Displaced Worker Resource Center Rockingham County, NC   PO Box 206, Wentworth (336) 342-8100  Fax  (336) 342-8105

20.6 Million in Grants Approved

Emergency Help OK'd for NC Workers

Trade Adjustment Assistance. If Labor determines that Pillowtex workers lost their jobs due to imports, as we expect them to do, then the workers will be eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). In addition to workers' normal unemployment compensation, which can be up to 26 weeks, they will receive 26 weeks of TAA benefits. If they enroll in a TAA-approved job training program, workers can receive an additional 52 weeks of benefits as they complete the training. Those who need remedial education, such as a GED, may receive additional weeks of benefits as needed, for a maximum of two and a half years (130 weeks). In addition, if they buy health insurance, they will receive tax credits from the IRS to pay 65% of the premiums. Pillowtex submitted a TAA application on August 8. Labor should approve the application within 40 days, but workers will not be eligible to receive benefits until 60 days after the application is filed, or mid-October. 

First National Emergency Grant. In June, Governor Mike Easley applied for a $19.5 million emergency grant through the dislocated workers program. These resources will help about 17,000 dislocated workers, probably including Pillowtex workers, pay their health insurance premiums from the time they are eligible to receive TAA benefits until they start receiving the tax credits from the IRS, which usually takes about a month.  The Department of Labor awarded $7.6 million.

Second National Emergency Grant. Last week, Governor Easley applied for a second emergency grant, this one for $18.5 million. These resources will be dedicated to helping Pillowtex workers. They would receive job training such as literacy skills, a G.E.D., a one- or two-year program at a community college, or on-the job training. In addition, some workers could receive up to $500 in emergency aid; up to $750 for job search expenses including travel; and up to $1,750 for moving expenses. The Department of Labor awarded North Carolina $13 million.