Link & Learn Taxes, linking volunteers to quality-learning is the web-based program providing five courses: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Military and International, along with a refresher course for returning volunteers. This training prepares SPEC partners and volunteers to provide quality tax return preparation services in their local communities. This fun, interactive course teaches the basics to accurately prepare income tax returns for individuals AND users can obtain volunteer certification along the way at their own pace. Check out the following web page for details: www.irs.gov/app/vita/index.jsp

NEED Help with heating bills and emergency situations - Contact your local County Assistance Office at (814) 938-2990 or (800) 242-8214 or apply for LIHEAP online at www.compass.state.pa.us

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low income families pay their heating bills. It's a grant, so you don't have to pay it back. LIHEAP offers both cash and crisis grants, and is open for applications around November and ends around March, call your assistance office for the exact dates. Cash grants

Pennsylvania senior citizens and adults with disabilities may now apply for food stamps and supplemental security income (SSI) simultaneously. Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle B. Richman said.

Launched this month, Pennsylvania's Combined Application Project (PA CAP) has already enabled approximately 34,000 seniors and adults with disabilities to be enrolled automatically for benefits. The project is a joint effort involving the Department of Public Welfare, the Social Security Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service division.