This page provides some helpful tips about how make the most of TAA participation from petition filing to outcomes. Review the following images and analysis.
1. File a Petition
The first step in the TAA process is to submit a petition. Petitions must be filed within one year of the layoff. Don't delay in filing.
Work with your state or local workforce office to file the petition.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance (OTAA) will initiate an investigation when a complete petition is filed.
Important Note: On July 1, 2022, the termination provision under Section 285(a) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, took effect. Until further notice, the Department may not accept any new petitions or issue or any determinations. Therefore, the following petition and investigation data for this tip is from the period July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 when the Department was last able to process petitions.
2. Don't go it alone
The American Job Center network is available to help you with petition filing and receiving TAA benefits and services once certified. They are also able to provide benefits and services through partner programs during the petition process.
Working with your case manager helps you make the most of benefits and services provided under the TAA Program. They can help you:
-Develop an IEP (Individual Employment Plan) that will get you on the path to reemployment;
-Determine if training is a good fit, and if so, develop a training plan;
-Introduce you to other available benefits and services; and
-Connect with the WIOA Dislocated Worker Program.
3. Say "Yes" to WIOA
All TAA participants are dislocated workers. Therefore, except in the rare circumstance of not being enrolled in selective service, you are eligible for WIOA Dislocated Worker (DW). This program can provide child care, local travel subsidies, and other supportive services.
Additionally, according to TAA Program regulations, all TAA participants must be co-enrolled with WIOA DW.
See this chart below for performance outcomes for those co-enrolled vs not. The co-enrolled participants had better outcomes.
If you are asked if you want to be co-enrolled with WIOA, say yes!
4. Use the Benefits and Services Offered
Training and Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA) come into mind first when people hear about the TAA Program. These are used very often by participants.
However, TAA Participants are also eligible for Job Search Benefits and Relocation Benefits which help workers look for and then relocate to jobs out of their current area. For participants 50+, there is also Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA) or Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) depending on the program, which is a wage subsidy.
A short description of each of the TAA Benefits and Services can be found in the TAA Program brochure.
5. Plan for a Credential
A training plan with a credential will help you be successful. A credential makes you more appealing to employers and makes it easier to change jobs in the future.
Ensure that a credential is part of your training plan. Work with your case manager if you encounter any problems getting that credential. They can help you connect with resources to help you - tutoring, childcare, etc.
See how getting a credential makes you more likely to get employed after you leave the TAA Program.
