TO:	Commissioners; TA Directors; HEAP Liaisons

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

SUBJECT:	Close Down of Regular HEAP Component

EFFECTIVE DATE:   April 5, 2002

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

This is to advise you that April 5, 2002 has been designated as the closing date for the regular benefit component for 2001 – 2002 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 Friday, April 5, 2002.

Requests for appointments to apply for regular HEAP made on/or before COB, April 5, 2002 must be honored even if the certifier is unable to schedule and/or conduct the appointment before COB on April 5th.

Mail in applications postmarked on/or before April 5th must be accepted and processed.  Phone certifications initiated on/or before COB April 5th 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 May 23, 2002.  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.