Labor Laws

Trade Readjustment Allowance

Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) provide financial support to people who have depleted unemployment compensation and whose jobs were impacted by imports from other countries.

The Federal Trade Act offers unique benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program to workers who suffered layoffs or reductions in hours due to the adverse effects caused by an influx of foreign imports. These benefits include paid training for a new job and financial assistance to search for jobs out of town or to relocate to a place where jobs aren't as scarce. Those who meet the requirements could be entitled to TRA on a weekly basis once their unemployment benefits are up.

Contact the State Unemployment Insurance Agency or One-Stop Employment Service Office and inquire about how to file a Petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance. The Petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance has to be filed with the US Department of Labor. If the Department of Labor agrees to the petition, the affected workers will be allowed to file a claim through TAA.

When workers first request financial assistance, prior to becoming Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) qualified, they may be entitled to unemployment, which is also a weekly income support plan.

If a worker is eligible for TAA, it is a possibility that they will still receive a weekly stipend in the form of TRA when all other unemployment compensation benefits have been depleted. TRA payments are meant for workers who are signed up for full-time training.

Basic TRA typically lasts 26 weeks. To receive basic TRA payments with a TAA certification, the worker is required to have finished or be enrolled in training approved by the TAA. Sometimes, the worker may be exempt from the training requirement altogether.

Additional TRA is paid out over an uninterrupted 26-week period. This compensation is available to assist the worker as they conclude an approved TAA training program.