Work-Study - FAQs

What is work-study?

Work-study is a federal financial aid award given to students upon request, as long as s/he shows financial aid need. Work-study pays for 75 percent and the employer pays the remaining 25 percent of the student's earnings and 100 percent of the student's benefits.

How can I request a work-study award?

You can request a work-study award on the annual FAFSA application. If you didn't request work-study on the application, but would like funding, contact your financial aid advisor.

I'm not on financial aid, but am interested in a work-study job. What should I do?

You must apply for financial aid before work-study eligibility can be ascertained. This can take from one-two weeks.

Is there a limit to the work-study funds I can receive?

Yes. Students are normally given up to $5,000 in work-study funds during the 12-month academic year (July through June).

I know I'll be able to earn more than the $5,000 yearly maximum work-study award. Can I ask for more funds?

Most students request work-study in the summer when they are not enrolled. Many times their summer plans change and they don't work as much as they originally anticipated. Our office knows by early November if additional funding is available from unused summer work-study funds. Contact your financial aid advisor to put in a request for additional work-study funds for the academic period.

Are there any work-study papers I need to complete before starting a work-study job?

Yes. You must sign the On- or Off-Campus work-study agreement form. Your signature indicates that you are aware of your hourly pay rate, work-study award amount, and the period (summer or academic) that the work-study award is valid.

If you are working off-campus you may also need to complete UCSF employment forms with the Student Financial Aid Office. If you are working on-campus you may need to complete UCSF employment forms with the hiring department.

I have a part-time job at Walgreens. Can I make it into a work-study job?

No. UCSF students are only allowed to use work-study funds at non-profit entities.

I only used $3,000 of my $5,000 work-study award. Can I save the remaining $2,000 for a work-study job next year?

No. All financial aid awards are only available for one academic year. You must re-apply every year for financial aid and work-study. However, if you want to replace your unused work-study award with loan funds, you must contact you financial aid advisor by the end of April for that academic year.