Federal Work Study

 

What is Federal Work Study?

Work Study is a government program that allows students to work while attending school to help cover the costs of education.  Students typically work 10-20 hours a week on campus or in the local community, and they receive bi-weekly paychecks as compensation. 

Am I guaranteed the Work Study money that is listed on my Financial Aid Award Letter?

The dollar amount listed on your award letter represents the amount of funds available to earn.  Students may not be able to pass this limit during the school year (check with the Financial Aid Office to the sure).  Students need to work with their supervisor to schedule the hours they need to meet their eligibility.

How do I go about finding a Work Study job?

The most comprehensive and up-to-date list of Work Study positions can be found on the Tri-State University website.  Once you find a position in which you are interested, write down the contact information and contact the direct supervisor to show interest in the job.  If a student has difficulty securing a position, they may contact the Financial Aid Office for help.

When can I begin looking for a Federal Work Study job?

Students may view a list of jobs online and begin to have an idea about what type of position they are interested in.  When the student comes to campus, at the beginning of the fall semester, they can contact potential employers and discuss the job in detail. 

What types of jobs are available at TSU?

Tri-State University employs students in many different positions within many different departments.  Please see the comprehensive list of jobs that are available on campus on the TSU website.

What should I do once I am hired?

All students and employers must complete the Federal Work Study Authorization Form.  This form can be obtained online, from the employer, or from the Financial Aid Office.  Students will not be issued a paycheck until all the necessary forms have been filled out, including, the authorization form, a federal W-4 form, and an I-9 employment eligibility form. 

How do I get paid?

Students are issued paychecks bi-weekly for the previous two weeks of work.  Students’ paychecks may be picked up at the TSU Mailroom or directly deposited in to their account. 

Can I deposit my Work Study paycheck directly into my bank account?

Yes, direct deposit forms are available in the Business Office, Human Resources, and Financial Aid.

 

Can Work Study earnings be applied directly to my University invoice?

No.

How do I keep track of the hours I work?

Students will need to keep track of the hours they have worked using a paper timesheet.  This timesheet will need to be signed by the student and their supervisor upon completion of the pay period. 

What if I earn my entire award before the end of the school year?

If a student earns their entire Federal Work Study eligibility prior to the end of the year they must share that information with their supervisor.  The Financial Aid Office will send the student a notice when they begin to get close to the end of their eligibility.  The student must tell the supervisor and if the supervisor is not willing to pay the student from their own budget, then the student must stop working. 

Will I be taxed on my earnings?

Yes, income earned through the Federal Work Study Program is taxable.  Therefore, each student must complete tax forms at the start of their employment period, and report earnings on appropriate tax returns.

I rejected Work Study on my Award Letter and later located a job on campus.  Can I have the award back?

Yes.

Can I work more than one Work Study position?

Yes.  A student may request to work two positions on campus.  It is strongly discouraged to work more than 20 hours a week, however.  The student wishing to work two jobs must submit a Request for Two Jobs form in order for that to be considered, and a new authorization form must be completed.

If I don’t have Federal Work Study, can I still work on campus?

Federal Work Study must be included as part of your financial aid package to secure a Federal Work Study job.  However, some jobs on campus will hire students even though they are not Work Study eligible.  Contact the Financial Aid Office for help locating one of those jobs.

May I work during vacations or breaks?

Students may work if they remain on campus during the winter or spring break. 

Is work available over the summer?

During the summer, some employment opportunities exist on campus.  These positions are not available through the Federal Work Study program.  Contact the specific department in which you are interested for more information on summer employment opportunities.    

Who should I contact if I have additional questions about the Federal Work Study Program?

For more information about the Federal Work Study Program, contact the Financial Aid Office, located in Forman Hall.