Office of Financial Aid

"Funding Your Future"

Student Employment: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have two work-study jobs at the same time?: Students are allowed employment in only one federal work-study job at a time. The only time a student may be employed in two federal work-study jobs is if one of the positions is in the Emory Reads Program (a division of the America Reads Program).; A student can be employed as a regular student worker (100% departmental funding) and as a federal work-study student worker simultaneously.
How many hours can I work per week?: Federal Work-Study students are limited to 20 hours per week during periods of enrollment and 40 hours per week during periods of non-enrollment. For further clarification regarding periods of non-enrollment, please contact Student Employment at (404) 727-6039.; NOTE: Students who work over 20 hours per week (among all campus jobs) are subject to FICA (Social Security) taxes being deducted from his/her wages. Therefore, 20 hours per week is the maximum number of hours recommended for academic reasons as well as tax reasons.
May I change Federal Work-Study jobs during the academic year?: Yes, at any point during the academic year, a student may change federal work-study jobs. However, it is recommended that you give your employer at least two weeks notice to process all necessary paperwork.; NOTE: For accurate recordkeeping purposes, it is imperative that you advise your new employer that you have recently changed positions.
Are federal work-study earnings non-taxable?: Federal Work-Study earnings are taxable income.
Can my fall/spring federal work-study award be used in the summer?: No, because the summer is a different award period, you must apply separately for summer federal work-study. Additionally, you cannot carry over any unused federal work-study from the fall/spring to the summer. The summer work-study program is contingent upon funding availability.
What happens when I reach my Federal Work-Study (FWS) award maximum?: Your department should notify you when you reach your award maximum. The department has the option of either continuing your assignment and paying you 100% from its departmental budget or ending your assignment altogether.; NOTE: If funding permits, most departments will make every attempt to continue your assignment.