TRA - Trade Readjustment Allowances

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) was established under the Trade Act of 1974 to help American workers who lost their jobs as a result of increased imports, or shift in production to foreign countries. It is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and cooperating state employment security agencies.

Eligible workers receive Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) during periods of unemployment. The program also assists workers to regain satisfactory employment through the use of a full range of employment services and, if needed, provides classroom and/or on-the-job training, job search, and relocation allowances. Eligible TAA recipients receiving TRA benefits may also be eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit program.

A worker who learns that their group has been certified must contact the local EDD office to apply for TAA.  The EDD will determine if the worker is covered by the certification, and whether basic qualifying requirements have been met.