How to get Work-Study for my daughter through FAFSA? Didn't see the option

Work-Study is actually part of the federal financial aid package that schools can award after reviewing your FAFSA. There wasn't a specific question to "opt-in" for Work-Study on the application itself. The school's financial aid office determines eligibility based on your SAI (Student Aid Index) calculation and available funding. Work-Study is need-based, so family income is a factor, but there's no strict cutoff. Each school handles their Work-Study allocations differently. Once your daughter receives her financial aid award letter, you'll see if Work-Study was included. If it wasn't but you're interested, she should contact the financial aid office directly to ask about availability.

my son got work study last year and we make like 75k combined so its not just for super low income... it was just included in his award package but he had to go find the actual job himself. the financial aid office had a list of available positions.

You should definitely reach out to the financial aid office directly! When my daughter applied, we never got a Work-Study offer initially, but when she contacted them and specifically asked about it, they added it to her package. I think sometimes they don't automatically offer everything you might qualify for. Be proactive!

To directly answer your question about loans - Federal Work-Study is definitely a separate program from student loans. It's a part-time employment program where students earn money to help pay education expenses. The earnings are paid directly to the student (unlike grants which go to the school account). There are a few important things to know: 1. Work-Study funds are limited at each school 2. Students typically work 10-20 hours per week 3. They're usually paid at least federal minimum wage 4. The jobs can be on-campus or with approved off-campus employers 5. Students must find and apply for the specific jobs themselves If your daughter doesn't see Work-Study in her financial aid award, she should absolutely contact the financial aid office. Sometimes they can adjust the package, especially if you explain your loan situation.

FAFSA is the WORST!! my daughter was offered work study but the jobs were all filled by the time she got approved!!! nobody tells you that you have to RACE to get the good work study positions because everyone wants them. by the time we figured that out, only cleaning jobs and late night desk shifts were left.

Has anyone tried calling the Federal Student Aid office directly? I spent 2 hours on hold last week trying to get answers about my son's FAFSA and never got through. So frustrating!

Just FYI - I work in a college financial aid office. Work-Study is offered based on your FAFSA information, but just because it's offered doesn't guarantee a job. Students have to apply for positions, interview, and be selected. Also, some schools have more positions than others. If your daughter doesn't see Work-Study in her award letter, she should definitely contact the financial aid office and explain your situation. Sometimes we can adjust packages for students who specifically request Work-Study, especially if they have compelling financial circumstances. Also, don't forget to check for institutional (non-federal) work programs. Many schools have their own employment opportunities that aren't tied to federal Work-Study eligibility.

dont 4get to look at scholarship options too!! my daughter got $2000 from a local business scholarship that she applied for. every little bit helps!!

To follow up on your question about what happens if she doesn't find a Work-Study job - unfortunately, those funds don't automatically convert to other types of aid. If she doesn't use the Work-Study allocation, those funds remain unused. That's why it's important to start looking for positions as soon as possible after receiving the award. Some schools might be able to offer an adjustment if a student can't find a Work-Study position, but that's not guaranteed and depends on the school's policies and available funding.