Rapid Response Assistance
When the Dislocated Worker Unit in a state is alerted to the possibility of
a layoff and/or plant closing, it responds quickly with on-site services. They will make employees aware of their eligibility to apply for the TAA and NAFTA-TAA program and the process of petitioning for certification. Learn more about Rapid Response.
Income Support
Income Support, known as Trade Readjustment Allowances
(TRA) are weekly payments available for up to 52 weeks after the worker's
unemployment compensation benefit is exhausted and during the period in
which a worker is participating in an approved full-time training program. Income Support is a combination of Unemployment Compensation and Trade Readjustment Allowance benefits for a maximum of 78 weeks (26 weeks of Unemployment Compensation and 52 weeks for Trade Readjustment Allowance).
the training that is available does not meet TAA approval criteria such as reasonable costs;
the worker is unable to participate in or complete training due to personal circumstances such as financial needs;
funds are not available to pay the total cost of training;
the worker has marketable skills; or
the worker will be going back to work reasonably soon.
Waivers are usually issued only once but are reviewed every 30 days. If conditions change, and training becomes "feasible and appropriate", the waiver is removed, and a worker is enrolled in training. On the other hand, if conditions do not change, waivers can be extended. The
waiver is revoked after training begins.
