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Trade Adjustment Assistance

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Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) helps people who lost their jobs because work moved to another country or because of foreign trade.

TAA offers job training and employment services to help workers return to suitable jobs as quickly as possible.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and is managed in Arizona by DES.

Services

Eligible TAA participants (TAA-certified workers) may access certain benefits based on the Trade Act Amendment which governs their certification. Benefits may include but are not limited to:

  • Reemployment Services
    • Job search, resume and interview assistance, upskilling and more
  • Occupational or On-the-Job Training (If determined to be necessary to obtain suitable employment)
  • Training and Education
  • Income support
  • Wage subsidy for workers who are 50 years old or older
  • Job Search allowance
  • Relocation allowance
  • Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC)

Eligibility

A petition must be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor by or on behalf of a group of workers who have lost or may lose their jobs as a result of foreign trade.

Information for submitting a petition to the Department of Labor can be found on their Trade Adjustment for Workers web page.

If the petition cannot be downloaded, a TAA Counselor can provide a petition and/or assistance. Two TAA petitions must be signed and sent separately to each of the following addresses by fax or U.S. Mail, as provided:

United States Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration
Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance
Room N-5428
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: (202) 693-3560 or 1 (888) DOL-OTAA (1 (888) 365-6822)
Fax: (202) 693-3584 or (202) 693-3585
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers website

Arizona Trade Adjustment Assistance Program
Email the AZ Trade Program

The Department of Labor investigates the facts and makes a determination whether foreign trade was an important cause of the threatened or actual job loss. If the department grants the petition to certify the worker group, individuals in the group will receive a notice of potential eligibility and a TAA program application.

Apply

You may be eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) benefits and services based on your layoff information. To apply, please contact the Trade Act Unit by email.

Policy Manual

TAA Policy Manual, Effective March 1, 2018

Contact and More Information

Detailed information regarding TAA, petitions, certifications, and much more can be found on the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers website or by sending an email to the Arizona Trade Unit.

How to Appeal a TAA Decision

If you disagree with your TAA decision, you must file a written appeal or request for reconsideration within 15 calendar days of the mailing date on your letter.

If the 15th day falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.

How to Submit Your Appeal

You can submit your written request:

  • By email at [email protected]
  • By mail to:

    Arizona TAA State Coordinator
    1789 W. Jefferson St. 
    Phoenix, Arizona 85007

If you mail your appeal, the postmark date counts as the filing date.

When the Deadline Can Be Extended

The 15 day deadline may be extended if you can prove either of the following:

  • The U.S. Postal Service caused a delay
  • DES gave you wrong information or made an error

What to Include in Your Appeal

Your written request must include:

  • Why you believe the decision is wrong
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your signature

What Happens Next

The TAA State Coordinator will review your request and send you a written decision.

If your request is denied, your case will be sent to the Office of Appeals.

The Office of Appeals will send you a notice with the date and location of your hearing.

The Appeal Hearing

You may represent yourself or have someone represent you.

If you pay someone to represent you, that person must be either:

  • A licensed Arizona attorney
  • Supervised by a licensed Arizona attorney

DES does not provide representatives.

Bringing Documents or Evidence

If you want the judge to review documents not already in your file:

  • Bring clear copies to the hearing
  • Mail or fax copies right away to the judge and the other party if your hearing is by phone, 

If your evidence is not on paper, you must make arrangements ahead of time.

Bringing Witnesses or Requesting a Subpoena

You may bring witnesses to the hearing.

If you need someone to attend or bring documents, you can request a subpoena.

You must submit this request in writing at least 5 calendar days before the hearing.

Your request must include:

  • A description of the item or testimony
  • The name and address of the person who has it
  • Why the judge needs it to make a decision

If You Do Not Attend the Hearing

If you filed the appeal and do not attend, the judge will decide the case without you.

If you did not file the appeal and do not attend, the hearing will still happen. You may have to repay benefits you received.

If you miss the hearing, the judge’s decision will explain your next steps.

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