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Questions & Answers 
ALL PAPERWORK DONE?
Many people
think they
have taken care of everything by writing a will, establishing a living trust
or even purchasing their cemetery plot. That is not the case. A will simply
leaves instructions for the handling of an individual's financial affairs,
while a living trust usually only clarifies certain general wishes regarding
medical treatment. The funeral or cremation service itself still remains to be
planned. |
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ARE GOVERNMENT BENEFITS AVAILABLE ?
Unfortunately, most government benefits are
severely limited. Regardless, these benefits should be collected.
However, most people find that additional funding is necessary for the
type of funeral or cremation service they find appropriate. To find out
exactly what benefits are available to you, call
202-326-2180
or go to
www.ftc.gov
. In certain circumstances, a monetary burial allowance is
available from the Department of Veterans Affairs. For assistance please call
1-800-827-1000 or go to
www.cem.va.gov/benvba.htm
.
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HOW SHOULD WE DECIDE THE FINAL DISPOSITION? Burial, mausoleum entombment or  cremation is a very
personal decision, influenced by an
individual's faith and beliefs. It
should be specified in the will, or pre-planned document, as well as
clearly discussed with family members and loved ones. Whatever your
decision, there are government forms to be processed, fees to be paid, and
a memorial service to be planned. For maximum convenience, choose a
funeral home, that offers both burial and
cremation service arrangements. |
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DO
WE NEED A FUNERAL DIRECTOR? At a time of loss, there are many practical decisions to be made. Unfortunately, this is often the time when people are least able to approach the subject rationally. That is why you should find a funeral director you can trust, someone you feel is the right person to handle the arrangements. The best time to do this is before it becomes a necessity. |
SHOULD WE INCORPORATE THE WISHES OF FAMILY MEMBERS?
A funeral or cremation service is an important part of the
grieving process.
 For family members and loved ones, the funeral or
cremation service provides an opportunity to express their sadness, share
memories, and pay last respects. A funeral or cremation service is a
time when the opinions of the family should be considered. Pre-planning is an
excellent way to discuss and resolve these issues. Ultimately, however, this
is a personal decision and should be made by you. This is one instance where
you can have it your way. |
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IS MEDICAID ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?
If
you are planning on applying for Medicaid assistance, for yourself or a
loved one, a pre-planned funeral agreement can be extremely beneficial in
meeting your needs. In many states, a pre-planned funeral or cremation
service may be treated as an exempt asset for Medicaid qualification
purposes. This may allow you to pre-plan the funeral or cremation service
you desire while maintaining assistance eligibility.
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WHAT
ABOUT PRICES? The costs of arranging a funeral or cremation service can vary considerable from company to company. Be careful to choose a funeral home which presents its prices, including but not limited to the cost of the service, cemetery plot or cremation, immortalization, and so on, clearly and simply. |
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WHY IS PRE-PLANNING IMPORTANT? Pre-planning a funeral or cremation service can remove pressure of detailed decisions. It also relieves loved ones of the worry of making assumptions about the deceased's wishes. |
WHO
CAN HELP US?
Arranging a funeral or cremation service can seem
complicated, but there is always someone who can help you. Funeral directors
are trained professionals who can be a vital and supportive resource for you.
With years of experience, they can explain all the options available and help
you make informed decisions. They can also guide you through the entire
process.