If your job may be, or will be, impacted by a layoff related to the employer moving jobs out of the country or increased imports, review the Trade information on this site. Additional benefits and services may be available to you and others impacted by the layoff if it is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor as a Trade layoff.

How to File

A group of two or more workers from the same firm; a union or other duly authorized representative of such workers; the firm(s) of such workers; American Job Center operators or partners, including State workforce officials, employment security agencies, or dislocated worker unit and rapid response team members may file the online Petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Workers. 

A copy of the petition should also be submitted to the State of Illinois TAA Coordinators listed below.

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Specific Benefits:

• Employment and Case Management Services - Skills assessments, individual employment plans, career counseling, supportive services, and information on training, labor markets, and more (through TAA or other American Job Center programs).
• Training Benefits - Vocational training, on-the-job training, customized training designed to meet the needs of a specific employer or group of employers, apprenticeship programs, and more.
• Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) - Income support available in the form of weekly cash payments to workers who are enrolled in a full-time training program and have exhausted their unemployment insurance.
• Job Search Allowance - Reimbursement for costs of seeking employment outside of the worker’s commuting area.
• Relocation Allowance - Reimbursement for relocation costs for employment outside of the worker’s commuting area.
  
• Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA) - A wage subsidy for up to two years that is available to reemployed older workers and covers a portion of the difference between a worker’s new wage and their old wage (up to a specified maximum amount).
• Health Coverage Tax Credit - A 72.5% credit if receiving TRA for the costs you pay for health care insurance may be claimed on your federal income taxes. For more info go to the IRS website.

​Access Available Services

• Company Layoff Search - Use the Company Layoff Search to find information on events, services, and other resources that are available to individuals affected by their company's layoff.
• Layoff Assistance Guide - This guide provides tips, tools, and advice on how to overcome a layoff and prepare for the future. From finding your next job, to reviewing available programs and opportunities and more, this guide prepares you for what is ahead.

Trade Program Guidance

• Procedures and Guidelines
• Trade Forms

Use the Service Finder search to find your local American Job Center. Staff at these centers are available to assist you with layoffs, career guidance, work support, and much more.

Note: If you reside in Cook County, you should reach out to the National Able Network for work support.

Watch the videos below to learn about what programs and services are available under Certifications numbered 81,000 to 97,999:

• Introduction to the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program
• Reading of the Benefits Rights and Obligations (BRO)
• Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)