TO:	Commissioners; HEAP Coordinators; TA Directors

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

SUBJECT:	HEAP Cooling Closing

EFFECTIVE DATE:	September 13, 2002

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

This is to advise you that Friday, September 13, 2002 has been designated as the closing date for the cooling benefit component of the 2001-2002 Home Energy Assistance Program. 

All local departments of social services and alternate certifiers must continue to accept applications and requests for applications and/or appointments to apply for HEAP Cooling benefits through the close of business (COB) on September 13, 2002.

Mail in applications postmarked on/or before September 13, 2002 must be accepted and processed.

Requests for appointments to apply for HEAP Cooling benefits made on/or before COB September 13, 2002 must be honored.  If the certifier is unable to conduct the appointment before COB on September 13, 2002, an appointment beyond the closing date must be scheduled.

All cooling benefits must be processed through WMS no later than close of business Thursday, October 31, 2002.

Districts must immediately notify DTA if they find that they have more cooling applications than they have cooling funds available.

Please share this information with your local fiscal director and your alternate certifiers.

Thank you for your cooperation during this HEAP season.