UPSTATE AND NYC MESSAGE

DSS-4357EL                                                               
WGIUPD                  GENERAL INFORMATION SYSTEM               		05/01/01  
                   DIVISION:  Temporary Assistance 

GIS 01 TA/DC013                                                            

                                                                             
TO:  		Commissioners; IM Directors; HEAP Liaisons                          
                                                                         
FROM:  	Patricia A. Stevens, Deputy Commissioner                          
       		Division of Temporary Assistance                                  
SUBJECT:  Close Down of Regular HEAP Component                           

EFFECTIVE DATE:  May 16, 2001                                             
CONTACT PERSON:  Western Regional Team @ 1-800-343-8859, ext. 3-0332     

	This is to advise you that May 16, 2001 has been designated as the closing date for the regular benefit component for 2000-2001 HEAP.

	The emergency component and the heating equipment repair and replacement component will continue to operate until further notice.

	All local departments of social services and alternate certifiers must continue to accept applications and requests for applications and/or appointments to apply for regular benefits through the close of business on Wednesday, May 16, 2001.

	Requests for appointments to apply for regular HEAP made on or before COB May 16, 2001 must be honored even if the certifier is unable to schedule and/or conduct the appointment before COB on May 16th.

	Mail in applications postmarked on or before May 16 must be accepted and processed.  Phone certifications initiated on or before COB on May 16 must also be processed.

	Districts must continue to submit weekly pending reports until further notice.  Pending cases for regular benefits must be processed no later than June 29, 2001.  Benefits must be issued as soon as possible.  OTDA will continue to advance funds based on WMS authorizations.

	Again, the emergency and heating equipment repair/replacement components remain open until further notice.

	Please share this information with all other local certifiers.