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 21, 2004

CONTACT PERSON:	Western Regional Team at 1-800-343-8859, Extension 3-0332

This is to advise you that Friday, May 21, 2004 has been designated as the closing date for the emergency benefit component of the 2003-2004 Home Energy Assistance Program.  As you are aware, the regular component for 2003-2004 HEAP closed on Friday, April 23, 2004.

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 21, 2004.

Requests for appointments to apply for emergency HEAP benefits made on/or before COB May 21, 2004 must be honored.  If the certifier is unable to conduct the appointment before COB on May 21, 2004, an appointment beyond the closing date must be scheduled.

Districts must continue to submit weekly pending reports until further notice, or until all pending applications have been processed.  Benefits must be issued as soon as possible.  All emergency cases must be processed through WMS no later than close of business Friday, June 18, 2004.

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.

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

Thank you for your cooperation during this HEAP season.