What does my Work-Study dollar amount mean?
If your financial aid includes $3,500 in Work-Study, that is the total amount you can earn in a Work-Study position. Your financial aid offer splits it into $1,750 fall and $1,750 spring but as far as Work-Study is concerned, you can earn any or all of that amount at any point during the program year while enrolled.
Am I assigned a job by the Work-Study office?
No! Students with Work-Study apply to Work-Study jobs just as they would any job. They need to indicate on their FAFSA that they are interested in a work study job and if they qualify, submit a resume to the Financial Aid Office. The employer chooses to interview students based on their application and resume and may interview you for the position.
When can I begin applying to jobs?
After you have filled out your FAFSA and you know you are eligible for Work-Study. Whenever you begin, speed is crucial in the job hunt. Imagine an employer posts the job and the same day receives a resume. Very impressive! Though you need to turn your resume into the Financial Aid Office, ask about job opportunities and postings. You may want to follow-up with a specific office to inquire.
Is my paycheck taxable?
Yes, Work-Study earnings are taxed. Besides Social Security and other applicable taxes, how much is deducted from your paycheck depends largely on how you fill out your W-4 form. This relates to "withholding" tax. Read the W-4 form instructions carefully to determine whether you're "Exempt" or not. Your calendar year earnings generate a W-2 form for your tax return.
How do I receive my W-2 form?
W-2's are usually delivered to employees in January.
Once hired, do I have to stay in that job?
You can leave a job. You want to try to do it on good terms, give two weeks notice, and never take any displeasure out on your job duties. But if you have to quit on short notice, quit. Do not, however, include that 3-day job on your resume or include that supervisor on a list of references (it is highly unlikely you'd get a good reference!).
Think in terms of the big picture: you don't want to wake up in a cold sweat one night fifteen years from now, wondering if your life would be different, if your career would be different, if your GPA as an undergrad had been higher, if you'd had a higher grade in that one class, if you had more time to study for the midterm instead of giving in to an unsympathetic employer who demanded that you work.
Conversely, employers are not obligated to keep you employed if you are not performing your job duties.
Is Work-Study mandatory, do I have to get a job?
No. We just don't want you with bills in the fall or spring and not having the money to pay. You may have the option of converting your Work-Study to loans. If you do not use Work-Study, it is less likely you'll receive it as part of your financial aid the following year.
Do I have to work at a Work-Study job?
No. You may, however, want to see a financial aid representative to discuss how, if at all, that non-Work-Study money might affect your next year's financial aid package. One of the advantages of Work-Study is the earnings are not counted as additional income on your FAFSA.
How can an athlete balance their commitments?
Check with your coach to see if there are Work-Study positions related to your sport or within the athletic department. If not, search for jobs with multiple positions to see if you can find something that may allow absences because others can cover for you. Another option is to search for jobs wherein the employer is looking for short term commitments.
Can I continue in my position after my FWS runs out?
You cannot continue in your position if this is the case. After your FWS funding (which pays your wages) runs out, you must withdraw from the position. It is your responsibility and that of your employer to ensure that you do not exceed these limitations. Any over payment will be rolled over to the accounts of the employer and must be repaid to the government.
What other requirements are there for application?
There are no other qualifications to apply for the FWS. Your FAFSA will reflect your condition. If you feel that your last tax filing does not accurately reflect your current situation, you can have your actual financial condition appraised through the program to determine actual eligibility.
Are there requirements that must be met during education?
Yes, there are several requirements that must be met during your education and employment. Your total grant amount cannot exceed the federal maximum, or your FWS may be reduced or cut out completely. You must also continue your enrollment for at least the minimum number of hours per semester, each semester. In addition, you must make at least the minimum required grade point average and perform adequately in course work.
Additionally, there are many stipulations that go along with the FWS program. For instance, you are not allowed to work during course times. You may not begin working before the start of classes for the semester, nor can you continue to work after the end of the exams and you must meet the minimum hour requirement on the job. If you do not use up all of your allotted FWS funding during a year, it cannot be rolled over to the next year.
You are also not allowed to work more than 20 hours/week. Additionally, you cannot work after your FWS award has run out; any cost overruns are the responsibility of the employer, though that will usually be transferred to you, the student. Tracking the amount of FWS award remaining is your responsibility and that of your employer.