Operational Guidance | OG 04-2021 Revised Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program Participant Transportation Operational Guidance

• Date: March 23, 2021
• Subject: Revised Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program Participant Transportation Operational Guidance
• From: Chet Mottershead, Assistant Secretary for Workforce

Purpose:

To transmit the revised Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Participant Transportation Policy for Training, Job Search Allowance and Relocation Allowance Reimbursement and to rescind PS 01-2019.

Background:

The U.S. Department of Labor TAA program Final Rule, 20 CFR parts 617 and 618, provides federal guidance governing transportation payments under the TAA program. This final rule is effective September 21, 2020. DWS has issued this operational guidance to ensure that transportation payments are made in accordance with the federal directive.

TAA Participant in Approved Training

The revision begins with the determination of the TAA Training participant’s “normal commuting distance”. Effective January 1, 2021, the “normal commuting distance” established for a TAA Training participant is “20 or fewer miles roundtrip”. This roundtrip is from the TAA participant’s residence to the TAA approved training facility and return. If a TAA participant is enrolled in TAA approved sponsored training and has an approved TAA training plan (Form NCDWS 8-58, TAA Request for Training and Allowances) active on file, he/she may be eligible to apply for and receive TAA Participant Transportation Allowances (20 CFR§618.640).

Job Search Allowances

TAA participants may request this mileage reimbursement for travel related to job interviews within the United States and outside the individual’s present commuting area. This commuting distance is calculated at 20.1 or more miles roundtrip from the home.

Relocation Allowances

TAA participants may request this mileage reimbursement as part of the relocation request if the relocation is within the United States and is outside of the individual’s present commuting area. The Relocation Allowances may be available to TAA workers who have accepted a job offer outside of the normal commuting distance. This commuting distance is calculated at 20.1 or more miles roundtrip from the home.

Action:

Division staff and Local Workforce Development Areas should implement the changes in this Revised TAA Transportation Operational Guidance.                              

Effective Date:

January 1, 2021 

Expiration:

Indefinite

Contact:

DWS State Trade Adjustment Assistance Coordinator