What is it?
Federal Work-Study on your Financial Aid Award means that you can be paid Work-Study funds if you get a job on campus. Work-Study is not a grant or a loan, nor is it a guarantee of a job. You must apply and interview for a Work-Study job. The amount you earn is dependent upon the job you obtain and your award amount. The main advantage of Work-Study employment is that your Work-Study earnings do not count against you as a financial resource on your FAFSA.
Do I need to be enrolled in units to earn Work-Study?
Yes, you must be enrolled at least half-time (6 units for undergrads, four units for grads).
So how do I get a Work-Study job?
To search for jobs, visit Handshake linked on SF State's Career & Leadership Development (CLD) website. All Work-Study jobs are on campus only.
How does my Work-Study Award disburse?
Work-Study does not disburse like other financial aid. You receive a paycheck every pay period when you report your work hours. The paycheck is your Work-study money. You cannot earn in excess of the award offered, so your employer should be keeping track of your earnings.
A Work-Study employer wants to hire me. What do I do next?
Your employer will assist you with these steps, but here are some helpful links that you will need to complete the hiring process:
- The EEV Form (I-9): Submit this form along with required identification to the Dean of Students Office during Student I-9 Authorization hours.
- The Student Tool Kit on the Dean of Students website lists all of the other forms you may need, plus guides on reporting your time and other resources.
- The Manager Tool Kit assists employers with the hiring process, shows how to post job openings and other information.
I am running out of my Work-Study award. Do I have to stop working?
Yes, but you have options. You may not have to stop working if your employer can pay you out of a different fund (e.g., Student Assistant fund) or if you have room in your financial aid award budget for an increase in your Work-Study award.
To inquire about eligibility for an increase, talk to your employer, or have him/her contact: Dennis Santos at dsantos@sfsu.edu.