Page 22 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 11, 2021 Helping Seniors Find Discounted High-Speed Internet Services Savvy Senior S by Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, Do you know where I can find cheaper high-speed internet services for my home? I’m 70-years old and live strictly on my Social Security and would like to find something faster and less expensive than I currently have. Surfing Susan Dear Susan, There are actually two new resources available today that can help you save money on your home internet services, but what’s available to you will depend on your income level and where you live. Here’s where to begin. Internet Discounts Depending on your financial situation, a good first step to reducing your home internet costs is through the new Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. This is a temporary federal benefit that provides a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10 to $50 toward the purchase price. To qualify, you’ll need to show that your annual household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $17,388 for one person or $23,517 for two. Or, if you’re receiving certain types of government benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), SSI, public housing assistance, veterans’ pension or survivors pension benefit, or live on federally recognized tribal lands. Households that experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 due to job loss or furlough can also qualify for the EBB program, as long as their household income for 2020 was at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers. To apply, go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org where you can apply online or print out an application and mail it in. If you’re already receiving assistance through the federal Lifeline benefit (see LifelineSupport.org), which is a $9.25 monthly subsidy for phone or internet costs, you automatically qualify for the EBB program, and you can receive both benefits at the same time. You can apply your EBB and your Lifeline benefit to the same or separate services. Or, if your broadband provider already has its own low-income or COVID-19 relief program, you may be able to qualify through this program as well. Talk to your broadband provider for more information. Low-Cost Internet If you’re not eligible for the EBB program, another resource for locating cheaper high-speed internet is Aging Connected, which has a higher income qualification. Created by Older Adults Technology Services from AARP (OATS) and the Humana Foundation, Aging Connected is a nationwide campaign created to help lower-income seniors find low-cost, inhome broadband options in their area. Partnering with telecommunications companies, nonprofits and public entities, Aging Connected will help you search for services in your area that provide high-speed internet at a very low cost. Most participating companies charge around $10 to $15 per month, with no contract and no equipment fee. Aging Connected also provides referrals to affordable desktop and laptop computers for under $160. To qualify, you’ll need to show that your annual household income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $23,800 for one person or $32,200 for two. Or, if you’re receiving certain types of government benefits similar to the EBB program. To search, go to AgingConnected.org and type in your ZIP code, name and email address, or you can call 877-745-1930. Other Search Options If you find that you’re not eligible for either of the previously listed resources, you may still be able to save on your internet by shopping and comparing. The best way to do this is at websites like InMyArea.com and BroadbandNow.com, both of which provide a list of internet providers in your area, along with pricing and download speeds. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net OBITUARY Albert (Al) Leander North A veteran of the United States Army was born in Medford, on December 11, 1941, passed away on May 4, 2021 after a two-year courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He demonstrated strength and determination every day, ~ LEGAL NOTICE ~ COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Middlesex Divison Docket No. MI21P2730EA Estate of: Beverly A. DiVola Date of Death: March 16, 2021 INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Annmarie Giordano of Melrose, MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Annmarie Giordano of Melrose, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. June 11, 2021 while thoroughly enjoying each day he spent with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Martha Mary (Smithers) North and his devoted daughter, Erin Jean North. Al was predeceased by his parents, Josephine A. (Donahue) and Albert L. North, and his brother, Gerald F. North. He is survived by his in-laws, Judith and Vincent Fogarty of Melrose and their four wonderful sons and their families and Jean and Robert Jackson of Sharon, NH. He is also survived by his sisterin-law Margaret North from Fort Myers, FL and her family and his niece Jennifer North and family from Concord, NH. Al had a lengthy career in IT working for many companies that include John Hancock, Bay State Computers, SDI, Converse Rubber Company, King's Department Stores, Addison Wesley and retiring from State Street Corporation. In his earlier years he enjoyed golfing and bowling, but his true passion was being ‘Captain Al’ on his 21’ pontoon boat, The North Star. He enjoyed every minute leisurely driving the length of Lake Sunapee. He was a past Trustee and Treasurer of the Cottage Owners Association of Blodgett Landing, Newbury, New Hampshire. His gentle demeanor and contagious smile will be sorely missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Bread of Life at 54 Eastern Avenue, Malden, MA 02148 or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at https:// app.mobilecause.com/vf/PFFTribute/AlbertNorth directly on his Tribute Page. ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Desirable TWO FAMILY offers 13 Rooms, 5 Bedrooms, 3 Full & 1 half Bath, conveniently located at the end of a dead end, separate utilities, newer windows, 2 car attached and 1 free standing garage. Owners Unit offers 9 rooms, 3 bedrooms 2 full & 1 half baths,kitchen, 25’ living room w/gas fireplace and wall AC, formal dining room, den/office with sliders to deck. Second Unit offers 4 rooms 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, eatin kitchen, 23’ Livingroom with newer in wall AC. Lower Level in owners unit offers family room, full bath w/laundry, gas stove and exterior access to the back yard. Entertaining type side yard with a detached, enclosed screen house with electricity, covered patios, outdoor brick, S/S gas grills and 2 sheds. Offered at $699,900 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com View the interior of this home right on your smartphone.
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