Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Rights
Applications Rights
You have the right to be told if your application is approved or
denied within sixty (60) days of the date that the HEAP certifier
receives your complete and signed application. You have the right
to request a conference and/or a fair hearing if you have not
been told if your HEAP application is approved or denied and it
has been more than sixty (60) days since the date the HEAP
certifier received your complete and signed application.
If you want a conference, you should ask for one as soon as
possible. At the conference, if we discover that we made a wrong
decision or if, because of information you provided, we determine
to change our decision, we will take corrective action. You may
ask for a conference by calling us at (212) 442-3037 or by
sending a written request to us at:
DFTA/HEAP
2 Lafayette Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Attention: Fair Hearing Officer
If you are not satisfied with the results of your conference you
can still request a fair hearing from the New York State
Department of Social Services by:
Telephoning, toll-free 1-800-342-3334 or
Writing to:
Energy Fair Hearing Section
New York State Department of
Social Services
40 North Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12243
If you request a fair hearing, the State will send you a notice
of the time and place of the hearing. You have the right to be
represented by legal counsel, a relative, a friend or other
person, or to represent yourself. At the hearing you, your
attorney or representative will have the opportunity to present
written and oral evidence to demonstrate why the decision should
be changed, as well as the opportunity to question any person who
appears at the hearing. Also you have the right to bring
witnesses to speak in your favor. You should bring to the hearing
any document that may be helpful in presenting your case.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE: If you need free legal assistance you may be
able to obtain such assistance by contacting your local Legal Aid
Society or other legal advocate group. You may locate the nearest
Legal Aid Society or advocate group by checking the Yellow Pages
under "LAWYERS” or by calling DFTA's Information & Referral at
(212) 442-1000.
ACCESS to RECORDS/INFORMATION: You have the right to review your
case record. Upon your request, you have the right to free copies
of documents which you will present in evidence at the fair
hearing. Also, upon request, you have the right to free copies of
other documents from your case record which you need for your
fair hearing. To request such documents or to find out how you
may review your case record, call (212) 442-3037, or send a
written request to:
DFTA/HEAP
2 Lafayette Street - 16th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Attention: Fair Hearing Officer
If you want additional information about your case, the procedure
for requesting a fair hearing or to gain access to your case
file, and/or additional copies of documents, you may call (212)
442-3037 or write us at:
DFTA/HEAP
2 Lafayette Street - 16th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Attn: Fair Hearing Officer
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