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Federal Work Study

I have a job offer, can I start working immediately?

Once you have been offered a job, please register your FWSP job with the SEO. There are instructions for completing this form based on whether you will be working on or off-campus; you may want to speak with your employer before completing this as some of the information required is specific to their department or agency. Once the SEO receives and processes the form, a confirmation email authorizing work study will be sent to you and your supervisor.

Be sure to read up on your ...

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What is a Referral Card and who is responsible for completing it?

The Referral Card registers a work study job with the Student Employment Office. The SEO will then activate the WST time reporting code in PeopleSoft thereby allowing students to accurately report their time and administrators to take advantage of the significant cost savings associated with Federal Work Study. The Referral Card requests basic information about the position and also the department's TUB/ORG. It should...

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How do I receive my Federal Work Study award?

Federal Work Study is not a lump sum grant.

You are eligible to earn up to the dollar amount listed on your financial aid award letter over the course of the term-time or summer employment. You are not guaranteed this money, nor are you required to earn it all. If you would like to earn the dollar amount listed on your financial aid award letter, you need to find a job and work the appropriate amount of hours. You will receive the money in weekly paychecks based on your hourly wage and hours worked.

In order to activate your Federal Work...

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How do I find out if a student is Federal Work Study Eligible?

The easiest way is to submit a job referal card for the student. You would then receive an email from the SEO specifying whether the student is eligible or not.

Undergraduates can check at my.harvard.edu by reviewing their financial aid award letter. The line item would look as so: Term Time Work Expectation (Work Study).

Graduate students should inquire with their school's financial aid office.

Is Federal Work Study available in summer and during the breaks?

Yes, students utilizing their Federal Work Study awards may also work during the summer, winter recess, any holiday, or spring break. You will need to rehire them in the summer due to the fringe benefit attached to Summer FWS.

Summer FWSP Note: Especially for summer, because Federal Work Study is a form of financial aid, make sure the student FAFSA is completed as soon as possible, and apply for financial aid through Harvard. Undergrads will also have to complete a short form indicating their  interest in Summer Federal Work Study....

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