeism has an adverse impact on
effectiveness and job satisfaction. Moreover, Volunteers who are frequently out of their
communities create a negative image for Peace Corps in [name of country/post] and make it
more difficult for other Volunteers to gain the respect of their communities and host country
agency counterparts.

Time Away from Community [specific procedures should be adapted to individual country
situations]

For security and communication reasons (e.g., emergencies back home), Volunteers are required
to inform the Peace Corps office any time (including official Peace Corps events) they will not
be spending the night in their communities. This can be done by telephone or e-mail to the out-
of-community box. Failure to notify the out-of-community box prior to spending the night out
of the community will result in disciplinary action up to and including administrative separation.
The only exception to this rule is where the Volunteer is spending the night in an area within
walking distance of his/her community and where there is no telephone service available. In this
case, the Volunteer must be sure to inform the persons identified on the site locator form of
his/her whereabouts.

Reasons for Spending Time Away from the Community
In certain cases, Volunteers will be asked by [name of country/PC/XXX ]to leave their
communities, e.g., quarterly regional meetings, in-service training activities. In other cases,
personal business or work might require short absences. In all absences, in addition to the out-
of-community box, the Volunteer must notify counterparts in the community and in the host
country agencies, where applicable, in case an emergency occurs.

Attachment A
MS 220
12/3/2007

Reasons include:
(a) Medical. Volunteers may leave their communities to seek medical attention and care
and to comply with medical requirements. In this situation, it is expected that
Volunteers will be in communication with the Peace Corps [name of country/post]
Medical Office, prior to leaving the community;

(b) PC [country or post name] Required Activities (In-Service Training, Quarterly
Regional Meetings, Conferences). To strengthen Volunteer skills [name of
country/post] offers in-service training workshops and conferences where attendance
may be required or encouraged.

(c) Job-related. There are cases when a PCV may be invited to attend work-related
activities in other locations. For example, a host country agency might invite the
Volunteer to attend special meetings or events. Volunteers may need to leave their
communities to purchase materials, look for information, borrow necessary equipment,
or investigate resources availability for projects. Volunteers should always notify their
APCD prior to leaving their site for a work-related activity when it is expected to take
more than three days. (Specific country conditions might slightly alter this time frame.)

(d) PCV Assistance. Volunteers may be permitted to help other Volunteers with projects
in other communities. However, if the visit is more than three days, the PCV must
notify his or her APCD/Project Manager of plans prior to making the trip.

(e) Personal Business. Volunteers need occasional days away from their communities to
take care of personal needs. However, such breaks should be taken only infrequently
and when necessary, and these absences should not be abused. Volunteers are expected
to notify their APCD/Project Manager if the absence will be for more than three days.

(f) Vacation (Annual) Leave. Vacation (Annual) Leave provides Volunteers the
opportunity to increase their understanding of the host country and region, while
allowing time for rest and relaxation. This might include, for example, visits with
friends or family to in-country tourist sites.

Annual Leave Allowance and Restriction. Volunteers accrue vacation (annual) leave at the
rate of two days for each month of service and receive $24.00 / month allowance. Vacation leave
requests must be submitted in advance to the APCD for approval. Vacation leave should not be
taken during the first and last three months of service, unless approved by the Country Director
or in cases of authorized emergency leave.

Disciplinary Actions
The reason for these policies is to ensure that we are fulfilling our commitment to serve the
people of [name of post/country], that your experience is as full and rewarding as possible, and
that we are able to locate you for safety and security reasons or in the event of an emergency.
Attachment A
MS 220
12/3/2007

Therefore, we all must take these policies very seriously. All violations will be subject to
disciplinary actions up to and including immediate separation from the Peace Corps.

Quick Reference for the Checking-in Rules (Example)

Any time that you do not sleep in your community (unless you are in walking distance and
there is no phone service), you are required to log in to the out-of-community box. To log
in, you must state where you will be, how you can be reached, and the dates you will be out.
Logging in is your responsibility and should be done as soon as you are out of your community.
To login you may do any one of the following:

1. During office hours (8 am - 5 pm) you may call collect and login through the administrative
clerk, or
2. After hours and on weekends you may leave a message in the out-of-community box, [name
of post/country], or
3. You may log yourself in the out-of-community book in the reception area in the office, or
4. You may email to out_of_community@ [name of post/country.peacecorps.gov]

Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including
administrative separation.

The purpose of this policy is to be able to locate you in case of an emergency or a safety and
security issue. We will not use it to monitor your days away from the community. Please notify
your APCD if you are to be out of your community more than three days.

We take our responsibility seriously to notify you immediately if there is an emergency in your
family or if there is an issue affecting your safety or security. PC/Washingtonand often your
families--expect us to know where you are at all times. We need your cooperation to do this.

1

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL

MEMORANDUM

To: All Staff

From: Tyler S. Posey, General Counsel
Suzanne B. Glasow, Associate General Counsel

Date: December 3, 2007

Subject: Revisions to MS 220, Leave for Volunteers/Trainees and related revisions
to MS 270, Volunteer/Trainee Safety and Security

On November 11, 2007, the Director approved, and on December 3, 2007, the Peace
Corps issued revisions to MS 220, Leave for Volunteers/Trainees (V/Ts) and related
revisions to MS 270, Volunteer/Trainee Safety and Security.

Background
In 2003, an out-of-site policy was added to this manual section and for the first time,
the word site was introduced into the leave policies. The out-of-site policy was added
for safety and security reasons with the intent to ensure that the post was able to know the
whereabouts of the Volunteers/Trainees (V/Ts) in case of emergencies.

Experience has found that posts have in some cases used the use of the term site with
finite measures of leave. In addition, there has been confusion about what constitutes
leave versus, for example, traveling on Peace Corps business or taking time away from
the community for certain personal needs.

Description of Changes
The revisions to this manual section are intended to rectify and clarify the Agencys
policies on V/T leave and to introduce a new whereabouts policy both in this manual
section and MS 270, Volunteer/Trainee Safety and Security. The revisions are as follows:

(a) A definition of leave has been added and what does not constitute leave is
clarified;

(b) The term site is replaced by the term community in the manual section;

(c) The out-of-site policy is deleted;

2
(d) A whereabouts provision is added that requires posts to have a written
whereabouts policy (based on MS 270) and an annual leave policy (posts and
Volunteers shall annually review and comment on both policies);

(e) References to related policies are added (see Interim Policy Statement 5-05 and
MS 450);

(f) A new exception to the timing of annual leave is added that permits the Country
Director to approve leave under special circumstances; and

(g) A sample post whereabouts notification and annual leave directive is added, see
Attachment A.

Contact Information. If there are any questions regarding the new policy, contact the
Office of Safety and Security or the applicable Region. Posts that cannot access the
Intranet should send an e-mail to the Office of the General Counsel and they will be
provided with copies of the revised manual section via an alternate method.

Instruction. Each Peace Corps office and post should print this policy, including the
issuance memo, for inclusion in their Peace Corps Manual binders for use when
electronic systems are unavailable.


MEMORANDUM

To: All Staff


Date: August 1, 2008

Subject: Revisions to MS 220, Leave for Volunteers/Trainees

On July 31, 2008, the Director approved, and on August 1, 2008, the Peace Corps issued revisions
to MS 220, Leave for Volunteers/Trainees.

The revisions to paragraphs 4.0 and 7.2 of MS 220 are intended to ensure that the policies regarding
Volunteers annual leave are consistent, clear, and equitable. Added provisions are intended to
reconcile some of the many variations in how different overseas posts have come to calculate a
Volunteers annual leave. The revisions also make technical corrections to clarify the differences
between annual leave and Volunteers Whereabouts Requirements and Time Away from
Community policies.

Contact Information. If there are any questions regarding the new policy, contact the Africa,
EMA, or IAP Region. Posts that cannot access the Intranet should send an e-mail to Office of the
General Counsel and they will be provided with copies of the revised manual section via an alternate
method.

Instruction. Each Peace Corps office and post should print this policy, including the issuance
memo, for inclusion in their Peace Corps Manual binders for use when electronic systems are
unavailable.
Memorandum to All Staff
To: All Staff
From: Anne Passmore, Senior Policy Committee
Secretary
Date: May 24, 2012
Subject: Revisions to Manual Section 220 Leave for
Volunteers/Trainees and Rescission of IPS 5-05
Restrictions on Volunteer Travel Destinations

On May 24, 2012, the Director approved and on May 25, 2012, the
Peace Corps issued revisions to MS 220 Leave for
Volunteers/Trainees. The revisions merge IPS 5-05 Restrictions on
Volunteer Travel Destinations into MS 220 and make the following
modifications to the policy in the IPS:
Add a provision stating that the Country Director is
responsible for identifying the parts of the country that are
off-limits for travel by Volunteers/Trainees and they are
responsible for complying with such limitations.
Require that Country Directors must limit travel to
destinations that the Associate Director of Safety and
Security has restricted travel because of the significant risk
to the safety and security of Volunteers/Trainees or other
significant government interests.
State that the Country Directors must limit travel to a
particular destination if the applicable Peace Corps Medical
Officer or the Office of Volunteer Support has determined
that travel to the destination would pose a serious health risk
to Volunteers/Trainees or others.
Upon issuance of these revisions, IPS 5-05 Restrictions on
Volunteer Travel Destinations will be rescinded.
Contact Information If there are any questions regarding the
new policy, contact the Office of the General Counsel. Posts that
cannot access the intranet should send an e-mail to
policy@peacecorps.gov and copies of the revised manual section
will be provided.
Instructions Each Peace Corps office and post should ensure
that a back-up copy of this policy, including the issuance memo, is
available for use when electronic systems are unavailable.
MS 221 Volunteer Allowances

Supersedes: 11/22/11; 7/25/2008; 6/20/07; 08/29/06;
08/10/93; 4/15/87; 7/17/84; 7/18/83
Responsible Offices: Office of the Chief Financial Officer; Office
of Global Operations

Table of Contents
Issuance Memo 5/30/2013
Issuance Memo
Attachments

Table of Contents
1.0 Purpose
2.0 Authority
3.0 Definitions
4.0 Settling-in Allowance
4.1 Policy
4.2 Amount of Settling-in Allowance
4.3 Ownership of Items Purchased with Settling-in Allowance
5.0 Volunteer Living Allowance
5.1 Policy
5.2 Base Living Allowance Categories
5.3 Supplemental Living Allowance Categories
5.4 Special Living Allowances
5.5 Payment Schedule
5.6 Payment Currency
5.7 Determining Payment Amounts
5.7.1 Volunteer Living Allowance Survey
5.7.2 Market Basket Survey
5.7.3 Living Allowance Increases/Decreases
5.7.4 Effective Date and Retroactive Application
5.7.5 Temporary Increases
5.8 Partial Payment for Close of Service Volunteers
5.9 Overpayments
5.10 Deductions from the Living Allowance
5.11 Payment of Living Allowance to Volunteers on Medevac
or Medical Hold
5.12 Payment of Living Allowances to Volunteers on
Emergency Leave
5.13 Discontinuation of Living Allowance during
Administrative Hold
5.14 Payment of Living Allowance to Volunteers on Special
Leave
6.0 Living Allowance Payment
6.1 Documentation of Consolidated Payments to a Bank or
Postal Facility
6.2 Changes to the Multiple Payment List
6.3 Reconciliation of Amounts Paid
6.4 Close-out of Volunteer Accounts
7.0 Annual Leave Allowances
8.0 Travel Allowances
8.1 In-Country Travel Allowance
8.2 En-Route Allowance
8.3 Travel Restrictions and Limitations
9.0 Daily Allowances
9.1 Daily Allowances in the United States
9.1.1 Current Rates
9.1.2 Administrative or Medical Hold
9.1.3 Emergency Leave
9.1.4 Special Leave Allowance
9.1.5 Medevacs to the United States
9.1.6 Other Daily Allowances for Volunteers while in the
United States
9.2 Daily Allowances in Third Countries
10.0 Evacuation Allowance
10.1 Policy
10.2 Amount
10.3 Limitations
11.0 Reporting a Crime
12.0 Effective Date
Attachments
Attachment A Settling-in Allowance Volunteer Survey
Attachment B Analysis and Request for Change in Settling-In Allowance
Attachment C Bank/Postal Facility Authorization
Attachment D Memorandum of Agreement

