The more than 100 Idahoans who lost their jobs at Hostess when the company announced it was shutting down a few months ago may receive special assistance.

Fifty-six Treasure Valley workers were employed at two Hostess distribution centers and four Hostess retail outlets.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced Tuesday that those workers are among the 18,000 laid off in 48 states who are eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance. The department investigated the layoffs and found that rising imports of baked goods contributed to the company's sales declines and job cuts, making the group of unemployed workers eligible for the assistance program.

The workers will be contacted by the state with instructions on applying for benefits and services. Those who qualify may receive re-employment services, training in new job skills and/or trade readjustment allowances to provide income support while they are in training.

Workers may also receive job search and relocation allowances and a health coverage tax credit.

The assistance is open to eligible workers of all ages. But workers age 50 and older can opt for Re-employment Trade Adjustment Assistance instead. If a worker is hired for a new job at wages less than $50,000 and less than wages earned at Hostess, the RTAA program pays 50 percent of the difference between the old wage and the new wage, up to $10,000 over a two-year period.

Visit www.doleta.gov for more information.