Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based work program designed to assist students in meeting their financial obligations while attending school. As eligibility for these positions is dependent upon "need", students must complete the financial aid process before eligibility for FWS can be determined. If you have not yet applied for Federal Financial Aid, you may apply on-line, or you may contact our office. FWS is awarded as part of your financial aid package. In order to activate your FWS award, you need to: Complete a Student/Temporary Employment Application Have your supervisor notify the Financial Aid Office to determine how much (if any) FWS you are eligible for As a Work-Study employee, you are limited to earn the amount of your FWS award. A FWS award is not disbursed in a lump sum, but through bi-weekly paychecks for hours actually worked. There is no guarantee that you will earn the full amount of your FWS Award. Once you reach your earning limitation, your supervisor may continue your employment under their divisional budget. Due to budget restrictions, there is no guarantee for a continued employment under the division's budget. Generally speaking, FWS positions pay between $5.65 - $7.00 per hour, and usually do not exceed twenty (20) hours per week. In some cases, you may work more than twenty (20) hours per week, however you may never exceed 40 hours in one week.