Exhibit A: Volunteer Allowances
Exhibit B: Trainee and Peace Corps Response Allowance Rates
1.0 Purpose
This Manual Section sets out the policies governing Peace Corps
Volunteers' settling-in, living, daily, travel, annual leave, and
evacuation allowances. Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCVRs)
are entitled to the same allowances authorized under this Manual
Section as other Volunteers in similar situations unless otherwise
noted. Procedures implementing these policies are set forth in
Chapter 2 of the Overseas Financial Management Handbook
(OFMH).
2.0 Authority
Peace Corps Act, Section 5.
3.0 Definitions
3.1 Settling- in Allowances are allowances paid to newly assigned
Volunteers for necessary housing supplies and equipment. See
Section 4.0.
3.2 Living Allowances are allowances paid to Volunteers for their
support while in their country of assignment. They consist of base
living allowances, supplemental living allowances and /or special
living allowances. See Sections 5.0 and 6.0.
3.3 Annual Leave Allowances are allowances paid to Volunteers
for annual leave expenses. See Section 7.0.
3.4 Travel Allowances are allowances paid to Volunteers to cover
the cost of official travel in the country of assignment or travel
outside their country of assignment. See Section 8.0.
3.5 Daily Allowances are allowances paid to Volunteers on
approved travel to cover the cost of meals, lodging, and/or
incidental expenses after arrival at a location outside their country
of assignment. Daily allowances are paid to Volunteers on
administrative or medical hold status, on emergency or special
leave, or on other approved travel status. See Section 9.0.
3.6 Evacuation Allowances are allowances paid to Volunteers
who are terminated within six months of their enter-on-duty date
due to an evacuation or unplanned suspension of a country
program. See Section 10.0.
4.0 Settling-in Allowance
4.1 Policy
Upon initial site assignment, Volunteers are provided a settling-in
allowance to purchase necessary housing supplies and equipment.
This allows them to be involved immediately in their communities
and gives them freedom to manage their own affairs. Volunteers
are encouraged to purchase items available locally and to restrict
their purchases to genuine needs. If a Volunteer is reassigned to
another location, an additional settling-in allowance may be
authorized if the Country Director believes it is justified.
4.2 Amount of Settling-in Allowance
In order to determine the appropriate amount of the settling-in
allowance, the post must conduct surveys on the prices and items
commonly purchased by Volunteers with the allowance for each
incoming group of Volunteers. The survey process requires
Volunteers to complete the Settling-in Allowance Volunteer Survey
(see Attachment A) within three months after receipt of the
allowance. The Country Director must analyze the results of the
survey within 90 days of receipt of the survey and determine
whether an increase or decrease in the amount is justified for the
next group of Volunteers.
The Country Director may grant increases not to exceed 10 percent
per fiscal year if the increase can be covered within approved
budget authority. If the post cannot cover the increase, the
Country Director must justify the increase by filling out Attachment
B, Analysis and Request for Change in Settling-in Allowances and
request additional funding from the Regional Director.
All increases over 10 percent per fiscal year must be approved by
the Regional Director. To justify such increases, the Country
Director must submit Attachment B. A survey response rate of a
minimum of 75 percent is required to support an increase greater
than 10 percent. The Country Director must also conduct an
independent price survey, which gathers data from Peace Corps
staff, host country representatives, available host country statistics,
and information from the Volunteer Survey. The independent
survey may consist of spot checks of prices of items, but it must
be comprehensive enough to provide verification of price trends
and support the analysis of the Volunteer Survey.
4.3 Ownership of Items Purchased with Settling-
in Allowance
Supplies and equipment purchased with the settling-in allowance
become the Volunteer's personal property. When Volunteers
complete their tours, they should be asked by the Country Director
to donate items in usable condition to appropriate institutions, such
as schools, hospitals, other Volunteers, or the Peace Corps.

5.0 Volunteer Living Allowance
5.1 Policy
Volunteers are entitled to a living allowance in order that they may
serve effectively and safely overseas. It is Peace Corps policy that
Volunteers live modestly by the standards of the people they
serve, yet not in a manner that would endanger their health or
safety. Living allowances should be based on local living standards
and costs and will thus vary among, and sometimes within,
countries.
Each post should establish a base living allowance according to the
categories outlined in Section 5.2. Supplements to the base living
allowance may be added on a per Volunteer basis to cover
housing, utilities, locality supplements, and Peace Corps Volunteer
Leader supplements, as detailed in Section 5.3.
PCRVs receive a living allowance similar to other Volunteers in that
country. Post may use an existing Volunteer survey to determine a
PCRV living allowance or conduct a new survey if necessary.
5.2 Base Living Allowance Categories
The base living allowance is comprised of the following categories:

(a) Food. While the Volunteer is at site, to support a nutritious and
varied diet with reliance on locally available food. This category
includes contributions to host families for food, if applicable;

(b) Household Supplies. Includes expendable items, such as
cleaning supplies, soap and paper goods.

(c) Communication. Includes local telephone calls, postage,
internet connectivity, and reading materials.

(d) Clothing. Includes provision for normal clothing replacement,
consistent with wear and tear and climatic conditions.

(e) Local Transportation. Includes travel costs to and from work
and home. It does not include travel for medical or PC
administrative reasons, which are paid through a travel allowance
or reimbursed separately.

(f) Personal Sundries. Includes expenses for personal items such
as toiletries, etc.

(g) Discretionary Items. Includes expenses for moderately priced
local restaurants, recreation, entertainment, and incidentals.

5.3 Supplemental Living Allowance Categories
The supplemental living allowances include:

(a) Housing. Only if the host government or local sponsor has not
provided housing to the Volunteer. The housing should be
consistent with local conditions and the housing of the people
served.

(b) Utilities. Only if utilities are not provided by the host
government or local sponsor or included in the house rent. Utilities
include water, gas, kerosene, coal, electricity, etc. as available at
the Volunteer's site.

(c) Locality Supplement. Supplements the base living allowance
for any regional cost differences, as determined through the living
allowance survey described in Section 5.7.

(d) Peace Corps Volunteer Leader Supplement. Supplement
covers additional expenses that a Volunteer Leader may incur, such
as telephone services or supplies.

5.4 Special Living Allowances
(a) Guard Service. The Peace Corps does not normally encourage
the use of, or pay the cost of, guard services for Volunteer
residences or property. However, when a Country Director
determines, in consultation with the Regional Director and the
Office of Safety and Security, that the welfare of Volunteers is
jeopardized during periods of insurrection, terrorism, civil disorders,
or high rates of crime, the Country Director may authorize guard
service for Volunteer residences for periods not to exceed 120
days. Requests in excess of 120 days, but not to exceed one year,
may be authorized by the Regional Director.

The Country Director should also obtain the advice of the Office of
Safety and Security before final plans are made. When such
services have been authorized, the Country Director may pay a
special allowance to Volunteers to cover costs of hiring guards or
the Country Director may contract for such services.

(b) Head of Household Volunteers. In order for Head of
Household Volunteers (Volunteers whose minor children live with
them in-country during Peace Corps service) to serve effectively,
the Country Director may authorize reimbursement for day care, or
pre-elementary schooling for children. Such reimbursement may be
in the form of a supplement to the living allowance or as a periodic
reimbursement upon submission of receipts for authorized
expenses. On a case-by-case basis, the Country Director may
authorize a dependent child a living allowance supplement for Head
of Household Volunteers. The supplement shall pay only for the
dependent child's dietary requirements and appropriate clothing.
The birth of a child should be documented on the appropriate form
which is sent to the Volunteer Financial Office.

5.5 Payment Schedule
The living allowance must be paid on a monthly basis unless an
exception to this policy is approved in advance by the Chief
Financial Officer (CFO) in consultation with the relevant Regional
Director. The exception waiver is given on an annual basis and
must be renewed annually, with a new request from the Country
Director.

5.6 Payment Currency
Allowances are budgeted, obligated, and paid in the currency of the
host country. Any exception to this policy should be approved in
advance by the CFO in consultation with the relevant Regional
Director.

5.7 Determining Payment Amounts
Posts shall conduct surveys to justify and determine changes to
the amount of the living allowance.

5.7.1 Volunteer Living Allowance Survey
At least annually, the post must conduct a living allowance survey
of the Volunteers, using the survey and analysis software issued by
the Office of the CFO. This survey is intended to help the Country
Director determine the most appropriate level of goods and
services needed to ensure the health and effective service of
Volunteers, and to determine if a different locality supplement is
warranted for a particular site type or location.

The living allowance survey must collect data for each of the base
living allowance categories in Section 5.2. The survey data should
represent costs in a typical month and include item name,
quantity, unit, and cost. The survey must capture the Volunteer's
name and site. The data from the returned surveys should be
aggregated and analyzed by the staff. For analysis of the survey
data and determination of the appropriate allowance level for each
category, the median amount determined by the survey shall be
used.

5.7.2 Market Basket Survey
To verify living allowance survey submissions, a market basket
survey must be conducted by staff. A market basket survey
consists of selected staple items commonly appearing on the living
allowance survey from each allowance category and should be
priced by staff in multiple locations. If there are locality
supplements being paid to some Volunteers, it is recommended
that a separate market basket survey be conducted in each locality.
The market basket survey is to be used as a guide to validate the
cost data on the living allowance survey submissions. Large
differences in prices between the market basket items and the
volunteer allowance submissions should be reviewed by post during
the analysis of the surveys and adjusted, if necessary.

