TO:	Commissioners; TA Directors; HEAP Liaisons

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

SUBJECT:	 Close Down of Emergency HEAP Component

EFFECTIVE DATE: May 2, 2003	

CONTACT PERSON: Western Regional Team @ 1-800 343-8859, ext. 3-0332	

This is to remind you that Friday, May 2, 2003 has been designated as the closing date for the HEAP emergency benefit component for 2002 – 2003 HEAP.  As you are aware, the regular component for 2002-2003 HEAP closed on Monday, April 21, 2003.

The emergency 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 emergency benefits through the close of business on Friday, May 2, 2003.

Requests for appointments to apply for emergency HEAP made on/or before COB May 2, 2003 must be honored. If the certifier is unable to conduct the appointment before COB on May 2, 2003, an appointment beyond the closing date must be scheduled.

Districts must continue to submit weekly pending reports until further notice.  Pending cases for regular benefits must be processed no later than June 9, 2003; pending cases for emergency benefits must be processed no later than June 23, 2003.  Benefits must be issued as soon as possible.  OTDA will continue to advance funds based on WMS authorizations.

Energy emergency requests received after May 2, 2003 should be referred to the local social services districts’ Temporary Assistance office. 

Please share this information with all other local certifiers.