Federal Work-Study - Student Information

Issue/Question

  • What is Federal Work-Study?
  • How do I apply for work-study positions?

Environment

  • Work-Study
  • Financial Aid

Resolution

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides part-time jobs for students who show financial need on the FAFSA. Funds are limited, and priority is given to those students who complete the FAFSA early. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

Wages

  • Students earn at least federal or state minimum wage.
  • Most students work about 10 hours per week.
  • Payroll is processed monthly, and wages are paid directly to you, not applied to your bill.

Employment

To get connected with on‑campus job opportunities, please visit Career Development's Student Work page. 

Before you can start working and/or get paid, you must complete all required new‑hire paperwork on time. If these documents are not completed promptly, you will not be able to work.

Federal Work-Study Authorization

To make the Federal Work-Study (FWS) hiring process easier for both students and supervisors, eligible students are issued a Federal Work‑Study Authorization for each specific award year. This document confirms that you have been offered and have accepted Federal Work‑Study funding.

How to Accept Your Federal Work-Study Offer

To receive your Authorization, you must first accept your FWS offer by following these steps:

  1. Log into the myBHSU Portal
  2. Click the Financial Aid & Billing header
  3. Select Financial Aid Self‑Service on the Financial Aid card
  4. Click the Aid Offer tab
  5. Scroll to the Work section
  6. Under Take Action, select Accept
  7. Click the blue Submit button in the bottom‑right corner
  8. Acknowledge the terms and conditions
  9. Accept the award

Once completed, your Authorization should be available.

How to Access Your Authorization

  1. Click Notifications
  2. Expand the Authorization by clicking the arrow in the top‑right corner of the box
  3. Review the information and provide a copy or screenshot to your supervisor or hiring staff

Alt text: Screenshot of the Financial Aid Self‑Service portal Notifications tab showing a “Federal Work‑Study Authorization for the 2026–2027 Award Year.” The notification explains that the authorization confirms eligibility for the Federal Work‑Study program at Black Hills State University, lists employment dates from August 24, 2026, to May 7, 2027, shows a funding amount (partially obscured), and provides contact information for the Student Financial Aid Office.

Why isn't My Authorization Showing?

If your Federal Work-Study Authorization is not appearing, one of the following is likely true:

  • You were not offered Federal Work-Study as part of your financial aid offer, or
  • You have not accepted the Federal Work-Study in the Self Service Financial Aid Portal

If you have accepted your offered FWS and the Authorization still does not appear, please contact the Student Office of Financial Aid for assistance.

What If I Don't Have FWS on My Aid Offer?

If Federal Work-Study does not appear on your aid offer, please contact the Student Office of Financial Aid to discuss your options.

Print Article