Changes to TAA program - Questions and Answers

When do the changes to TAA under the Recovery Act take effect? In general, changes to worker benefits and certification criteria apply only to workers covered by petitions filed on or after May 18, 2009. The exception is that the increase in the amount of the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), which provides a tax credit towards health insurance costs, goes into effect beginning with the month of May 2009 and applies to all recipients, regardless of when their petition was filed.

How can I tell if I am covered under the Old TAA Program or the New TAA Program? You can tell which program you are covered under by looking at the petition number, which is usually displayed in your paperwork as TA-W-XX,XXX. TA-W numbers that fall below 70,000 are associated with the Old TAA Program while numbers exceeding 70,000 will be associated with the New TAA Program.

What are the major changes in benefits? Go to the Department of Labor's website for a side-by-side comparison of the old and new. CLICK HERE

What are some examples of new groups of workers that may now be certified under the New TAA Program? Additional groups of workers that may be certified include, but are not limited to:

• Workers in firms that supply services.
• Workers whose firm has shifted production to any foreign country.
• Workers in public agencies.
• Workers whose firm produces component parts of a finished article produced by its customer(s).
• Workers in firms that supply testing, packaging, maintenance and transportation services to companies with TAA-certified workers.
• Workers whose firm is identified in an International Trade Commission “injury” determination listed in the Act.

How do I get more information? Information about the changes to TAA under the Recovery Act will be updated frequently and may be found by utilizing the contact information provided below.