Definition
A stipend is a regular fixed sum of money paid to an individual typically to support learning, training, or an intern position and often covers minimal living expenses. Stipendiary individuals or roles often include interns, trainees, fellows, and apprentices, among others.
Examples
- Internship Stipend: Many organizations pay interns a monthly stipend to help cover their living expenses while they gain work experience.
- Fellowship Stipend: Academic fellowships often come with a stipend to support the fellow’s research and other scholarly activities.
- Apprenticeship Stipend: Apprentice programs in trades such as carpentry or plumbing may provide a weekly stipend to support the apprentice during their training period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a stipend and a salary?
A stipend is typically a fixed sum paid periodically to cover basic living costs, often associated with training or educational roles. A salary is regular compensation for employment services, usually with benefits and tax withholdings.
Are stipends taxable income?
Yes, stipends are generally subject to income tax, even though they may not have the standard tax withholdings that regular salaries do.
Can a stipend be considered a form of grant?
Yes, in some academic and research contexts, stipends can function similarly to grants, providing financial support without requiring repayment.
Do stipends usually come with benefits?
Typically, stipends do not include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid leave, unlike standard full-time employment salaries.
Related Terms
- Salary: A regular fixed payment made by an employer to an employee, typically expressed as an annual sum.
- Wage: Payment for labor or services, often calculated hourly, daily, or weekly.
- Allowance: A sum of money granted regularly, often to cover specific expenses.
- Honorarium: A payment given for professional services that are rendered nominally without charge.
Online Resources
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on Taxable and Nontaxable Income
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on Stipends
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Intern Nation: How to Earn Nothing and Learn Little in the Brave New Economy” by Ross Perlin
- “A Handbook for Managing Mentoring Programs” by Gjyn O’Toole and Simon S. O’Hiskey
- “The Art of Funding and Implementing Ideas: A Guide to Proposal Development and Project Management” by Arnold R. Shore and John M. Carfora
Fundamentals of Stipends: Finance Basics Quiz
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