For TAA-eligible workers, 50 years of age or older, Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) and Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA) can subsidize 50 percent of the difference in the wages earned at the time of separation from the TAA-certified employment and the wages earned in reemployment. The maximum amount of benefit is $10,000 or two years, whichever occurs first.
ATAA and RTAA are virtually the same program but differ slightly based on the TAA laws that were enacted at the time of petitioning for benefits.
There are deadlines and individual eligibility requirements associated with this benefit; therefore, timely application and constant communication with your TAA Workforce Consultant is essential.
New employment may not pay more than $50,000 per year. You may not return to your previous, trade-affected employment and you must be separated from your trade-affected employer for no less than seven days prior to beginning new employment.
New employment may be:
- full time (at least 30 hours per week; can be two or more jobs); or
- part time (at least 20 hours per week; must be enrolled in full-time TAA-approved training);
You may be eligible for all other TAA benefits after receiving RTAA with the exception of Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA). Any TRA allowances that are received prior to RTAA are deducted from the overall benefit amount you may be eligible for under the wage subsidy.
To start your job search, visit SC Works Online Services or contact your local SC Works Center and request TAA Workforce Consultant today!