UPSTATE & NYC MESSAGE

DSS-4357EL 
WGIUPD                  GENERAL INFORMATION SYSTEM               06/12/01  
                   DIVISION:  Temporary Assistance
 
GIS 01 TA/DC020                                                            
                                                                           
TO:  		Local District Commissioners; HEAP Coordinators; IM Directors        
                                                                           
FROM:  	Patricia A. Stevens, Deputy Commissioner, Division of  Temporary Assistance                                                
SUBJECT:  Emergency HEAP Closing                                          
                                                                          
EFFECTIVE DATE:  June 22, 2001                                             
CONTACT PERSON:  Western Regional Team at 1-800-343-8859, ext. 3-0332     

This is to advise you that Friday, June 22, 2001 has been designated as the closing date for the emergency benefit component of the 2000-01 Home Energy Assistance Program.  As you are aware, the regular component for 2000-01 HEAP closed on Wednesday, May 16, 2001.

All local departments of social services and alternate certifiers must continue to accept applications and requests for applications and/or appointments to apply for emergency HEAP benefits through the close of business (COB) on June 22, 2001.

Requests for appointments to apply for emergency HEAP benefits made on or before COB June 22, 2001 must be honored. If the certifier is unable to conduct the appointment before COB on June 22, 2001, an appointment beyond the closing date must be scheduled.

Districts must continue to submit weekly pending reports until further notice.  Benefits must be issued as soon as possible.

The repair and replacement of applicant-owned essential heating equipment component will remain open until further notice.  Districts must continue to require applicants to complete a HEAP application and have an in-person interview for this component.  Eligibility is based on the guidelines for emergency benefits.  We encourage local districts to continue to be active with this component even though the cold weather period is over.

Please share this information with your fiscal directors and your alternate certifiers.

Thank you for your cooperation during this HEAP season.