Trade Act Robotic Assistant

TAA offers a variety of benefits and services to support workers in their search for reemployment. This includes Trade Readjustment Allowance , training , assistance with healthcare premium costs , Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance , and job search and relocation allowances .

Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)

Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) are available to continue to provide income support while you are participating in full-time training. The amount of each weekly TRA payment is based on the weekly unemployment insurance (UI) benefit amount you already have received. You must have been entitled to receive UI benefits before you may receive TRA and you must have exhausted your UI entitlement

There are three types of TRA: Basic TRA, Additional TRA, and Remedial TRA.

  1. Basic TRA is payable if you are enrolled or participating in TAA-approved training, have completed training, or have obtained a waiver of the training requirement. The total amount of basic TRA available will be calculated by multiplying your UI weekly benefit amount by 52 and subtracting the total sum of UI received. Therefore, if you have already received at least 52 weeks of UI generally you will not be eligible to receive any basic TRA . You may still receive basic TRA even if you are not in training, if you obtain a waiver of the training requirement from your State. Waivers may be issued if:
    1. You will be recalled to work reasonably soon;
    2. You have marketable skills for suitable employment and a reasonable expectation of employment in the foreseeable future;
    3. You are within two years of eligibility for your pension or social security;
    4. You are unable to participate in or complete training due to a health condition
    5. 5. You are unable to enroll in a training program because no enrollment in training is available within 60 days; or if
    6. You are unable to enroll in a training program because there is no training program available in which you can enroll.

    Training

    Allowable types of training include: classroom training, on the-job training, customized training designed to meet the needs of a specific employer or group of employers, apprenticeship programs, post secondary education, or remedial education, which may include GED preparation, literacy training, basic math, or English as a Second Language. The cost of training is paid to the training provider by the State with TAA Program funds.

    Training may be approved on a full-time basis, and is required in order to meet TRA eligibility requirements. To receive training paid for under this program, you must meet the following six criteria:

    1. No suitable employment is available.
    2. The worker would benefit from appropriate training.
    3. A reasonable expectation of employment following completion of training exists.
    4. Training is reasonable available.
    5. You are to undertake and complete such training.
    6. Training is available at a reasonable cost.

    Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC)

    Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA)

    Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) program benefits are provided as an alternative to the benefits offered under the regular TAA program. Participation in ATAA allows workers age 50 or older and do not earn more than $50,000 annually in their new employment, to accept reemployment at a lower wage and receive a wage subsidy. ATAA payments may total 50% of the difference between the old and new wages, with a maximum of $10,000 paid over a period of up to two years. If you are receiving ATAA, you are also eligible to apply for HCTC.

    Job Search Allowances

    This monetary benefit is available to cover necessary expenses incurred while seeking employment outside your normal commuting area, if employment in a good job, where you are likely to remain employed and earn family-sustaining wages is not available in your area. Job search allowances reimburse 90% of the costs of allowable travel and subsistence, up to a maximum of $1,250. An application for a job search allowance must be submitted before your job search begins, and within 365 days of your layoff or certification (whichever is later), or within 182 days after the conclusion of training.

    Relocation Allowances

    This monetary benefit is available to reimburse you for approved expenses when you must move to a new area to earn family-sustaining wages in employment outside of your normal commuting area. Relocation allowances may include 90% of the reasonable and necessary expenses involved in moving you, your family, and household goods to a new area following your re-employment outside of your normal commuting area. In addition, you may receive a lump sum payment equal to three times your average weekly wage, up to a maximum payment of $1,250. You must submit an application for a relocation allowance before your relocation begins, and within 425 days of your layoff or certification (whichever is later) or within 182 days after the conclusion of training.

    Appeal Rights for Benefits and Services

    All TAA benefits have different deadlines and individual eligibility criteria. Once certified, you must meet the criteria for each benefit to receive that benefit. If you are dissatisfied with the decisions on your individual application for TAA benefits, you have the same appeal rights as those provided under your state's UI law. The written notice that you receive after filing your applications for each benefit will explain your appeal rights and time limits for filing appeals. For information on how to file an appeal with your state, please contact your state here.

    Other Training Opportunities and Reemployment Services

    Rapid Response Assistance - Rapid Response assistance is provided by the Dislocated Worker Unit in the state where you were laid off to groups of workers on whose behalf a petition is filed. Rapid Response staff will make employees aware of the different services available to workers after a layoff, and if provided before a petition is filed, will include information on the process of petitioning for certification under the TAA program. Learn more about Rapid Response.

    Reemployment Services - offer workers assistance in finding a new job. Workers who wish to qualify for benefits under the TAA program may be able to quickly return to employment through a combination of these services. To ensure workers are referred to appropriate job openings and placed in jobs that utilize their highest skills, the following services are generally provided through American Job Center:

    Also, if you do not qualify for TAA benefits, you may be eligible for services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Dislocated Worker program or other programs accessible through your local American Job Center.