Federal Work-Study

The federal Work Study program is a financial aid program by the U.S. Department of Education that funds part-time students who are in need of financial aid. It enables students to manage their educational expenses by earning some amount through part time jobs. Their jobs may not be related to their area of study. 

Similar to normal jobs, the funds are paid to the students periodically. It may be paid monthly, bi-weekly or even weekly. The wages received may not always be enough to make a living but it is exempt from federal insurance contributions.  

Students shall file the FAFSA or the free application for federal student aid and once the school has approved the application, they shall receive a financial award letter. The letter contains information on the cost of attendance and the financial aid options.  The cost of attendance includes fees, tuition, room, books and similar expenses. It is, however, not a guarantee of jobs included in the letter, and the students are responsible for finding a Federal work-study job. Most schools usually give it on a first-come, first-serve basis. The work study aid is not available in all schools, so students shall choose carefully.

Given below are some of the eligibility conditions of the work-with-study program

• Individuals and institutions of higher studies can apply it. 
• The funds shall be given only to undergraduate, vocational and graduate students.  
• Students must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Subtitle B, Chapter VI, Part 668, Subpart C, § 668.32. 
• The students shall have their financial needs determined in accordance with the HEA's (Higher Education Act) part F of Title IV. 

The steps to apply for the work-study program are the following:

• The student should collect and organize required documents, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, investment records, and untaxed income documentation.
• Open the Federal Student Aid website and sign up or log in using the Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and password.
• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. 
• The applicant/student can then select the option of work-study. This, however, does not guarantee the work as it is generally based on a first-come, first-serve basis. 
• The student can then choose a school that has opted for the program if they qualify based on federal work-study income eligibility.  Their FAFSA application shall be sent to the school or schools.  
• The student can then provide financial information. If dependent, the student should fill in the details asked in the parent financial sections.  This is crucial to check federal work-study income eligibility.
• Submit the applications.

Some of the benefits of the FWS program are the following:

• Students can earn money to help cover their educational expenses.
• The participating students can gain valuable work experience.
• The money earned is deposited directly into the student's bank account, giving them control over how it is spent.
• Earnings from FWS jobs are not included in FAFSA calculations, allowing students to remain eligible for additional financial aid if they meet other requirements.
• Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue participating in the program, which encourages them to stay focused on their studies.
• FWS jobs may align with the student’s field of study, providing practical experience that complements their academic learning.
• The program allows students to work part-time, which helps them balance work and study.
• FWS positions help students build a network of professional contacts.
• The program produces valuable human resources for the country and helps the economy grow. 

Given below are some of the differences between the concepts:

• Federal Work-Study (FWS) programs allow students to work part-time while attending school. The federal government funds these programs. Non-Federal Work-Study programs are similar, but they do not receive federal funding.
• FWS programs generally limit the number of hours a student can work per week. Non-FWS programs may not have the same restrictions on working hours, depending on the employer and institution.
• FWS jobs often offer wages close to or at the minimum wage, though they may vary depending on the job and location. Non-FWS jobs may offer higher pay, depending on the employer.
• Earnings from FWS programs are not counted as income when calculating a student's financial aid eligibility on the FAFSA. Earnings from non-FWS programs are considered income for FAFSA calculations.