Ala. Admin. Code r. 480-4-1-.09

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 480-4-1-.09 - Normal Commuting Area For Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Purposes

(1) Section 617.22 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, requires that training must be, among other things, reasonably available and available at a reasonable cost. In determining whether or not training is reasonably available, first consideration shall be given to training opportunities available within the worker's normal commuting area. Training at facilities outside the worker's normal commuting area should be approved only if such training is not available in the area or the training to be provided outside the normal commuting area will involve less charges to TAA funds. Also, training at facilities outside the worker's normal commuting area that involves transportation or subsistence costs which add substantially to the total costs shall not be approved if other appropriate training is available.

(2) Section 617.42 states that if the worker has no reasonable exception of suitable employment in the commuting area, and has a reasonable expectation of obtaining suitable employment of long-term duration outside the commuting area, the worker may request a job search allowance.

(3) Section 617.42 states that if the worker has no reasonable expectation of securing suitable employment in the commuting area, and has obtained suitable employment affording a reasonable expectation of employment of long-term duration, or a bona fide offer of such suitable employment, outside the commuting area, the worker may request a relocation allowance.

(4) Reasonable expectation of employment of long-term duration is defined as employment accepted with the intent of being permanent employed.

(5) "Commuting area" or "normal commuting area" for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) purposes is defined as a maximum of seventy-five miles one way from the worker's residence to the training facility or suitable employment. When a Training Proposal for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) funded training requesting training outside the commuting area or an application for Job Search Allowance or Relocation Allowance is received, the guidelines set forth in this rule will be used to make a determination to the request.

Author: Bonnie M. Lashley, Trade Act Coordinator, Unemployment Compensation Division

Ala. Admin. Code r. 480-4-1-.09

New Rule: Filed December 23, 2005; effective January 27, 2006.

Statutory Authority: Trade Act of 1974, PL 93-618 as amended, §§617.22, 617.32, 617.42.