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 United States Department of Labor (USDOL) may not issue any determinations and may not accept any new petitions or requests for reconsideration. Requests to amend current certifications may still be filed. Workers who were certified and separated from their job on or before June 30, 2022, may still be eligible for benefits and services and should contact their local Michigan Works.
Visit the USDOL website for more information
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a federal program that assists workers who have lost or may lose their jobs as a result of foreign trade. TAA provides adversely-affected workers with opportunities to obtain the skills, credentials, resources and support necessary to become reemployed.
Michigan is home to one of the nation’s most diverse and productive workforces, and TAA helps ensure our adversely-affected workers have the job training and support they need to tap into new employment opportunities. The program provides resources such as job training, career counseling, wage supplements for older workers, job search and relocation allowances, and income support for workers in approved training programs.
If foreign competition is believed to have played a significant role in job losses, a petition should be filed, either online or by mail, with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL). The TAA petition may be filed by:
A TAA petition is filed with the USDOL. The petition identifies the worker group at a specific firm or subdivision and covers all individuals in that group. If a worker is laid off, a petition must be submitted within one year of the layoff for that worker to be covered by the petition and the certification, if USDOL grants the petition.
The USDOL receives the petition and initiates an investigation. The investigation will examine the circumstances of the layoff/closure and determine whether the worker group meets the TAA program eligibility criteria.
The USDOL certifies or denies group eligibility to apply for TAA.
Workers in a certified group may attend a group intake or apply individually for benefits through their local Michigan Works! Service Center.
Subsequent to the fact finding, the USDOL issues a determination of the TAA petition investigation. If certified by the USDOL, the identified group of workers will be eligible to apply for TAA benefits.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Workforce Development staff will obtain the eligible worker lists from the TAA-certified employer.
Adversely affected workers identified on the eligible worker list will be notified by their local Michigan Works! Agency, at which time they may apply and register for individual benefits and services.
The TAA Program provides several benefits, including Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA), to assist adversely-affected workers return to work as quickly as possible, and at a comparable wage. If you have been laid off by a TAA-certified employer, please review the information and videos below. TAA-certified workers may receive benefits and services at a local Michigan Works! Agency.
Comprehensive assessments, career guidance, pre-vocational services, labor market information, supportive services, information on financial aid, employment planning, and information on training.
Adversely affected workers must apply and be approved for TAA benefits through their the local Michigan Works! Agency. TAA is not a training reimbursement program. It is important to contact your local Michigan Works! to meet applicable deadlines, ensure proper understanding of the rules, and receive guidance on benefits and services.
Up to 130 weeks of monetary benefits for adversely affected workers enrolled in full-time training or who have a waiver from training within the applicable deadlines.
A wage subsidy for workers age 50 or over who are re-employed at annual wages of $50,000 or less.
Note: RTAA information is included in the TRA video.
Reimbursement for job search costs for suitable work outside the adversely affected worker’s local commuting area (five miles or more from the residence, one-way).
Reimbursement for relocation costs to move the adversely affected worker, family and household items for suitable work outside the worker’s local commuting area (five miles or more from the residence, one-way).
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Workforce Development, is the grant recipient of the TAA program, and Michigan Works! Agencies administer the program.
