After weeks of uncertainty, financial assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will be available for those who are struggling to pay heating bills. The application period for this year’s program opens on Monday, Dec. 1. Sun Community News reports HEAP is an annual program that helps low-income households pay the cost of heating their homes. Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, primary heating source and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled.