- How can I get Federal Work Study Program (FWSP) funds?
You must apply for Financial Aid by completing the FAFSA. Federal Work Study Program (FWSP) is a federally-funded, need-based program.
- I applied for Financial Aid using FAFSA and I did not get FWSP. Why?
The money goes very fast, so apply early in January for the following academic year. Awards are NEED-BASED, FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE BASIS.
- What if someone does not use their FWSP award, can it be given to someone else?
NO. You may however have your name placed on a FWSP waiting list. If funds become available for that semester and you are awarded, your award on your Financial Aid Student Toolkit will be revised to show a Work Study award.
- I have been awarded the Federal Work Study Program for the Fall/Spring semester. When will I receive information to find my job?
The Employment Authorization Form and instructions will be posted on your Financial Aid Student Toolkit. You must accept your Federal Work Study Award in order to access the Employment Authorization on the toolkit (it will show under the block of awards on the screen). Remember the deadline to complete paperwork is the second week of classes. You must find your job and turn in your forms or your FWSP will be canceled for both semesters.
- Are there advantages to participating in FWSP?
YES! The dollars you earn to help meet your college expenses will not be counted as income for your financial aid eligibility determination next year. You will get on-the-job experience that will give you an edge in the job market after graduation. Also, working with accomplished professionals in your field of choice will provide you with valuable references for the future.
- What types of on-campus jobs are available under FWSP?
Anything from clerical work to computer programming. Some jobs are "pre-professional" in nature-good experience for learning the basics of a career. Some are related to recreational pursuits, some related to business, science, or other career fields.
- Are all jobs on Campus?
NO, there are off-campus FWSP/Community Service Jobs with Community Service Agencies, ie: Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Homeless Shelter, Elder Care Services. Students interested in these off-campus community service placements should contact the Office of Financial Aid at 644-1914 for more information. Students may also use their Federal Work Study funds to work as America Reads Tutors at area elementary schools.
- Can I work two FWSP jobs?
NO.
- Can I work an OPS job and a FWSP job?
Yes, as long as it is NOT the same job and the combined hours cannot exceed 39 hours in one work week (Friday - Thursday).
- How many hours can I work?
Work hours are arranged between you and your employer. Usually it takes 10 - 12 hours a week to earn your award amount for a semester. YOU SHOULD NOT WORK OVER YOUR AWARD AMOUNT, WHICH IS YOUR FWSP EARNINGS LIMIT. Work hours CANNOT interfere with your class hours.
- How will I be paid and what are the FWSP hourly salaries?
Your employer will show you how to set-up your direct deposit of your paycheck (this is NOT covered by the disbursement authorization statement) and submit your biweekly work hours in the FSU Omni payroll system to get paid. You will receive a biweekly paycheck EFT into your checking account. The salary range for FWSP positions is $8.00 - $10.50 per hour; each job falls within a certain salary range. You and your employer should agree on an hourly rate depending on your skills and job responsibilities. Higher rates will be considered for jobs requiring advanced degrees and/or skills.
- How much will I earn on each paycheck?
Take the number of hours you and your employing department set for you to work, times your hourly rate. This will give you your GROSS pay.
- Is FWSP money taxable?
YES, it is taxable income and you will receive a W-2 at the end of the year to file your taxes. Your W-2 will be available from your employer in January. All questions concerning taxes being withheld from your paycheck must be directed to the IRS.
- Should I show FWSP earnings on my Financial Aid Application for the following year?
Yes, include earnings in the Adjusted Gross Income and fill out the Worksheet for exclusions.
- Is a FWSP job hard to get?
No! If you receive FWS you are guaranteed a job. If you have trouble locating a job after reviewing the online job listing, contact the Office of Financial Aid and we will assist you in finding an open position.
- If there is a department with a FWSP position that will hire me, but I don't have FWSP. What can I do?
Ask the department if they can hire you as OPS. OPS stand for Other Personal Services, which is temporary employment. Check out this website for OPS jobs available at FSU. http://hr.fsu.edu.
- Are there weekend and evening jobs with the FWSP?
Yes..see Category 7 on the Job listing.
- Do I need to apply for FWSP every year in order to receive it?
Yes, you must apply for Financial Aid every year and remember apply early, in January.
- Can you use FWSP money to pay tuition?
NO. Funds are not awarded in advance. You must work to earn the award and you won't receive your first paycheck until after the deadline for paying tuition.
- I received a FWSP award and I DO NOT want it. What should I do?
You should decline it on the throught your Financial Aid Student Toolkit (login through View Your Status).
- I did not earn all of my Fall FWSP award. Can I transfer the remainder to Spring?
NO. You will lose the unearned amount.
- Do you have FWSP in the Summer?
Only if funds are available. Check with the Office of Financial Aid in March to see if Work Study is available for the Summer term.