5.7.3 Living Allowance Increases/Decreases
Increases or decreases to the base living allowance must be based
on the findings of the Volunteer living allowance survey, as
supported by the market basket survey, after elimination of
seasonal fluctuations and other temporary influences. The Country
Director may grant increases to the living allowance with
concurrence of the Regional Director. A minimum Volunteer survey
response rate of 75 percent is required to support an increase
greater than 10 percent .
5.7.4 Effective Date and Retroactive Application
Living allowance increases become effective with the allowance
payment following the approval of the Region. The Country
Director may approve a single retroactive payment to cover the
lapsed period from completion of the Volunteer survey to the
effective date of the increase, subject to the availability of funds.
5.7.5 Temporary Increases
In an emergency situation, the Country Director, with concurrence
from the Regional Director, may authorize a temporary increase in
the living allowance. Temporary increases are limited to a 90-day
period. An emergency situation is characterized by a rapid decline
in the purchasing power of the local currency caused by such
situations as a sudden devaluation of the currency by the host
country or an extraordinarily rapid rise in inflation, which adversely
affects the health and safety of the Volunteers. A temporary
increase must be supported by a living allowance survey within 90
days after the effective date of the increase. An increase shall
become permanent based on the survey results, consistent with
Section 5.7.3. If no survey is conducted, the living allowance shall,
at the end of the 90-day period, revert to the prior living
allowance.

5.8 Partial Payment for Close of Service
Volunteers
Payments for close-of-service Volunteers must be adjusted before
the final payment is authorized to ensure that the living allowance
payments cover only the number of days the Volunteer served. In
those cases where the termination date of an early termination is
known in advance, calculation of the final living allowance payment
must also be adjusted to cover through the last day of service.
Where information is not known in advance, the overpayment must
be collected from the Volunteer or deducted from the Volunteers
Readjustment Allowance. (See MS 223, Volunteer/Trainee
Readjustment Allowance).
5.9 Overpayments at End of Service
At the time of a Volunteer's departure from post, any
overpayments of in-country Volunteer allowances must be collected
directly from the Volunteer or from the Volunteers in-country bank
account. Overpayments should be recovered by the Collections
Officer at the post, who must issue a receipt upon payment.
If direct collection is not possible, the Administrative Officer must
request collection from the Volunteer's Readjustment Allowance.
(See MS 223 and MS 284, Early Termination of Service).
Authorization from the Volunteer to collect from the Readjustment
Allowance must be obtained on a signed Peace Corps Volunteer
Certificate of Non-Indebtedness and Accountability for Property
Form No. PC-477 . The signed PC-477 form must be kept on file at
post.

If the Volunteer is separated outside of the assigned country for
medical reasons, the Office of Health Services must obtain a signed
PC-477 form. The signed PC-477 form must be sent to Volunteer
and PSC Financial Services (CFO/VPS).
Collections that cannot be made from the Volunteer at post or from
the Readjustment Allowance will be pursued using the claims
procedures set out in MS 777, Billing and Collection Procedures,
Debts, and Claims.
5.10 Deductions from the Living Allowance
Debts that the Volunteer owes Peace Corps for mailing packages,
phone calls, etc. may be deducted from the living allowance.
Deductions should be made to the next living allowance to be
ordered and the Volunteer must be notified of the reason for the
deduction. If the Volunteer is at the end of his/her service and no
allowance payments remain, debts should be recovered using
normal billing and collection procedures at post.

5.11 Payment of Living Allowance to Volunteers
on Medevac or Medical Hold
A Volunteer who is on medevac (see MS 264 Medical Evacuation)
or on Medical Hold (see MS 220 Leave for Volunteers and
Trainees), but who will return to service within 45 days, continues
to receive a living allowance.
5.12 Payment of Living Allowances to Volunteers
on Emergency Leave
A Volunteer who is on Emergency Leave will continue to receive a
living allowance (see MS 220) during emergency leave (excluding
any extension period) and for travel time. Payment of the living
allowance during an extension depends on the type of extension
authorized.
Housing and utilities may continue to be paid as necessary during
any period of Leave without Allowance (see MS 220).
5.13 Discontinuation of Living Allowance during
Administrative Hold
The living allowance will be discontinued during a period of
administrative hold (see MS 220). Housing and utilities may
continue to be paid as necessary if the PCV is expected to return
to country.
5.14 Payment of Living Allowance to Volunteers
on Special Leave
Volunteers may receive a living allowance during periods of special
leave (see MS 281).
6.0 Living Allowance Payment
Living allowance payments must be made through the Volunteer
In-Country Allowance (VICA) payment system via an Electronic
Funds Transfer (EFT) directly to the Volunteer. Exceptions to this
practice must have the approval of the Director of CFO/VPS.
6.1 Volunteer Bank Accounts
The Country Director must arrange for Volunteers to open accounts
with one or more host country banks. If banks are not accessible
by the Volunteers, post should request approval from the Director
of CFO/VPS to use an in-country postal facility .
6.2 Consolidated Living Allowance Payments
If necessary, a consolidated payment system may be used to make
living allowance payments. Under this system, a check or EFT is
ordered at a bank or postal facility which will forward the funds on
to the Volunteers, based on a list provided by post. Any post with
authorization to process living allowance via a consolidated
payment system must execute a Memorandum of Agreement (see
Attachment D) with all banks involved. See the OFMH for
procedures on using this Agreement. Each Volunteer must complete
Attachment C which provides authorization to the bank to accept
funds on behalf of the Volunteer when payments are not issued
directly to the individual Volunteer.
Post must reconcile consolidated payments between ordered
amount and transferred amount, using the process in the OFMH.
The amount transferred may only be reduced for a Volunteer who
has early terminated; it may not be reduced to collect for a
Volunteer debt. Posts may not use the funds in the account of one
Volunteer to cover a reimbursement or increase for another
Volunteer. See the OFMH for the procedure to reduce the transfer
amount, if appropriate.
6.3 Close-out of Volunteer Accounts
The Peace Corps may neither pay an obligation incurred by a
Volunteer, nor act as a collection agency for a bank or postal
facility owed money by a former Volunteer, as noted in the
Memorandum of Agreement. It is the responsibility of the Volunteer
to close out his/her account with the bank or postal facility. This
information, including any forms, should be made available to
Volunteers by the Country Director so that the Volunteers may
take the necessary action, when required.
In some situations, such as early termination for medical reasons,
it is difficult for a Volunteer to close the account. In order to
address situations like this, the Country Director must confer with
the financial institution(s) concerning the procedures Volunteers
need to follow to close out their accounts in case of unexpected
departure.
7.0 Annual Leave Allowances
Volunteers are provided allowances for annual leave expenses.
Payment of a Volunteer's annual leave allowance will be included
with the payment of the living allowance in local currency.
However, if the host country prohibits conversion of its currency,
the Country Director, with concurrence of the CFO, may approve
an alternate procedure. See the OFMH for procedures.
8.0 Travel Allowances
8.1 In-Country Travel Allowance
Volunteers may receive a monthly travel allowance to provide for
in-country travel on official Peace Corps business. (See MS 218,
Applicant, Trainee and Volunteer Travel and Use of Hostels.)
8.2 En Route Allowance
Volunteers authorized to travel between their country of
assignment and the United States, or their country of assignment
and a third country, will receive en route travel allowance to cover
lodging as needed and incidental expenses while in transit. PCRVs
receive en route allowance to cover travel expenses between home
of record and country of assignment. The amount of the en route
allowance may vary according to the itinerary and number of
meals which must be purchased en route and current rates are
provided in the OFMH. However, the Regional Director may
authorize a higher amount in exceptional circumstances.
8.3 Return Travel Allowance and Cash-in-lieu
Allowance
As authorized in MS 218, Volunteers receive return transportation
to their home-of-record at the end of service. They also receive an
en route allowance, described above, and a baggage allowance, as
defined in MS 214, Volunteer/Trainee Baggage.
Volunteers receiving cash-in-lieu of return ticket, in accordance
with MS 218, are not entitled to receive baggage allowance, en
route allowance or other travel allowances.
A minor child born during Peace Corps service to a Volunteer and
who lives with the Volunteer during Peace Corps service will be
entitled to allowances and return airfare to the U.S. upon the
Volunteer's completion of services on the same bases as noted
above.
8. 4 Travel Restrictions and Limitations
Peace Corps has no authority to pay expenses that Volunteers
incur in their individual pursuit of future employment or educational
opportunities. Thus, Peace Corps will not provide transportation,
daily allowances, or travel allowances to Volunteers who travel
outside their countries of assignment to take examinations relating
to future employment or education. However, Volunteers who leave
their sites to take examinations relating to their post-Peace Corps
careers may take up to three days administrative leave. More than
three days' absence must be charged to annual leave or leave
without allowance. (See MS 220)
8.5 Departure Tax Allowance
Volunteers will receive an allowance to cover any applicable
departure taxes that may be charged when leaving the country of
service. This allowance will be paid on authorized emergency
travel, special leave, and for Close of Service/Early Termination
travel purchased by Peace Corps. Volunteers electing to take cash-
in-lieu do not qualify to receive a departure tax allowance.
9.0 Daily Allowances
9.1 Daily Allowances in the United States
9.1.1 Current Rates
Current rates for allowances in the United States are provided in
the OFMH.
9.1.2 Administrative or Medical Hold
A Volunteer with an unresolved medical condition who is outside
the country of assignment may be placed on medical hold by the
Office of Medical Services as necessary and appropriate for a
maximum of 45 days.
A Volunteer whose departure for overseas duty, return to overseas
duty, or transfer to another country of assignment is delayed for
the convenience of the Peace Corps, may be placed on
administrative hold by the Regional Director for a maximum of 60
days. (See MS 220 and MS 282.)
Volunteers on administrative or medical hold status receive a daily
allowance while in such status. Administrative or medical hold
allowances are authorized to be paid at the staging, or other
authorized site, or at the home-of-record. The amount of this
allowance varies, depending on whether the Volunteer is at his or
her home-of-record during the hold period or has had an
acceptable alternate housing arrangement authorized for the
period. (See MS 218 and MS 220)
The Regional Director may reduce the amount of allowances for
any period beyond 30 days if it appears that the total allowances
exceed the subsistence actually incurred by a Volunteer.
9.1.3 Emergency Leave
Volunteers on emergency leave receive an emergency daily leave
allowance for a maximum of 14 days. (See MS 220) This allowance
is usually disbursed by post from the imprest fund before the
Volunteer departs for travel to the site of the emergency.
9.1.4 Special Leave Allowance
Volunteers granted home leave in conjunction with an extension of
service receive a special daily leave allowance at the start of the
leave. (See MS 220 and MS 281, Completion of Service Date
Advancement and Extension of Service.)
9.1.5 Medevacs to the United States
Volunteers who are evacuated to the United States for medical
reasons receive a daily allowance, which varies in amount
depending on their destination and whether or not meals and
lodging are provided at U.S. government or commercial expense,
e.g., hospitals.
Volunteers receive the first three days of this allowance in U.S.
currency in-country prior to departure for the United States plus a
travel allowance in accordance with their itinerary. Daily allowances
for periods in excess of three days are processed by OCFO, based
upon the approval of the funding office.
9.1.6 Other Daily Allowances for Volunteers while in the
United States
Volunteers on other approved travel receive a daily allowance while
in the United States, which varies in amount depending on whether
or not meals and lodging are provided at U.S. government or
commercial expense and whether the Volunteer is at the home-of-
record or another site. These allowances are for:
(a) Consultation (including medical, termination, transfer, re-
enrollment, etc.); and
(b) Authorized extraordinary purposes.
9.2 Daily Allowances in Third Countries
Volunteers traveling in a third country, including non-Peace Corps
countries, for medical evacuations or for extraordinary purposes
will receive daily allowances as described in the OFMH.
10.0 Evacuation Allowance
An evacuation allowance will be paid to Volunteers who are
terminated within six months of their enter-on-duty date due to an
evacuation or unplanned suspension of a country program.
10.1 Policy
The Peace Corps provides an allowance to Volunteers who have
been terminated due to an evacuation or unplanned suspension
and did not have the opportunity to accumulate a minimum
amount of money through the Readjustment Allowance to support
themselves when they return to the U.S. or while going through
the re-enrollment process.
10.2 Amount
The amount paid to the Volunteer is calculated by CFO/VPS, based
on the number of months since the Volunteer's enter-on-duty
date. Generally, it is the difference between the gross amount of
readjustment allowance the Volunteer has earned and six months'
readjustment allowance at the current rate.
10.3 Limitations
Volunteers who continue their service uninterrupted in another
country (i.e., direct transfers) do not receive the evacuation
allowance. Volunteers who have served six months or more do not
qualify to receive an evacuation allowance.
11.0 Reporting a Crime
A Volunteer who is otherwise eligible for one or more allowances
set forth in this Manual Section will not lose and may not be
threatened with the loss of all or a portion of such allowance or
allowances because the Volunteer has reported a crime or
otherwise made any allegation covered by MS 271.
12.0 Effective Date
The effective date is the date of issuance.
TEMPLATE

