Midlands Technical College
Federal Work Study
Student's Manual - Most Frequently Asked Questions  

Federal Work Study Forms you can complete on-line or print

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Sign-in & Sign-out
Work Sheet

Federal Work Study Time Sheet Due Dates


Direct Deposit/Mail/Pickup Form

Federal Work Study Cancellation  Form

What are the eligibility requirements?                                  
To receive FWS, you must meet the eligibility requirements for federal student aid.  This includes completing the FAFSA, meet satisfactory academic performance and be enrolled in at least six credit hours.  (To be eligible to receive work study during the summer terms, students are only required to be enrolled in 3 credit hours.)

How do I apply for this award?                                                 
The College receives a fixed amount each year to make FWS awards, therefore students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA early because those funds are awarded on a first come first served basis.  When you receive your award letter from the college, it will indicate whether or not you have been awarded FWS.  You may also check your account on-line at www.midlandstech.edu/mtconline.

How are job assignments made?                                             
Where you work depends on the amount of your award, class schedule and job skills.  To the maximum extent possible, students are placed in jobs that complement or reinforces their educational or career goals. You could be assigned to work on-campus in one the College departments, off campus at one of the contracted non-profit agencies or as a tutor under the guidelines of the America Reads, America Counts Program. 

Can I earn as much money as I want?                                     
No, your FWS award represents the maximum amount you may earn for the academic year.  How much of the total award you actually receive depends upon your rate of pay, the total number of hours you work each week and the number of weeks you work in the year.  Once you have earned your maximum FWS award, you will have to stop working.

Am I paid an hourly wage or a salary?                                   
You are paid by the hour, your rate of pay being determined by the job location and the nature of the work involved.

Will work-study earnings affect my eligibility for financial aid    
No, they are not included in the calculation of your eligibility for financial aid.

Yes.  Both Federal and state governments consider FWS earnings taxable income.  They are not included in the calculation of your eligibility for financial aid.

How will I be paid?                                                                     
Students are paid on the 15^th of each month by direct deposit or US Mail, depending on the option selected.  If no selection is made, your check will be mailed to you.  All students must make sure their correct address is on file in Student Records.

Why is the I-9 Form required?                                                
According to federal law, the identity and work eligibility of all FWS students must be verified before beginning a FWS assignment.  You will have to complete the I-9 form and present certain documents to the FWS Coordinator.

If I am unable to earn my entire award, will I be able to receive the  rest of the money?                     
No, you can be paid only for the hours you have worked.  If you have not earned your entire award by the end of the academic year, the unearned potion will be returned to the FWS Program.

If I did not earn my entire award during the semester, can I work  extra hours to earn this money?      
No, you cannot make up time for funds not used during the semester.

How many credits do I have to take for FWS eligibility?      
You must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.   If you withdraw from school for any reason, you lose your FWS eligibility and must stop working.

Must I notify other funding sources of my FWS earning?    
Yes.  If you are receiving unemployment insurance benefits and are employed by the FWS Program, you must report this as earned income.  Also, if you are participating in the AFDC Program or receiving social security benefits, you must notify your caseworker.

Do I qualify for Workmen's Compensation?                            
Yes.  If you are injured on the job (work time must be documented), call Compendium at 877-709-2667 after notifying your supervisor.

Do FWS qualify for unemployment benefits?                          
No.  Work-study positions are temporary therefore students cannot collect unemployment benefits.

Can I receive a job transfer?                                                      
FWS students will be allowed a job transfer during the academic year under the Grievance Procedures.  Also, if a student transfers to another MTC campus, a transfer will be granted.

Can I do volunteer work for my supervisor?                           
No.  The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, prohibits employers (including educational institutions) from accepting voluntary services from any paid employee.  Therefore, all FWS students must be paid for all hours worked.

CAN A STUDENT BE TERMINATED?                                            
Yes.  A student may be terminated by the supervisor or by the FWS coordinator.  Reasons for termination my include:

The FWS supervisor must be satisfied with the work being performed.  If you hire someone who proves to be unsatisfactory, after a suitable trial period, it is the option of the supervisor to terminate this worker.  Following the procedure prescribed below, a supervisor may terminate a work-study student.