<p>I wasn't offered work study as part of my financial aid package to the UC's. So if I apply for work study this fall, will it change my financial aid at all?</p>
<p>You can call your school(s) and ask if it can be added and at what, if any, cost. </p>
<p>If they won't give you work study, you can always try to get a job on your own off campus - hey $$$ is $$$!</p>
<p>Your work study income isn't counted as income on your FAFSA for next year. Other income is-- you've got an income protection allowance of about 3K-- income above that (except work study) will increase your EFC, and reduce your aid package.</p>
<p>Note, though, that any of your work proceeds that are sitting in your checking/savings account next year when you fill out FAFSA will increase your EFC by 50 cents for each dollar of assets, and reduce your aid package by that amount. So time your FAFSA submission to occur when your assets are at a low point, not just after a check got deposited, for example.</p>
<p>If you decline the work study, it shouldn't affect your aid, but you'll have a bit of a gap to fill from other sources.</p>
<p>I misread-- thought you HAD been offered WS. But the info above still applies. WS is a good thing- take it if offered.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, that 3K income protection allowance is only accurate if the person is dependent. If they are independent it is much more than that.</p>
<p>The income protection for a single independant student is not very high - @ $6000. I don't think the OP is independant though.</p>
<p>Babyblue - if you get federal work study you pay taxes on it like regular income and report it on FAFSA as income then it is subtracted on one of the tables so it does not negatively impact your EFC next year. A big benefit as any other student income over the @ $3000 protected income is penalised at 50%. Hope you are able to get work study - you should probably ask about the possibility of getting it now rather than waiting till the fall. It is not something you generally apply for once school starts - rather it is something that is awarded as part of your finaid package. Asking now (if you are eligible) may enhance your chance of a posiitive response. We are expecting/hoping our D will get it and are impatiently awaiting her financial aid info - grr they are so slow.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Wait I'm still confused...will it lower my financial package that the UC's already gave me? Or could it be added on?</p>
<p>Best thing to do is ask them if it is possible to get Work Study in addition to the package offered (assuming you have unmet need). They are the only ones that can give you an answer to that question. If I were you I would ask now rather than wait. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your help! :)</p>