MS 221
Attachment A
July 2008
Volunteer Name___________________________________

SETTLING-IN ALLOWANCE VOLUNTEER SURVEY

A. List items purchased with your settling-in allowance and actual cost to you.

ITEM (please list e.g., pillows, towels, etc)* COST
1. Bedding/linen

2. Kitchen supplies

3. Radio/tape recorder

4. Cleaning supplies

5. Appliances

6. Furniture

7. Home furnishings

8. Screens/security items

9. Tools

10. Other/misc*

TOTAL

B. Time period when items were purchased _______________

C. List items considered necessary but which were not purchased because of insufficient
funds (or purchased with own funds).

ITEM ESTIMATED
COST
1.
2.
3.
4.

Comments: ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

*Costs shown under Other/misc. should not exceed 20% of the total.
TEMPLATE

MS 221
Attachment B
July 2008

ANALYSIS AND REQUEST FOR CHANGE IN SETTLING-IN ALLOWANCE

A. Cost Survey
Volunteer Survey Independent Survey
Item*
Median Cost
Percent change
from last survey
Percent change from
last survey Last Survey This survey

Other/misc.**
Total

* List all items commonly included and allowed in the settling-in allowance (e.g., bed, bicycle, water filtration system, stove, etc.)
** Should not exceed 20 percent of total.
TEMPLATE

B. Percent of Volunteers completing the survey ________________%

C. Request:
Requested allowance _____________
Present allowance_____________
Difference_____________

D. Justification/Explanation
TEMPLATE

MS 221
Attachment C
July 2008

BANK/POSTAL FACILITY AUTHORIZATION

I, _______(Name of Volunteer)__________________________, hereby authorize and Empower
______(Name of Bank)__________________________to accept in my behalf and to my account
(#_____________________) any amounts paid to me by the United States Government under
section 5 (b) of the Peace Corps Act, as amended, in connection with my service as a Peace
Corps Volunteer.

Signed: _____________________________

______________________________
(Date)

1. Witnessed by:

__________________________________

__________________________________
(Date)

2. Witnessed by:

__________________________________
Country Director

__________________________________
(Date)

NOTE: One witness must be the Country Director or his or her designee.
MS 221
Attachment D
July 2008

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES PEACE CORPS AND
(NAME OF) BANK

The following agreement exists between the United States Peace Corps in (NAME OF
COUNTRY), hereafter referred to as Country, AND THE (NAME OF) Bank, hereafter referred
to as Bank.

1. The Bank will allow Peace Corps Trainees and Volunteers assigned to <Country> to open
checking accounts in the main branch and other branches. No minimum balance is required
to open this account.

2. Both parties to this agreement understand that the accounts established are the personal
accounts of the individual Trainee or Volunteer and that these individuals alone are
responsible to the Bank for all charges to their accounts.

3. The individual Trainee or Volunteer can appoint in writing another individual to withdraw
funds in an emergency consistent with Bank policy and procedures.

4. The Peace Corps accepts no responsibility for overdrafts of any charges levied against these
accounts.

5. The Peace Corps has the authority to deposit funds to these accounts. The method of
payment of monthly allowances to Trainees or Volunteers will be as follows:

A. The Peace Corps will request the United States Disbursing Officer (USDO) at the
Department of State Financial Service Center that services <Country> to issue a single
check payable to the Bank or authorize the transfer of funds from the USDOs
account to the Bank.
B. (1) The Peace Corps will provide a list of names of Trainees and/or Volunteers,
their account numbers, and the amounts to be credited to their individual
accounts in the name of the Bank.
(2) For those Trainees/Volunteers who have their accounts in other banks in
<Country>, the Peace Corps will provide a list of names, bank names, locations,
account numbers, and amounts to be credited to their individual accounts. The
Bank will arrange to transfer funds to these banks so that the individual Trainees
or Volunteers accounts will be credited by the first day of the subsequent
month.
C. In the event that a Trainee/Volunteer terminates his/her Peace Corps service between
the time the single check (transfer) is requested and the time the check is presented to
the Bank (or the time the transfer from the USDOs account to the Banks account is
actually made), in 30 days or less from the date the Trainee/Volunteer terminates
service, the Peace Corps Country Director will deliver a Memorandum (See template
below) to the Bank listing each name, bank/branch location, account number, and the
amount to be reduced or deleted from the original list and a Bill of Collection (BOC).
In no event will the Bank increase the amount stated on the original list or make
deposits to individual accounts not on the original list.
D. The Bank will return the total amount of funds on this change memorandum by Bank
check, made payable to the United States Disbursing Officer, with a copy of the
change memorandum and BOC to the Peace Corps cashier. The Peace Corps cashier
will apply the collection to the obligation used to issue the payment and issue a
General Receipt.
E. In no event will the Bank return these funds in cash or check to any other Peace Corps
employee, contractor, Volunteer, or Trainee.
F. Upon termination of a Trainees or Volunteers Peace Corps service in <Country>, it
will be that individuals responsibility to close his or her account.
NOTE: The following should be included if the Bank does not agree to provide this
service at no cost to the Peace Corps.
G. The Peace Corps agrees to pay the Bank service fees for the services described above.
The amount of the fees shall be agreed on in writing by both parties and will be paid
upon receipt of a proper invoice from the Bank.

Signature: __________________________ Date: ___________

Title: ______________________________

Signature: ___________________________ Date: ___________

MEMORANDUM
To: All Staff


Date: July 25, 2008

Subject: Revisions to MS 221, Volunteer Allowances

On July 22, 2008, the Director approved, and on July 25, 2008, the Peace Corps issued revisions to MS
221, Volunteer Allowances.

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Regions have conducted a full review of Volunteer
allowances for the purpose of streamlining and providing clarity and consistency in the administration
and payment of Volunteer allowances.

The major changes:
(a) Implement a new living allowance structure, which uses a base living allowance that applies to
all Volunteers and supplemental allowances to be applied as needed on a per Volunteer basis,
and renames and/or redefines living allowance categories;
(b) Establish a requirement for an annual waiver for posts not paying allowances monthly. After a
post has received initial waiver approval, the post must make subsequent annual waiver requests
to maintain the waiver;
(c) Adds a requirement that the Volunteer Living Allowance Survey must be done using an
automated tool provided by the OCFO rather than using the prior manual process. Further
information about the living allowance survey tool will be provided separately by OCFO;
(d) Provides posts authority to make deductions from living allowances to offset Volunteer debts
(phone calls, mailings, etc); and
(e) Removes redundant attachments.

Contact Information. If there are any questions regarding the new policy, contact the Office of the
Chief Financial Officer. Posts that cannot access the Intranet should send an e-mail to Office of the
General Counsel and they will be provided with copies of the revised manual section via an alternate
method.

Instruction. Each Peace Corps office and post should print this policy, including the issuance memo,
for inclusion in their Peace Corps Manual binders for use when electronic systems are unavailable.
Exhibit A
February 2010

VOLUNTEER ALLOWANCES
(SEE NOTES 11 AND 12)

TYPE AMOUNT TERMS MS
Administrative Hold
Allowance
$32.00 per day whether at HOR, Washington,
DC, or other U.S. location
Maximum of 60
days; must be
approved by the
RD
221
Also see MS
218; 220;
222; 282;
284
Emergency Leave
Allowance
DC, or other U.S. location
Note 1& 3 221
Also see MS
220
En Route Allowance $32.00 one time payment Note 2 221
Also see MS
222
Evacuation Allowance Note 3 221
Also See MS
222
In-Country Medical or
Administrative Hold
Allowance
Note 4 221
Also see MS
222
In-Country Travel
Allowance
CD may establish, on a per-trip or monthly
basis, a travel allowance for in-country travel
on official PC business. Allowance is based on
in-country assessments.
Notes 4 & 5 221
Also see MS
218 and MS
220
Leave Allowance $24.00 per month normally paid in local
currency with payment of living allowance
Note 6 221
Living Allowance As determined by the CD and approved by the
RD based on Annual Living Allowance Survey
at post
Notes 1, 5 & 7 221
Also see MS
223
Medevac to Regional
Medevac Point Allowance
The amount provided overseas is dependent on
the rate established by the CD at the regional
medevac point
Notes 3 & 4 221
Medical Hold or Medevac
Allowance
DC, or other location. The first (3) days of the
Medevac allowance is paid in U.S. currency by
the post prior to departure, plus the en route
allowance.
Maximum of 45
days; must be
approved by
VS/OMS
Note 8
221
Also see MS
218; 220;
222; 282;
284
Other Daily Allowances
while in the U.S.
$32.00 per day 221.9.1.6
Also see MS
222
- 2 -
Settling-In Allowance As determined by the CD and approved by the
RD based on the Settling-In Allowance Survey
completed by Volunteers
Note 9 221
Special Leave Allowance $12.00 per day for a maximum of 30 days
approved by the CD and paid in full prior start
of leave in accordance with standard payment
practices. (payments from imprest not normally
permitted)
Note 10 221
Also see MS
220; 218

