Workers are eligible for TAA program services if a petition submitted on behalf of the workers is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, determining that the workers were separated from their employment due to foreign competition.

On October 21, 2011 the President signed the Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act (TAAEA) which changed group eligibility requirements, and individual services and benefits. Additional TAA rules and regulations can be found on www.doleta.gov/tradeact.

IMPORTANT: These benefits only apply to specific certified petitions!

• Training:  Training consists of one Occupational skills training which may include a group of courses (components) related to a specific occupational goal. Training may be in the form of classroom training, on-line (distance learning) training, or on-the-job training. All training must be approved in advance by WorkForce West Virginia’s Dislocated Worker Services Unit.


• Travel Allowance: May be eligible to receive supplemental assistance (a daily mileage allowance) to assist with travel costs while attending training outside the normal commuting distance.



• Subsistence Allowance: May be eligible to receive a subsistence allowance (to offset living expenses) while attending training outside the normal commuting distance.


• Supply Allowance: May be eligible to receive a reimbursement per quarter/semester/term/session of up to $50.00 for training supplies (notebooks, paper, pens, and pencils).


• TRA Benefits: May be eligible to receive up to 130 weeks of Income Support payments. Trade Readjustment Assistance (TRA) is administered by WorkForce West Virginia’s Unemployment Insurance Division.


• Health Care Tax Credit (HCTC): This program is administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assisting customers by paying 72.5 % of their monthly health care premium, or provides eligible customers with a tax credit of 72.5% of their health care premium cost when filling a federal tax return. All eligibility determinations are made by the IRS. Please contact the WorkForce West Virginia Dislocated Worker Services Unit for additional information on the HCTC program and the WV Gap Filler Grant program.


• Job Search Allowance: May be eligible for a reimbursement up to 90% for travel, meals, and lodging expenses. Maximum amount of reimbursement cannot exceed $1250 for prearranged interviews beyond the normal commuting distance, and must be approved in advance by the WorkForce West Virginia Dislocated Worker Services Unit.


• Relocation Allowance: You must have accepted a job outside your normal commuting distance and receive approval from the WorkForce West Virginia Dislocated Worker Services Unit prior to your move. You will receive up to 90% of reasonable and necessary expenses, and you will receive a lump sum of three (3) times your former average weekly wage, not to exceed $1250 for the move.


• Reemployment TAA (RTAA): A wage subsidy program offered to workers 50 years or older. The wage subsidy may not exceed $10,000 or two years, whichever occurs first. Customers may still be eligible to receive training with this program.