Step 1 - Initial Requirements

The HCTC assists three specific groups of people. If you belong to one of these groups, then you meet the Initial Requirements and you may be eligible to receive the tax credit:

• PBGC Pension Benefit Recipients - you are at least 55 years old and receive a pension benefit payment from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). You also qualify if you currently receive PBGC benefits as a survivor, beneficiary or an alternate payee and are at least 55 years old
• TAA Recipients - you receive either an income supplement from your state called a Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA) or unemployment insurance.
• ATAA/RTAA Recipients - you receive benefits under the Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA)/Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA) program

If you belong to one of the above groups, you will receive an HCTC Program Kit in the mail when the HCTC Program is notified by your state workforce agency or the PBGC that you are potentially eligible for the tax credit. Note: the HCTC Program Kit has not been updated with recent Recovery Act changes to the HCTC.     If you have not received the Program Kit in the mail, then most likely you are not a recipient of PBGC, TAA or ATAA/RTAA benefits. If that is the case, you do not meet the Step 1 initial requirements and therefore are not eligible for the tax credit. Please note that it can take the PBGC or your state some time after your company's trustee date or certification to notify the HCTC Program about the event.

Who To Contact With Questions About Initial Requirements
If you have questions about pension benefits from the PBGC, call the PBGC at 1-800-400-7242.

If you have questions about trade adjustment benefits (TAA or ATAA/RTAA), call your state through your local unemployment office. You can also call the U.S. Department of Labor at 1-877-US-2JOBS to get the phone number of an unemployment office in your area.

Go to Step 2 - General Requirements.
Return to the HCTC Program home page.
Go to the HCTC Quick References page to view a glossary of terms, FAQs and additional resources.