Notes:
1. For PCVs on Emergency Leave, payment of living allowances will continue during the emergency
leave period and related travel time, but not during any extended period of leave. A maximum of 14
days may be approved by the CD and paid in full prior to departure from post.
2. En Route Allowance is provided to defray costs incurred during travel to/from the country of
assignment and the United States or to/from the country of assignment and a third country for
assignment, medevac, PC/W consultation, termination, transfer, re-enrollment, etc. PCVs receive a
single $32 allowance for the entire trip, regardless of duration of trip or number of layovers. The
Regional Directors or the directors of Peace Corps Response, OMS, or OSS (for medevac or medical
consultation), may authorize an increase in the En Route Allowance.
3. Daily rates outside of the allowances paid in the United States are as follows:
(a) If lodging and meals are provided at Peace Corps expense (which includes when a PCV is
hospitalized and where meals and lodging are provided at a U.S. government facility or by an
airline), the allowance is $5 per day for incidental expenses;
(b) If lodging only is provided at Peace Corps expense the allowance is $32 per day;
(c) If lodging and meals are not provided at Peace Corps expense, the allowance is $32 per day
plus lodging (the actual cost of the lodging may be paid up to the maximum amount authorized
for Peace Corps employees in the same country);
Medevacs: The first three days of the allowance is paid in U.S. currency by the post prior to departure,
plus the en route allowance.
Evacuation: The allowance is normally paid in local currency by the receiving post or USD in the U.S.
4. Payment of the Monthly Living Allowance to PCVs on medevac or medical hold will continue for up
to 45 days. Daily rates outside of the allowances in the country of assignment or a third country are as
follows:
a. Medevac
1. If hospitalized $5 per day and in accordance with the instructions issued by the Office of
Medical Services.
2. If not hospitalized Per diem rate for in-country PCVs as authorized by the host country
CD. For third country medevacs, the allowance is $32 per day. Daily rates in excess of this
amount for medevac or medical consultation require approval from OMS or OSS.
- 3 -
b. In-Country Administrative/Medical Hold Per diem rate is established by the CD not to
exceed the rate set for PC staff.
5. Partial payment for close of service, early termination, medical separation, or other circumstances
where a PCV terminates service before the end of the month must be prorated to cover the actual
number of days served during that last month of service. Calculations will be adjusted to cover up to
and including the last day of service.
6. Normally, PCVs Leave Allowance is paid monthly in local currency with the Living Allowance. In
situations where there is a prohibition by the host country on converting currency, or where the CD
determines it would be advantageous to permit PCVs to obtain their allowance in another country's
currency, the allowance may be paid in a single, cumulative lump sum upon notification by the PCV of
planned vacation times. See the OFMH for procedures
7. Living Allowance is based on local living standards and costs and is established based on an Annual
Living Allowance Survey completed by PCVs as compared with a Market Basket Survey completed by
staff assigned to the post. Typically, living allowance expenses include, but are not limited to costs
associated with housing, utilities, locality supplement, food, household supplies, communication,
normal clothing replacement, local transportation, personal sundries and discretionary items. Living
allowances will be paid monthly and are budgeted, obligated, and paid in local currency. Any
exceptions must be approved by the CFO and the RD. Increases over 10% per fiscal year must be
approved by RD based on analysis submitted to PC/W to ensure availability of funds.
8. When a Volunteers personal travel is interrupted by a medevac, medical hold, or other instance at the
discretion of Peace Corps, the agency may pay any additional costs incurred as a result of a change in a
Volunteers itinerary if the travel arrangements were changed for the convenience and at the request of
the government. This interrupted travel must be approved by OMS, OSS, or the Region prior to the
change being made.
9. Settling-In Allowance is paid to newly assigned PCVs upon completion of PST to purchase
necessary housing supplies, clothing, and equipment. If a PCV is reassigned to another location, an
additional settling-in allowance may be authorized if the CD feels it is justified. The amount is based
on established rates as determined by the previous Settling-In Allowance Survey. All newly assigned
PCVs will complete a survey form within three months of swearing in and any adjustments will be
based on an analysis of the survey as approved by the CD. Increases over 10% per fiscal year must be
approved by the RD based on analysis submitted to PC/W to ensure the availability of funds.
10. Special Leave Allowance is home leave granted to Volunteers in conjunction with an extension of
service. Volunteers receive a special daily leave allowance of $12 per day prior to the start of the leave.
(See MS 220 Leave for Volunteers/Trainees and MS 281 Completion of Service Date Advancement
and Extension of Service.)
11. The Regional Directors, Director OMS, or Director OSS may authorize exceptions to any of the
allowances on a case-by-case basis, in compelling circumstances.
12. See also Exhibit B - Trainee and Peace Corps Response Volunteer Allowances
Exhibit B
February 2010

TRAINEE & PEACE CORPS RESPONSE VOLUNTEER ALLOWANCES
(SEE NOTES 13, 14, AND 15)

TYPE AMOUNT TERMS MS
Administrative Hold
Allowance
$32.00 per day whether at HOR,
Washington, DC, or other U.S. location
Maximum of 60 days;
must be approved by
the RD
221
Also see
MS 218;
220; 222;
282; 284
ATM Allowance $4 per trip Note 1
Emergency Leave Allowance $32.00 per day whether at HOR,
Washington, DC, or other location
Note 2 & 4 221
Also see
MS 220
En Route Allowance $32.00 one time payment Note 3 221
Also see
MS 222
Evacuation Allowance Note 4 221
Also See
MS 222
In-Country Travel Allowance CD may establish, on a per-trip or monthly
basis, a travel allowance for in-country travel
on official PC business. Allowance is based
on in-country assessments.
Notes 2 & 5 221
Also see
MS 218;
220
In-Country Medical or
Administrative Hold
Allowance
Note 6 221
Medevac to Regional
Medevac Point Allowance
The amount provided overseas is dependent
on the rate established by the CD at the
regional medevac point
Notes 4 & 6 221
Medical Hold or Medevac
Allowance
$32.00 per day whether at HOR,
Washington, DC, or other location

The first three (3) days of the Medevac
allowance is paid in U.S. currency by the post
prior to departure, plus the en-route
allowance
Maximum of 45 days;
must be approved by
VS/OMS
221
Also see
MS 218;
220; 222;
282; 284
Other Daily Allowances
while in the U.S.
$32.00 per day 221.9.1.6
Also see
MS 222
- 2 -
PCR Airport Departure Tax
Allowance
Amount varies by country Note 7
PCR Baggage Allowance $50 Note 8

Registration Allowance $44 one time payment Note 10 222
Staging Meal Allowance $32 Note 11
Walk-Around Allowance As determined by the CD and approved by
the RD based on the Annual Living
Allowance Survey done at post
Note 5 & 12 221

Notes:
1. ATM Allowance is $4 per trip for ATM transactions.
2. Partial payment for close of service, early termination, medical separation, or other circumstances
where a PCT or PCRV terminates service before the end of the month must be prorated to cover the
actual number of days served during that last month of service. Calculations will be adjusted to cover
up to and including the last day of service.
3. En Route Allowance is provided to defray costs incurred during travel to/from the country of
assignment and the United States or to/from the country of assignment and a third country for
assignment, medevac, PC/W consultation, termination, transfer, re-enrollment, etc. PCTs & PCRVs
receive a single $32 allowance for the entire trip, regardless of duration of trip or number of layovers.
The Regional Directors or the Directors of Peace Corps Response, OMS, or OSS (for medevac or
medical consultation), may authorize an increase in the En Route Allowance.
4. Daily rates outside of the allowances paid in the United States are as follows:
a. If lodging and meals are provided at Peace Corps expense (which includes when a PCT or
PCRV is hospitalized and where meals and lodging are provided at a U.S. government facility or
by an airline), the allowance is $5 per day for incidental expenses;
b. If lodging only is provided at Peace Corps expense the allowance is $32 per day;
c. If lodging and meals are not provided at Peace Corps expense, the allowance is $32 per day
plus lodging (the actual cost of the lodging may be paid up to the maximum amount authorized
for Peace Corps employees in the same country);
Medevacs: The first three days of the allowance is paid in U.S. currency by the post prior to
departure, plus the en route allowance.
Evacuation: The allowance is normally paid in local currency by the receiving post or USD in the U.S.
5. Payment of the Walking Around Allowance to a PCT on medevac or medical hold will continue for
up to 45 days. For PCTs on Emergency Leave, payment of the Walking Around Allowance will
continue during the emergency leave period and related travel time, but not during any extended
period of leave. A maximum of 14 days may be approved by the CD and paid in full prior to departure
from post. PCRVs are not eligible for this allowance.
- 3 -
6. a. Medevac
1. If hospitalized $5 per day and in accordance with the instructions issued by the Office of
Medical Services.
2. If not hospitalized Per diem rate for in-country PCVs as authorized by the host country
CD. For third country medevacs, the allowance is $32 per day. Daily rates in excess of this
amount for medevac or medical consultation require approval from OMS or OSS.
b. In-Country Administrative/Medical Hold Per diem rate is established by the CD not to
exceed the rate set for PC staff.
7. PCR Airport Departure Tax Allowance is an allowance given to PCRVs for airport departure taxes.
The amount varies by country.
8. PCR Baggage Allowance is an allowance given to PCRVs to cover the cost of checked luggage en-
route to their country of assignment. The amount may vary depending on the airline, therefore, the
Director of Peace Corps Response may amend the amount of this allowance at his or her discretion.

10. Registration Allowance is provided to PCTs and PCRVs to defray the cost of photographs,
fingerprinting, travel, and other related expenses incurred prior to departure for Peace Corps service.
11. The Staging Meal Allowance is $32 per day, which consists of $7 for breakfast, $10 for lunch and
$15 for dinner. For the first day of staging, the allowance is $32. On the day of departure from staging,
the allowance is $7, if flight departs before noon; $17, if the flight departs after noon but before 6
p.m.; or $32, if the flight departs after 6 p.m. PCRVs are not eligible for this allowance.
12. Walking Around Allowance this allowance is given to Peace Corps Trainees (PCTs) to pay for
personal needs not directly related to the training program. The allowance covers personal items such
as postage, reading material, toiletries, and recreation needs. The amount of the Walk-around
allowance is determined by the CD, but must not exceed the daily equivalent of the incidental, reading
material, and recreation/entertainment components of the Volunteer monthly living allowance, plus
the estimated cost of meals not provided at the training site. Peace Corps Response Volunteers
(PCRVs) are not eligible for this allowance.
13. The Regional Directors or the directors of OMS, OSS, or Peace Corps Response may authorize
exceptions to any of the allowances on a case-by-case basis, in compelling circumstances.
14. See also Exhibit A Volunteer Allowances
15. Unless otherwise noted, PCRVs receive the same allowances provided to other Volunteers.
To: All Staff
Secretary
Date: November 22, 2011
Subject: Revisions to MS 221 Volunteer Allowances and MS
222 Trainee Allowances

On November 18, 2011, the Director approved and on November
22, 2011, the Peace Corps issued revisions to MS 221 Volunteer
Allowances and MS 222 Trainee Allowances. The revisions do the
following:
Reference the use of the new Volunteer In-Country
Allowance (VICA) payment system for certain payments.
Clarify that MS 221 applies to Peace Corps Response
Volunteers.
Remove the baggage allowance for the cash in lieu benefit.
Update the definitions applicable to various allowances.
Revise the living allowance payment provision.

will be provided.
Instructions Each Peace Corps office and post should ensure
that a back-up copy of this policy, including the issuance memo, is
available for use when electronic systems are unavailable.
To: All Staff
Secretary
Date: May 30, 2013
Subject: Revisions to Manual Sections 221 Volunteer
Allowances, 222 Trainee Allowances, and 223
Volunteer/Trainee Readjustment Allowances

On May 28, 2013, the Deputy Director approved and on May 30,
2013, the Peace Corps issued revisions to MS 221 Volunteer
Allowances, MS 222 Trainee Allowances, and MS 223
Volunteer/Trainee Readjustment Allowances. Section 8B (a)(6) of
the Kate Puzey Act requires that Peace Corps adopt a sexual
assault policy that includes a guarantee that volunteers will not
suffer loss of living allowances for reporting a sexual assault.
Although the Kate Puzey Act only deals with loss of living
allowances for reporting a sexual assault, the revisions confirm that
a Volunteer will not suffer the loss of any allowance for reporting
any crime.
will be provided.
1


MEMORANDUM

To: All Staff


Date: June 20, 2007

Subject: Partial Revision: MS 221, Volunteer Allowances

On June19, 2007, the Director approved, and on June 20, 2007, the Peace Corps issued
revisions to MS 221, Volunteer Allowances. The revisions include the following:

(a) A new policy requires that the settling-in-allowance survey should be done 90 days
after the receipt of the allowance, rather than 90 days after swearing in;

(b) Volunteers in emergency leave status are permitted to receive the same allowance as
a Volunteer in medevac status;

(c) Consistent with the Department of State Financial Service Centers guidance, checks
are to be made payable to Treasury rather than to the United States Disbursing
Officer when posts receive refunds from banks resulting from overages in Volunteer
allowances payments to the banks; and

(d) Attachment G, Volunteer Allowance Rates is deleted. Instead, one should use the
hyperlink to Overseas Financial Management Handbook.

Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Posts that cannot access the Intranet should send
an e-mail to Office of the General Counsel and they will be provided with copies of the
revised manual section via an alternate method.


1


MEMORANDUM

To: All Staff


Date: November 16, 2005

Subject: MS 262, Peace Corps Medical Services Program
____________________________________________________________________
On November 9, 2005, the Director approved and on November 16, the Peace Corps
issued revisions to MS 262, Peace Corps Medical Services Program, which sets out the
policies and procedures for the Peace Corps medical services program for applicants,
Trainees, Volunteers, Returned Volunteers, and authorized dependents.

Generally, MS 262 sets out the responsibilities concerning medical screening of
applicants and the health care provided to Trainees and Volunteers while they are in
service, and summarizes the benefits provided to Returned Volunteers. The revised
policy also puts existing provisions into the standard style of the Peace Corps Manual,
updates information and reorganizes certain content for clarity and easier use. In
addition, three substantive provisions have been added to the manual section.

First, a provision that was formerly in MS 284, Early Termination, is added that requires
Trainees and Volunteers (V/Ts) to take required immunizations and medical prophylaxes.
The provision makes it clear that administrative separation is mandatory where a V/T
fails to take such immunizations and prophylaxes. It also provides that administrative
separation is possible in cases where a V/T consistently fails to follow other medical
advice or policies and such failure poses a serious risk of harm to the V/T or others.

Second, a policy formerly set out in Interim Policy Statement 1-05 has been moved to
this manual section. It requires all applicants for Peace Corps service to sign an
authorization that permits Peace Corps staff and contractors to use their medical
information to the extent necessary to administer the Peace Corps program. This
requirement is necessary because of Peace Corps obligations under the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act. Once approved, this manual section will supersede
Interim Policy Statement 1-05, which will be rescinded from the Peace Corps Manual
concurrent with the issuance of the revised policy.

2
Third, in the section on medical screening, which addresses the process for medical
clearance for applicants, the manual section now specifically sets out the standard for
medical clearance that is in the Peace Corps regulations at 22 CFR 305.2(c).

Office of Medical Services. Posts that cannot access the Intranet should send an e-mail to
Office of the General Counsel and they will be provided with copies of the revised
manual section via an alternate method.


MS 262 Attachment A
Date issued: 11/05

AUTHORIZATION FOR PEACE CORPS USE OF MEDICAL INFORMATION

This authorization permits the Peace Corps to use my protected health information to determine my
eligibility for the Peace Corps and as necessary for administration of the Peace Corps program. Without a
signed Authorization, the Peace Corps cannot process my application.

I, _____________________________, hereby authorize that:
(Please print or type name)

A. All health information I provide to the Peace Corps or that is provided by anyone who has provided
health care services or treatment to me, consulted on such services, or otherwise has health care
information responsive to the information requests of the Peace Corps, including my response to
the Health Status Review, and any follow-up health information requested by and provided to the
Peace Corps Office of Medical Services relating to me prior to my being sworn in as a Peace Corps
Volunteer (including but not limited to information about my prior physical and mental health
history, my current health status, and possible future care and treatment), may be disclosed to the
following people:

Peace Corps staff, including in the Office of Medical Services, Office of Special Services, Office of
Volunteer Recruitment and Selection, Office of Safety and Security, Office of General Counsel,
appropriate Regional Operations offices, Peace Corps Medical Officers, Country Directors at
overseas posts, and any other Peace Corps staff or contractors who have a need to know the
information to perform their duties, for the purposes of making a determination of my medical or
other eligibility for Peace Corps service and of placement/assignment.

B. If I am accepted for Peace Corps service, the information listed above will become part of my Peace
Corps health record. All information in my Peace Corps health record, and any other personal
health information relevant to me that is provided to the Peace Corps by me or any health care
provider or other person, may be disclosed to Peace Corps staff or contractors, as described in
paragraph A above, who have a specific need to know the information for the purposes of
performing their duties in connection with administration of the Peace Corps program only. This
may include (but is not limited to) information relevant to my continued service as a Peace Corps
trainee or Peace Corps Volunteer.

This authorization is effective until five years following either my close of Peace Corps service or
final determination by the Peace Corps that I am not eligible for Peace Corps service. I understand
that I may revoke this authorization at any time by sending a

written revocation to the Office of Medical Services, Peace Corps, Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps
Headquarters, 1111 20th Street, NW, Washington DC, 20526, but that my revocation before
acceptance will stop consideration of my application, and that my service as a Volunteer is
conditioned on the existence of this authorization, which is necessary to administer the Peace Corps
program.

I understand that Peace Corps will carefully protect the confidentiality of my health care information
for the duration of the authorization period, consistent with the Privacy Act, the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (as applicable), and Peace Corps policies on confidentiality of
medical information, as described in the Peace Corps Notice of Privacy Practices.

I have read and understand this authorization.

Printed Name Signature

Date DOB
(m/d/yr)
MS 262 Peace Corps Medical Services
Program
Responsible Office: OHS/OMS
Supersedes: 11/16/05; 12/15/95; 11/22/82; 4/10/85

Issuance Memo of December 7, 2006
Issuance Memo
Attachment A
Table of Contents
1.0 Authority
2.0 Purpose
3.0 General Policies
4.0 Medical Screening
4.1 Medical Clearance
4.2 Medical Examinations
4.3 Standard for Medical Clearance
4.4 Appeal Process
5.0 Health Program for Trainees and Volunteers
5.1 Medical Services in Country of Service
5.2
Eligibility for Health Care Outside of Country of
Assignment
5.3 Eligibility for FECA for Illness or Injury in the U.S.
5.4 Family Visits to Ill or Injured Volunteers
6.0 Completion or Early Termination of Service Evaluations
6.1
Peace Corps Medical Officer's Responsibility for
Evaluations
6.2 Examination Scheduling and Location
6.3 Follow-up Treatment Based on Examination Results
6.4 Refusal to Submit to COS Examinations
7.0 Post-Service Medical Benefits
8.0 Medical Care for Children or Non-Volunteer Mothers
8.1 Care for Minor Dependents
8.2 Care for Non-Volunteer Mothers
9.0 Abortion
9.1 Medical Evacuation
9.2 Medical Expenses of an Abortion
9.3 Reproductive Health Services
10.0 Effective Date

1.0 Authority
22 U.S.C. 2504(e), (m)(2); 22 C.F.R. 305.2
2.0 Purpose
This manual section describes the Peace Corps medical services
program for applicants, Trainees, Volunteers, Returned Volunteers,
and authorized dependents.
3.0 General Policies
3.1 The Peace Corps, through its Office of Medical Services
(OMS) and its Peace Corps Medical Officers (PCMOs),
manages a health care system applicable to applicants,
Trainees and Volunteers (V/Ts), Returned Peace Corps
Volunteers, and authorized dependents. Under the system,
applicants are screened to determine whether they can be
cleared as medically eligible for service, V/Ts are provided all
necessary and appropriate medical care during the course of
their service, and certain limited services are provided to
Returned Volunteers.

3.2 Because V/Ts face significant health risks, and
immediate access to health care overseas is often limited,
V/Ts are expected to follow both Peace Corps medical
policies and the medical advice of their PCMO. V/Ts who
refuse to take required immunizations/vaccinations and
medical prophylaxes will be administratively separated, as set
out in MS 284 Early Termination of Service. In addition, a
V/T who consistently fails to follow other medical advice or
policies may be administratively separated, where such
failure poses a serious risk of harm to the V/T or others.

3.3 Applicants for Peace Corps service must sign an
authorization that permits Peace Corps staff and contractors
to use protected health information for medical screening
and placement purposes to the extent necessary to
administer the Peace Corps program. The authorization form
is included in the Volunteer application and is also available
in Attachment A. No applicant will be considered for service
until the authorization is signed.
4.0 Medical Screening
4.1 Medical Clearance
An applicant must be given medical and dental clearance
before being accepted for Peace Corps service. OMS's
medical screening unit makes the determination on whether
an applicant is cleared medically for Peace Corps service.
4.2 Medical Examinations
All applicants must undergo prescribed physical and dental
examinations to provide the information needed for medical
clearance determinations and to serve as a reference for
future Volunteer health issues and any future disability
claims. Peace Corps will reimburse a prescribed amount for
the basic medical/dental examinations and laboratory work.
Any additional examination costs or expenses for
consultations, evaluations, or treatment must be paid by the
applicant.
4.2.1 The physical examination, which may include
evaluations by specialists, if necessary, must be
obtained prior to medical clearance.

4.2.2 The dental examination for applicants must
include a full-mouth (or Panorex) and bite-wing X-rays
and the applicant?s dentist must fill out the Peace
Corps dental examination form. Any orthodontic or
special dental treatment must be completed for dental
clearance.

