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Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)

Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)

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What is a Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA)? Video

What is a Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA)?

TRA is income support through the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) for those who have a waiver from training or are currently enrolled in training through the TAA program. These benefits offer financial assistance beyond normal payment periods.

Qualifying for a Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA)

To qualify for TRA benefits you must:

  • Be covered by a certification.
  • Be totally separated from employment, due to lack of work in adversely affected employment, on or after the impact date and before the ending date of the certification.
  • Have worked at least 26 weeks at wages of $30 or more a week in adversely affected employment with a single firm or subdivision in the 52-week period ending with the week of separation. (Up to seven weeks of non-work for specified reasons and up to 26 weeks of worker's compensation or 26 weeks of being a reservist serving in active duty may be counted toward the 26 weeks.)
  • Have been entitled to and have exhausted all rights to unemployment benefits, including state and federal extensions.
  • Meet the same weekly work test applicable to unemployed workers for extended unemployment benefits, including actively seeking, applying for, and accepting work within your capabilities.
  • Be enrolled in, participating in, or have completed, an approved training program, unless the training requirement is waived by the MWA. You must be enrolled in training by the end of the 26th week following your last qualifying separation in the certification period; or the 26th week following your petition's certification date. This requirement will vary by certification number and specific circumstances.

The first week for which you may be eligible for TRA is the week following the week the petition is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. If you do not qualify for TRA benefits, you may still be eligible for reemployment services, training, a job search allowance, and a relocation allowance, if you are covered by a certification and have a qualifying separation from adversely affected employment.

If you do not qualify for TRA benefits, you may still be eligible for reemployment services, training, a job search allowance, and a relocation allowance, if you are covered by a certification and have a qualifying separation from adversely affected employment.