NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT/TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (NAFTA/TAA)

The following includes excerpts from the Connecticut Department of Labor webpage “North American Free Trade Agreement/Transitional Adjustment Assistance Program (NAFTA/TAA)” http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/progsupt/jobsrvce/naftataa.htm

WHAT IS THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT/TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (NAFTA/TAA)?
The North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act establishes a Transitional Adjustment Assistance program for workers in companies affected by imports from Mexico or Canada, or by shifts of US production to those countries. This program combines aspects of two laws that have been in effect for many years: the Economic Dislocation and Worker Adjustment Assistance Act (EDWAA) and the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program (changes to the TAA program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) are available at http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/TradeAct/default.htm). The program provides affected workers with both rapid and early response to the threat of unemployment and the opportunity to engage in long-term training while receiving income support.

HOW TO APPLY:
Petitions for assistance may be filed by a group of three or more workers, their union, or a duly-authorized representative, including community-based organizations. A company official may also file a petition. Forms may be obtained from your local Connecticut Works Center or from other agencies designated to provide reemployment services under the NAFTA/TAA program.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE?
Certified workers may be eligible to receive up to 52 weeks of cash assistance, training, job search, and relocation allowance. There are time limitations and eligibility requirements to receive benefits under NAFTA/TAA Programs. For specific information on the time limitations and eligibility requirements, contact your local Connecticut Works Center.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Additional information is available from: US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance, Room C-4318, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210

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SOURCE: Connecticut Department of Labor website
PREPARED BY: 211/kq
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: June2011