The Federal Work Study (FWS) program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.
Contact your respective financial aid office to inquire about your eligibility for FWS.
First Day of Work
Last Day of Work
Federal Work Study Hours
Timekeeping
Miscellaneous
Depending on a student’s eligibility, the usual FWS award is $5,400 for the academic year. Most positions pay $15 per hour. This works out to be about 10 hours per week over three terms.
Students will be paid biweekly via direct deposit. Students must swipe in and out of PCOM’s Kronos timekeeping stations in order to keep track of hours and be paid.
Students are responsible for managing their FWS hours and may not work in excess of their FWS award as part of their financial aid package. Working in excess of the FWS award could result in reduction of a student's federal student loans and/or PCOM scholarships.
It is the student’s responsibility to seek out and apply for a FWS job by contacting supervisors/departments around campus. Visit the FWS Job Listing page to view potential job positions at PCOM and PCOM Georgia. Schedule a time to meet with the job's department supervisor to interview for the position and discuss responsibilities, tasks, and a schedule.
After a student has been hired for a work study position, the student must complete the below tax and employment paperwork. Returning students who worked a PCOM FWS position in the previous academic year do not need to complete the paperwork below again and may continue to Step 3.
W-4 Form (fillable PDF, via IRS)
I-9 Form (fillable PDF, via U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services)
PCOM Payroll Direct Deposit Form
Pennsylvania State Income Tax Withholding Form
Georgia State Income Tax Withholding Form
Print and complete all appropriate forms and then visit your respective financial aid office to review the documentation and present valid forms of identification.
After Step 2 is complete, the financial aid counselor will give the student a FWS Award Form. The student and job supervisor will complete the FWS Award Form and return it to their respective financial aid office.
After Step 3 is complete, the student must wait about 2 weeks for processing to finalize. The student and their supervisor will receive a FWS Authorization Email that will show the date the student can begin working. Students may not begin working until the date listed in the FWS Authorization Email.
If you have additional questions, please contact your respective financial aid office.
Work study students may be able to qualify for Supplementary Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) also known as "food stamps" in their state of residence. The main qualifier is demonstration of earning Federal Work Study dollars. Students do not need to work a certain number of hours or earn a certain amount of money. Applications will usually ask for a recent pay stub.
PA Compass
NJ Helps
DE Assist
NY MyBenefits
GA Food Stamps
My Alabama
SC SNAP
My FL Families
Visit SNAP to find your state's online application.