TO:	   Local District Commissioners; HEAP Coordinators; IM Directors

FROM:	Patricia A. Stevens, Deputy Commissioner, Division of 
            Temporary Assistance

SUBJECT:	Emergency HEAP Closing

EFFECTIVE DATE:   May 3, 2002

CONTACT PERSON:   Western Regional Team at 1-800-343-8859
                         Extension 3-0332
	
This is to advise you that Friday, May 3, 2002 has been designated as the closing date for the emergency benefit component of the 2001-2002 Home Energy Assistance Program.  As you are aware, the regular component for 2001-2002 HEAP closed on Friday, April 5, 2002.

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 May 3, 2002.

Requests for appointments to apply for emergency HEAP benefits made on/or before COB May 3, 2002 must be honored.  If the certifier is unable to conduct the appointment before COB on May 3, 2002, 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.  All emergency cases must be processed through WMS no later than close of business Friday, June 14, 2002.

	
	
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 local fiscal director and your alternate certifiers.

Thank you for your cooperation during this HEAP season.