A petition identifies a worker group at a specific firm or subdivision and covers all individuals in that group. Generally, 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. A group of workers may be eligible for TAA if their jobs are lost or threatened due to trade-related circumstances as determined by the USDOL investigation.
After the investigation, the USDOL determines group eligibility to apply for TAA benefits and services.
Workers in a certified group will be notified by their local Michigan Works! Agency, at which time they may apply for individual eligibility for benefits and services.
If a worker is a member of a worker group certified by the USDOL, that worker may receive the following benefits and services at a local Michigan Works! Agency:
Employment and case management services: Assessments, career guidance, pre-vocational services, labor market information, supportive services, information on financial aid, employment planning, and information on training.
Training: Up to 130 weeks of training including:
• Classroom training
• On-the-job training
• Customized training, or
• Apprenticeships
Job Search Allowance: Reimbursement for job search costs outside the worker's local area may be available to those who qualify after training is completed.
Relocation Allowance: Reimbursement for relocation costs for a job outside the worker's local area may be available to those who qualify after training is completed.
Workers must apply and be approved for TAA benefits through local Michigan Works! Agencies. TAA is not a reimbursement program.
To learn more about how to file a petition, check on the status of a petition, or to obtain more information on benefits and services, please visit www.doleta.gov/tradeact.
To locate a Michigan Works! service center, please visit www.michiganworks.org.
It is important to contact your local Michigan Works! Agency to meet applicable deadlines, ensure proper understanding of the rules, and receive guidance on benefits and services available under the TAA program.
West Michigan Works! is a division of ACSET, an equal opportunity employer/program and a proud partner of the American Job Center network.