4.2.3 Final medical and dental clearance is required
before an applicant will receive a ticket to a staging
event.
4.3 Standard for Medical Clearance
4.3.1 The Peace Corps regulatory standard for medical
clearance is whether the applicant, with or without
reasonable accommodation, has the physical and
mental capacity required of a Volunteer to perform the
essential functions of the Peace Corps Volunteer
assignment for which he or she is otherwise eligible,
and be able to complete a 27-month tour without
unreasonable disruption due to health problems. In
determining what is a reasonable accommodation, the
Peace Corps may take into account the adequacy of
local medical facilities. In determining whether an
accommodation would impose an undue hardship on
the operation of the Peace Corps, factors to be
considered include:
(1) The overall size of the Peace Corps program
with respect to the number of employees and/or
Volunteers, size of budget, and size and
composition of staff at post or assignment;

(2) The nature and cost of the accommodation;
and

(3) The capacity of the host country agency to
which the applicant would be assigned to provide
any special accommodation necessary for the
applicant to carry out the assignment.
4.3.2 Based on information from the applicant and
his or her physicians, current medical research,
screening guidelines developed by OMS, knowledge and
experience of the nature of Peace Corps service, and
information about the scope of medical care available
overseas, an applicant will be determined to be:
(a) Medically qualified for any country;

(b) Medically qualified with accommodation,
which may limit country of assignment, or in
some cases, require specific site approval;

(c) Medically not qualified; or

(d) Deferred for a specific period of time, in order
to determine whether a medical condition is
stable.
4.4 Appeal Process
An applicant may request review of a decision of the medical
screening staff by submitting new information to OMS. The
information will be reviewed by a physician, and, unless the
physician agrees with the request, by the Screening Review
Board (SRB). Procedures for such review shall be approved
by the Office of the General Counsel. The SRB will include as
voting members at least one physician and four other OMS
health care professional staff persons. In any case involving
review of issues of mental health, at least one professional
staff person from OSS should also participate as a voting
member. Representatives from the Office of the General
Counsel and other agency offices may participate as advisors,
as appropriate. The decision of the SRB constitutes a final
agency action and is not subject to further appeal.
5.0 Health Program for Trainees and
Volunteers
V/Ts will be provided with all necessary and appropriate medical
care during the course of their Peace Corps service. A
comprehensive health care program for V/Ts is managed and
implemented in-country by the post PCMO under administrative
supervision of the Country Director (CD) and with professional
guidance and oversight from OMS. Some Peace Corps countries are
served by an Area Peace Corps Medical Officer (APCMO). An
APCMO is a physician who, in addition to serving as a physician
advisor in a base country, supports PCMOs in one or more
neighboring countries. Health care services in the United States or
third countries (such as U.S. pre-service and stagings, during travel
in or medevac to the U.S or third countries) are managed by the
OMS staff or PCMO, if any, in the third country. For the purposes
of providing health care, Peace Corps service is considered to begin
when the person begins travel directly to a staging event. The
health care program includes:
(a) Pre-service immunization and prophylaxis as described in
the OMS Technical Guidelines, as well as regular
immunization and prophylaxis as necessary throughout the
term of service;

(b) Clinical care throughout service;

(c) Health orientation and education throughout service;

(d) Evaluation of health conditions at potential sites for
Volunteer placement; and

(e) Other health support for Volunteers at their sites through
site visits, when appropriate.
5.1 Medical Services in Country of Service
V/Ts will receive all necessary medical care and services
primarily through, or under the direction of, the PCMO at
post and through local health care providers in country, as
necessary. Prior authorization from the PCMO is required
(except in emergencies) for all medical and dental care not
provided directly by the PCMO (or, where available, an
APCMO). In appropriate situations, a Volunteer may be
medically evacuated to the United States or some other
destination when an illness, injury, or other medical necessity
requires evaluation and/or treatment beyond the scope of
care available in-country. See MS 264, Medical Evacuation.
5.2 Eligibility for Health Care Outside of
Country of Assignment
The medical care for V/Ts during their service includes care
when they are outside of their country of service. Such care
will generally include medical care for any illness or injury
incurred during travel directly to a U.S. pre-service staging or
training site, or while on leave or official business in the U.S.
or a third country. Prior authorization from OMS staff or the
PCMO or APCMO is required (except in emergencies) for all
medical and dental care while out of the country of service.
5.3 Eligibility for FECA for Illness or Injury in
the U.S.
Post-service medical services for V/Ts, including eligibility for
benefits under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, are
described in MS 266 Post Service Medical Benefits for
Volunteer, Trainees, and Dependents. Although the Peace
Corps provides medical care for V/Ts while they are in the
U.S. during their term of service, they are not eligible for
FECA benefits for any non-service-related illness contracted
or injury suffered in the U.S.
5.4 Family Visits to Ill or Injured Volunteers
Peace Corps does not provide travel or related expenses for
family members to visit a V/T who is ill or injured.
6.0 Completion or Early Termination of
Service Evaluations
Upon completion or early termination of service, each V/T must
undergo medical and dental examinations in accordance with the
Office of Medical Services Technical Guidelines to identify existing
unmet medical and dental needs, complete routine evaluations,
identify any potential medical issues, and provide a reference for
any future claims under FECA. See MS 266 Post Service Medical
Benefits for Volunteer, Trainees, and Dependents.
6.1 Peace Corps Medical Officer's
Responsibility for Evaluations
The PCMO is responsible for planning and conducting, or
using local providers to conduct, completion of service (COS)
and early termination medical and dental examinations.
Regardless of who conducts the examinations, the PCMO
must ensure that all components of the COS Evaluation (as
outlined in OMS Technical Guidelines) are completed.
6.2 Examination Scheduling and Location
V/Ts are generally required to undergo their examinations in-
country prior to COS or early termination. COS examinations
may be administered up to 60 days prior to completion of
service. Consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis
to permitting evaluations earlier than 60 days prior to COS.
In addition, on a case-by-case basis and with guidance from
OMS, the PCMO may authorize a V/T to obtain completion of
service examinations upon return to the United States.
6.3 Follow-up Treatment Based on
Examination Results
In some cases, examination results may indicate the need for
immediate follow-up care, which may delay or accelerate
departure by a V/T. COS or early termination may be
delayed for up to two weeks in consultation with OMS when
the termination examination reveals an untreated medical
problem or one requiring further diagnosis.
6.4 Refusal to Submit to COS Examinations
V/Ts who refuse to submit to the COS examination or
diagnostic studies or who refuse to await PC/W advice
regarding medical problems, must sign a statement before
completion of service acknowledging their refusal and their
understanding that the refusal may affect their rights under
FECA. V/Ts who refuse examination, diagnosis or medical
advice for dependents will sign the statement on behalf of
their dependents. This statement or other documentation of
a V/T's failure to sign such a statement shall be filed in the
Volunteer's medical record.
7.0 Post-Service Medical Benefits
V/Ts and Returned Volunteers may in appropriate cases receive
authorization from the OMS post-service unit for post-service
medical and dental evaluation of a service-related condition. These
authorizations, which are for evaluations only, and not for
treatment, must be used within six months after the V/T closes
service. After Peace Corps service, Returned Volunteers may apply
for payment for treatment and/or for a service-related illness or
injury under FECA, which is administered by the Office of Workers'
Compensation Programs (OWCP), U.S. Department of Labor. The
scope of post-service benefits for which Returned Volunteers are
eligible is set forth in MS 266 Post Service Medical Benefits for
Volunteer, Trainees, and Dependents.
8.0 Medical Care for Children of Non-
Volunteer Mothers
8.1 Care for Minor Dependents
The Peace Corps will provide medical are for minor
dependents of V/Ts who live with the V/Ts during their
service. Except where otherwise stated (see MS 206; MS
262; and MS 266), the scope of care will be the same as for
V/Ts.
8.2 Care for Non-Volunteer Mothers
Where a V/T is married to a non-Volunteer mother or has
taken action to acknowledge paternity which, under local law,
will make him financially and legally responsible for the care
and support of the child, Peace Corps will provide prenatal
and birth-related care of the non-Volunteer mother in order
to protect the health and safety of the unborn child. Peace
Corps will pay for such care for the non- V/T mother only
while the Voulnteer is in service. Peace Corps will pay for
such care for the non-V/T mother regardless of her
citizenship. No other medical care or other benefits are
provided by Peace Corps for a non-V/T mother.
The birth of the child should be documented on the
appropriate form which is sent to the Volunteer Financial
Office.
9.0 Abortion
9.1 Medical Evacuation
A V/T who decides to have an abortion will be medically
evacuated at Peace Corps expense to a location where
medically adequate facilities for obtaining counseling and an
abortion are available and where abortions are legally
permissible. OMS is responsible for providing guidance to the
PCMO regarding the location of facilities that meet these
criteria. The V/T may not be medically evacuated to a
different site for an abortion without prior approval by OMS.

9.2 Medical Expenses of an Abortion
When a V/T elects to have an abortion, the medical
expenses directly related to the abortion procedure will be
the responsibility of the V/T. As a matter of law, the Peace
Corps may not pay these costs. However, the Peace Corps
will pay for medical expenses incurred due to complications.
The V/T should be advised that she may make a withdrawal
from her accrued readjustment allowance to pay for the
procedure. To preserve her medical confidentiality, such a
withdrawal request should be made to the Office of the Chief
Financial Officer (CFO/VPS).

9.3 Reproductive Health Services
After the abortion procedure, if the V/T is medically cleared
and wishes to return to country, she will be offered
reproductive health services.
10.0 Effective Date
The effective date is the date of issuance.

MEMORANDUM

To: All Staff



Subject: Partial Revision to MS 262, Peace Corps Medical Services Program

On December 5, 2006, the Director approved, and on December 7, 2006, the Peace Corps
issued a partial revision to MS 262, Peace Corps Medical Services Program, which sets
out the policies and procedures for the Peace Corps medical services program for
applicants, Trainees, Volunteers, Returned Volunteers, and authorized dependents.

Under MS 262, when an applicant for Peace Corps service is determined to be medically
ineligible for Peace Corps service, the applicant may request review of the decision. The
revisions to MS 262 have changed the review process. The structure of the Screening
Board has been revised to ensure that the Board represents the expertise of a number of
appropriate medical professionals. The revisions also eliminate the second level of review
to the Director of the Office of Medical Services (OMS). OMS view is that a board
reflecting the expertise of multiple professionals is more likely to provide consistent and
reasoned results than a less structured panel with appeal to a single individual.

Office of Medical Services. Posts that cannot access the Intranet should send an e-mail to
Office of the General Counsel and they will be provided with copies of the revised
manual section via an alternate method.

