Pre-Planning

Survivor's Information

The time immediately following the death of a loved on can be days of intense sorrow and emotional stress. During this time, the family must make a number of difficult decisions.

The Funeral Director can instruct and guide the family through the difficult problems of this trying time and with his knowledge and experience, he can sympathetically relieve the family of needless concerns.

The Funeral Director handles the details associated with the death certificate and the burial permit. He can obtain additional copies of the death certificate, which may be required for settling claims.

Social Security

Claims should be filed within the first month of death or the following month at the nearest Social Security Administration Office. Claims for the lump sum death benefit must be filed within two years or benefits will not be honored. There is no charge for the Administration's assistance in filing of claim papers.

The Social Security Administration requires the following information:

1. Certified copy of the death certificate or Statement of Death (form SSA 721).
2. Deceased's employment record for the past year (W-2 form)
3. Personal income tax returns (if self employed)
4. If married, marriage certificate
5. Deceased's Social Security card number
6. Birth certificates of minor children (under 18)
7. Proof of age if over 60 (birth certificate or religous record recorded before age 5)

Note:

Consult your local Administration office about other proofs which may be acceptable

Inquire about the following benefits:

• Lump sum death payment to surviving spouse or son or daughter entitled to benefits
• Benefits to widow/widower over 60
• Benefits to widowed with dependant children
• Benefits to deceased's minor children
• Benefits to disabled widow/widower age 50-60
• Very rare, but if no widow or children, benefits may be payable to surviving, dependant parent, if parent is receiving over 50% support from teh deceased.
• If a widow/widower, 60-64, is receiving disability benefits based on his/her own earnings, it may be possible to obtain benefits based on his/her deceased spouse's earnings.
• Medicare
• Call (800) 772-1213 nationwide for help with questions about social Security

Insurance

Contact the agents of all insuring companies as soon as possible. Agents will supply the necessary claim forms.
All policies should be closely examined with agents, including lapsed policies to check for any extended coverage. Any survivors' live insurance policies, which name the deceased as a beneficiary should be changed.

Bank Accounts

Consult an attorney or your bank to answer any specific questions. A bank account solely in the deceased's name may require probate action or a consent to transfer from a government agency. Some banks may permit a release from smaller accounts for the payment of funeral expenses. Consult an attorney concerning the legalities of a survivor withdrawing from a joint acount.

Real Estate

Real estate jointly heald by a husband and wife is transferred to the surviving spouse. The services of an attorney, as in all matters, is advisable.
Property, which is solely in the deceased's name, or owned jointly by the deceased and a party other than surviving spouse, may require probate action whether or not a will exists.

Automobile

Any titled automotive vehicle such as a car, truck or recreational vehicle becomes a part of the estate when the deceased is the sole owner
For information regarding the transfer of title, contact the local license bureau or an attorney

Safety Deposit Box

when a death occurs, a safety deposit box provides the tight security the name implies. Regardless of whether a safety deposit box is held in the deceased's name, or jointly the box may be sealed until an official takes inventory of the contents. Consult the bank and an attorney regarding legal procedures.

Savings Bonds

Savings bonds held in the sole name of the deceased must generally be probated. Bonds may be transferred to a named survivor, subject to estate taxes. Consult a tax advisor, banker or an attorney.

Stocks and Bonds

Promptly contact issuing brokers. Stocks and bonds held solely in the deceased's name must generally be probated; those owned jointly can be transferred to the surviving owner. Contact an attorney for consultation regarding tax problems.

Retirement Accounts

Consult employers or an attorney regarding the status of retirement plans and survivor benefits. If the deceased was paying into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) if self employed or without an employer's pension plan, the amount in the account will go to the beneficiaries. Consult the agent for the IRA (Insurance agent, broker or bank) or an attorney.

Veteran's Benefits

Anyone who was a member of the military at the time of death, or honorably discharged from the military, is subject to a number of benefits which should be investigated.

• Pension to the widow/widower and minor children
• Partial reimbursement of funeral expenses
• Burial in a national cemetary
• Burial flag and grave marker
• Contact local office of Veterans Administration for any additional benefits

Documentation required for benefits

1. Copy of death certificate
2. Veteran's discharge papers
3. Itemized funeral bill receipt
4. Marriage certificate
5. Birth certificates of minor children

The survivor's information listed on this site is provided to make ou, the survivor aware of the various contingencies that could arise when a death occurs. We believe it will help you to proceed with complete confidence and assurance.