WASHINGTON, D.C., July 30, 2009: U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, both D-Mich., announced that approximately 1,000 Michigan workers have been certified as eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance, including income support, training and re-employment services.

Trade Adjustment Assistance is provided through the U.S. Department of Labor.

“I am hopeful that these benefits will help eligible workers during these very difficult and unfortunate times,” said Levin. “As workers reel from deep cuts in the auto industry, I am optimistic that this assistance will be able to mitigate some of the burden on Michigan families.”

“Workers in auto-related industries across our state continue to struggle during this difficult times,” said Stabenow. “That’s why I am pleased that almost 1000 workers are eligible to receive economic assistance as well as access to resources that will help build upon their skills and the opportunity to compete in a global marketplace.”

Approximately 300 workers at Advanced Accessory Systems in Shelby Township, Sterling Heights and Port Huron qualify, as do approximately 350 workers at Noble Processing in South Haven and 340 at Delphi Corp. in Troy.

Workers who are eligible will be contacted by the state with information about how to apply. Services include case management and re-employment services, training in new occupational skills, and trade readjustment allowances that provide income support for workers enrolled in training. Some may also receive job search and relocation allowances and the Health Coverage Tax Credit.

Those 50 years of age or older may choose to receive Re-employment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA), which was created through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). If a worker obtains new employment at wages less than $55,000 and less than those earned in adversely affected employment, the RTAA program will pay 50 percent of the difference between the old wage and the new wage, up to $12,000 in over a two-year period.

For more information on the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, visit www.doleta.gov.