ATTENTION! We are currently providing benefits & services under the termination provisions of the Trade Act. No new petitions are being certified at this time. Workers certified under previous petitions are eligible to apply for training, out-of-area job search, and out-of-area relocation benefits. RTAA, TRA and HCTC are not currently available.

TAA benefits are provided according to the version of the law that was in force at the time the applicable petition was certified; there are small differences in the benefits provided by the different laws. For information on how to determine which law your petition falls under, please refer to the program's FAQ page.

Getting the Job: Job Search & Relocation Assistance

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program

Job Search Assistance

What is It?

If your TAA Career Planner determines that a suitable job isn't available close to home, you may receive out-of-area job search allowances, which reimburse you for necessary expenses to attend job interviews, take tests, and attend referral appointments for work outside of your local commute. You must apply for the job search allowance before each individual trip.

Allowed Costs

TAA can reimburse you up to 90% of your mileage or commercial transportation costs. There are set rates for meals and lodging, based on a percentage of the Federal government travel rates. The maximum total job search reimbursement you can receive is $1,250.

Required Documentation

• Confirmation from the employer that you attended a specific interview or meeting.
• Receipts for lodging and meal costs.

Eligibility Periods and Deadlines

You must apply for the job search allowance before each individual trip. Contact your TAA Career Planner for the application form.

There are two eligibility periods or deadlines for applying for this benefit:

• Within one year of either your last day of work with the TAA-certified company or one year from the date your company’s petition was certified, whichever is later.
• Within six months from completion of your training, if you enrolled in TAA-approved training.

Relocation Assistance

What is It?

If you are successful finding a job outside of your local commuting area, then relocation assistance can help pay for necessary costs of moving. TAA relocation assistance covers you, your family, and your household goods. Your new job must pay at least 80% of your previous wages, you must have accepted the job offer and you must apply for the relocation allowance before you relocate.

Allowed Costs

TAA moving expenses covers up to 90% of your eligible costs for commercial mover or truck rental and one-way travel. There are set rates for meals and lodging, based on a percentage of the Federal government travel rates.

In addition, you may receive a lump sum three times your previous weekly wage, up to $1,250 maximum. This payment can be used to cover other expenses not listed above.

* There is no maximum reimbursement amount; however, the maximum weight allowance of household goods that may be shipped is 18,000 pounds.

Required Documentation

• A moving cost estimate
• Receipts
• Job offer details, including your start date, pay, and any relocation benefits paid by the company
  NOTE: TAA does not pay for relocation costs covered by your new employer.

Eligibility Periods and Deadlines

You must apply for the relocation allowance before you relocate, and your relocation must be completed within six months of your application date. Contact your TAA Career Planner for the application form.

There are two eligibility periods or deadlines for applying for this benefit:

• Within 14 months of either your last day of work with the TAA-certified company or 14 months from the date your company's petition was certified, whichever is later.
• Within six months from completion of your training, if you enrolled in TAA-approved training.

For more information, see your Benefit Rights & Obligations or your Participant Handbook.