MS 266 Post-Service Medical Benefits for
Volunteers, Trainees, and Dependents

Office: Medical Services (OHS/MS)
Supersedes: 10/15/98; 08/26/94; 01/25/85; 10/14/82
Table of Contents
Attachments
Interim Policy Statement - CorpsCare Post-service Health Insurance
Table Of Contents

1.0 Purpose
2.0 FECA for Volunteers/Trainees and Children
2.1 Coverage
2.2 Limitations to Coverage
2.2.1 Pre-existing Conditions
2.2.2 Medical Coverage During Special, Annual, or Emergency Leave
2.2.3 Additional Exclusions
2.3 Benefits
2.4 Responsibility
2.4.1 Rights to FECA Benefit During and After Peace Corps Service
2.5 Completion of Service (COS) and Early Termination Physical Examination
2.6 Claims
2.6.1 Documentation of Health Problems
2.6.2 Procedures
2.7 FECA Coverage While en Route home
2.7.1 Injuries or Illnesses During Return to Home of Record
2.7.2 Information to be Provided to Volunteers/Trainees (V/Ts)
3.0 Service-related Injuries and Illnesses of Dependents
3.1 Request for Care
Home Offices & Units Agency Projects Corps Activities Corps Tools Policy & Reference HR Central Site Map
3.2 Documentation
4.0 CorpsCare Insurance
4.1 Eligibility
4.2 Coverage
4.3 Responsibilities

4.4 Readjustment
Allowance Deduction

5.0 Effective Date
Attachments
Attachment A Attending Physician's Report for Dependents of Peace Corps Volunteers
1.0 Purpose
This Manual Section describes post-service benefits available to Volunteers/Trainees (V/Ts)
under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA)(5 USC 8142), and post-service
coverage afforded dependent children under the Peace Corps Act, and post-service health
insurance for V/Ts.
FECA provides compensation benefits to civilian employees of the United States for disability
resulting from personal injury sustained in the "performance of duty," or from employment-
related diseases. FECA is administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs
(OWCP), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL is solely responsible for adjudicating
FECA claims.
2.0 FECA for Volunteers/Trainees and Children
2.1 Coverage
V/Ts are deemed to be federal employees for purposes of FECA. V/Ts are covered by FECA
24 hours a day during the entire period of their training and service outside the United
States. Coverage includes both official travel and vacation travel to other countries, except
for limitations described in paragraph 2.2 below. FECA states that "an injury suffered by a
Volunteer when he/she is outside the several states and the District of Columbia is deemed
to be proximately caused by his or her employment." Thus:
a) Illnesses or injuries that V/Ts incur overseas are deemed to be service-related in most
cases. (See paragraph 2.2 for limitations.)
b) In accordance with the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Federal Employees'
Compensation Act (FECA) coverage is extended to V/Ts for pregnancies that arise during
Peace Corps service overseas and continue past the date of termination. Therefore, a
pregnant V/T should contact the Office of Medical Services upon arrival in the United States
to file a FECA claim. The costs of all pregnancy-related conditions, including prenatal,
obstetric, and postnatal care of the mother, should be paid by the DOL. However, the DOL
will not pay costs related to the care of the baby, including nursery costs.
c) Illnesses or injuries incurred by Peace Corps Trainees while training in the U.S. (any of the
fifty states and the District of Columbia) are considered to be service-related only when they
occur while the individual is on official Peace Corps business. (The OWCP determines if the
injury or the illness is service-related in these cases.)
d) Illnesses or injuries incurred while V/Ts are traveling to or from their country of service to
the U.S. are generally considered service-related. Illnesses or injuries incurred while in the
U.S. on special leave, emergency leave, or annual leave are not presumed to be service-
related.
2.2 Limitations to Coverage
FECA provides broad coverage for V/Ts, but there are limitations.
2.2.1 Pre-existing Conditions
Pre-existing conditions are not covered, unless materially aggravated, accelerated, or
precipitated by service. The OWCP can, and does, rebut the basic presumption of service-
relatedness by clearly demonstrating that an injury, disease, or condition existed prior to
Peace Corps service.
2.2.2 Medical Coverage During Special, Annual, or Emergency Leave
As noted in paragraph 2.1, FECA does not cover V/Ts while they are on special leave, annual
leave, or emergency leave in the United States unless they are engaged in official Peace
Corps business and incur a service-related illness or injury. For this reason V/Ts planning to
travel in the U.S. during service are advised to procure short-term medical insurance to
cover injuries or illnesses incurred during these periods. Applications for such coverage are
available at all Posts.
2.2.3 Additional Exclusions
Three additional exclusions from coverage are:
1. Injuries caused by willful misconduct.
2. Injury or disease caused by the V/T's intention to bring about the injury or death of
him/herself or another.
3. Illness or injury where intoxication is the proximate cause.
2.3 Benefits
FECA covers V/Ts during their service with the Peace Corps, but benefits do not begin until
after service. Benefits under FECA include full payment for the cost of medical treatment and
disability compensation if the medical illness or injury prohibits the V/T from working or
limits his/her capability to work. In cases involving the death of a V/T, FECA pays up to
$800 of burial expenses and an additional $200 to the next-of-kin or personal representative
as reimbursement for the administrative costs of closing out the affairs of the deceased.
2.4 Responsibility
Because adjudication of a FECA claim is based on the V/T's medical experience during
service, documentation is essential. The V/T and the Peace Corps Medical Officer (PCMO) at
each Post share the responsibility for documentation of any illness or injury incurred during
service. Because it is difficult to predict which injuries or illnesses may result in future
claims, it is imperative that:
a) Volunteers notify the PCMO at the time of injury or illness.
b) The PCMO document all illnesses and injuries at the time they occur and include this
documentation in the individual's Health Record (PC 1575). All entries on the chronological
report and all medical statements should be signed by the Medical Officer or attending
physician. Unsigned medical documentation is not considered "substantial medical evidence"
for the purpose of FECA.
c) Form CA-1, Official Supervisor's Report of Injury, be completed for all injuries, and that
the PCMO file this form in the V/T's Health Record. (Form CA-1 may be ordered through
Administrative Services [M/AS].)
d) V/Ts inform the PCMO before close of service of illnesses or injuries incurred during
service, and request the PCMO to record in the Health Record any illnesses or injuries not
already documented therein.
2.4.1 Rights to FECA Benefit During and After Peace Corps Service
The Peace Corps assumes responsibility for V/T health care during service. Therefore, medical
services and compensation are not available through OWCP until after close of service.
The PCMO should inform V/Ts before close of service of their right to file claims under FECA,
and the appropriate procedures.
Former V/Ts may file claims for compensation under FECA at any time after close of service
if a service-related medical condition develops. If a claim is not filed within 3 years, the V/T
must explain the reasons for the delay.
2.5 Completion of Service (COS) and Early Termination Physical
Examination
Upon close of service, each V/T should undergo a prescribed physical examination. (See MS
262, " Health Services for Volunteers, Trainees, and Their Dependents," for additional
information concerning termination examinations.)
2.6 Claims
2.6.1 Documentation of Health Problems
The PCMO should document in the Health Record the existence of any problem and advise
the V/T to contact a Compensation Specialist in Medical Services (OHS/MS) upon arrival in
the U.S. or when treatment for the service-related problem is necessary.
2.6.2 Procedures
A former V/T seeking compensation should submit a claim request, in writing, to OHS/MS
stating the intent to file a claim under FECA, the nature of the illness or injury, and why it is
considered to be service-related.
OHS/MS will send the forms needed to file a claim to the V/T. After the completed forms and
pertinent records are returned, OHS/MS will prepare and submit the claim.
OWCP will inform the claimant of the decisions rendered.
2.7 FECA Coverage While En Route Home
Former V/Ts may be entitled to FECA benefits for illnesses or injuries incurred while on a
direct route home after close of service, but they are not covered for injuries incurred while
returning via an indirect route.
2.7.1 Injuries or Illnesses During Return to Home of Record
A PCMO who learns that a former V/T traveling through his/her country has suffered an
injury or illness that may be service-related should send a cable containing full details to
OHS/MS (with an information copy to the former V/T's PCMO). The telegram should include
the following:
a) The V/T name, social security number, country of service, and close of service date
b) The coded diagnosis, prognosis, and etiology, including the reason the injury is service-
related
c) The nature and approximate cost of treatment needed
d) Whether hospitalization or out-patient care is required
e) Whether the individual is transportable
f) Information concerning any personal health or accident insurance
2.7.2 Information to be Provided to Volunteers/Trainees (V/Ts)
All COSing and early terminating V/Ts should be informed of the limits of FECA coverage and
of the availability of supplemental post-service health insurance covering:
a) Injuries sustained on an indirect route home
b) Non-service related illnesses or injuries
V/Ts COSing or early terminating in-country should be encouraged to purchase health
insurance.
V/Ts COSing or early terminating in the U.S. should also be informed of the availability of
and need for post-service insurance plans.
3.0 Service-related Injuries and Illnesses of Dependents
In accordance with Section 5(m)(2) of the Peace Corps Act, Peace Corps may provide minor
children of V/Ts limited health care for injuries or illnesses incurred during their parents'
service. Section 5(m)(2) enables Peace Corps to provide dependent children with coverage
similar to that provided V/Ts under FECA, including the $800 payment for burial expenses,
even though the dependent children are not covered by FECA. While the post-service care
available for dependent children approximates that provided former Volunteers, compensation
payments for periods of disability are not available, and care for congenital defects is not
provided.
3.1 Request for Care
Parent(s) of the dependent child should submit requests for health care on Form PC 1736
(see Attachment A) to OHS/MS for approval. Documentation requirements for such health
care are similar to those required under FECA.
3.2 Documentation
It is the responsibility of the PCMO and the Volunteer parent(s) to ensure that any medical
problems that occur overseas during service are appropriately documented in the Health
Record.
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4.0 AfterCorps Insurance
AfterCorps is a private, comprehensive, post-service health insurance policy for Volunteers
and Trainees (V/Ts). Peace Corps pays for one month's coverage. V/Ts have the option of
purchasing up to 2 additional months of coverage.
4.1 Eligibility
Upon completion or early termination of service, V/Ts receive AfterCorps coverage. Trainees
who are in country less than one day before leaving service are subject to pre-existing
condition restrictions. United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) and Peace Corps Response
Volunteers receive the same coverage as other Peace Corps Volunteers.
4.2 Coverage
AfterCorps covers medical needs after service that are not covered by PC-127C (post-service
medical/dental evaluation voucher) or the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA)
benefits. This includes coverage for conditions that originated during service but are not
deemed to be service-related under FECA (e. g., while on home leave in the U.S.).
4.3 Responsibilities
The Peace Corps Medical Officer, or in some cases the Administrative Officer, explains this
coverage to V/Ts at the time of their close of service and encourages V/Ts to extend their
coverage. V/Ts are responsible for extending their AfterCorps coverage, if they choose. They
are also responsible for enrolling qualified dependents in AfterCorps, as appropriate.
4.4 Readjustment Allowance Deduction
V/Ts who extend coverage before closing their service may request that payment be made
through deduction to their readjustment allowance.
5.0 Effective Date
This manual section will be effective on the date of issuance.
MS 266
Attachment A
page 1 of 2
10/15/98
Attending Physician's Report
for Dependents of
Peace Corps Volunteers
PC 1736
1. Name of Ill or Injured Dependent 2. Name of Dependent's Parent
(Father)
3. Mailing Address (number, street, city, state, zip)
4. Place Illness Acquired
5. History of Illness or Injury (including disease or illness caused
by the environment)
6. Findings (including results of X-rays, lab tests, etc.)
7. Is the condition a birth defect?
YES_____ NO_____
If answer is yes please
explain in item 19 below.
8. Diagnosis
9. Do you believe this illness is in any way related to the patient's
exposure in a foreign country? YES_____ NO______
Please explain your answer if there are any doubts.
10. Did injury or illness require hospitalization? YES_____ NO_____
If YES, Date of Admission _____________ (mo, day, year)
Date of Discharge _____________ (mo, day, year)
11. Is additional hospitalization required? YES_____ NO_____
12. Operation (if any, describe type) 13. Date Operation Performed
14. What (other) type of treatment
did you provide?
15. What permanent effects, if any,
do you anticipate?
MS 266
Attachment A
Page 2 of 2
10/15/98
16. Date of First Exam 17. Date of Treatment 18. Date of Discharge
From Treatment
19. General Remarks and Recommendations for Future Care, If Indicated
20. Signature of
Physician
21. Address(no.,street,city,state,zip) 22. Date
PC 1736

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