Since the housing market near our labs is quite expensive, IBM has instituted a generous and competitive compensation enhancement to our current year Research Intern Program compensation package. Interns will receive a $3,200 housing subsidy as part of their EPIC lump sum payment within one month of their date of hire, to assist with defraying the cost of temporary housing.
Even more promising is the 2008 ExtendedStay Housing Pilot that will be offered to the first 80 interns selected to work at our Hawthorne Lab. We have arranged for our interns to be housed with a peer IBM intern in a dorm like setting with no out-of -pocket cost for up to 12 weeks. Courtesy shuttles will be provided from the hotel to the Hawthorne lab in the morning and in the evening for an even bigger savings.
Tax information
Note that this housing subsidy is considered additional income, thus, it is taxable, and will be reported to the IRS jsut as the high cost adder. The Employee Services Center will mail W-2 forms to the employee's permanent home address on file.
We are also aware that the housing market near all of our labs is extremely competitive. Our advice is to start your search early! The links on the left provide detailed information for your housing search based on geographic location.
Listed below are a few questions you may want to ask potential landlords:
- Location / Transportation: What is the exact address of the lodging? Some towns are large, so be sure to understand how long it will take you to get to work. Ask if a photo of the property is available.
- Guests: if you plan on having overnight guests, check to see if this is allowed or appropriate. Some hosts may charge extra, depending on their policy.
- Cooking: what facilities you will have access to, and are there any limits on use?
- Animals: if you have an allergy or do not wish to live in a place with animals, check in advance with the property owner.
- Smoking: Is smoking allowed inside the premises? Is outside smoking allowed? Also, if you require non-smoking accommodations, be clear.
- Internet/Telephone Service: what services are available currently, or what can be installed during your stay?
- Privacy/Cleaning: What are the policies on respecting privacy for your quarters and cleaning? (You will be expected to throw out your own trash, wash your own linens, unless otherwise noted.)
- Laundry: Are any onsite facilities available for your use? If not, find out where the closest facility nearby is.