Helpful Information

Death Certificates
We will order certified copies of the death certificates from the local registrar to be given to the family after the service. The cost of each copy is currently six dollars. Additional copies may be ordered through the funeral home. At the end of the month, the original death certificate is sent to Vital Records in New Castle, PA, where it is kept on file. If additional copies are needed after the end of the month, it can sometimes take two to three weeks to receive them from New Castle, and the cost increases to nine dollars each. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining additional copies at any time in the future. You may either call the funeral home, or e-mail your request, and we will order the certificates for you.

Many organizations require certified copies of death certificates in order for survivors to receive benefits, and do not accept photocopies.

For your convenience, we have listed some of the more common places where certificates may be needed:

• Life Insurance Companies (consult your agent or insurance company)
• Credit Life Insurance (consult lending institution)
• Employee Benefits (consult employer)
• Vehicle Titles (including Auto, RV, Boat, Cycle, etc.)
• Real Estate Titles (consult county clerk, realtor, or attorney)
• Stocks & Bonds (consult financial advisor or broker)
• Income Tax Returns
• Social Security Administration
• Banks (including trust accounts and safe deposit boxes)

Social Security Benefits
We will take care of informing the Social Security Administration of a death. You are required to apply for the benefit yourself, and we will give you the necessary information to do so. Complete information regarding Social Security death benefits can be found on their website, http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/deathbenefits.htm.

Veteran's Benefits
Our staff and the Veteran's Affairs Office can help you with questions regarding death benefits, the flag, headstones and grave markers, and survivor and dependent's benefits. In order to secure benefits for an honorably discharged veteran, we must be provided with the veteran's discharge papers, referred to as "DD-214". Without this, we are not able to provide any benefit, including the flag. If you are unable to locate this document, we can contact the Lancaster County Courthouse or the VA offices in Philadelphia.

Memorial Contributions:
Your funeral director can assist you with the selection of a charitable organization for the designation of memorial contributions in your loved ones name.

What to do following the funeral

1. Obtain certified copies of the death certificate.
2. Write and send acknowledgment cards. Within 7 to 10 days after the funeral you should acknowledge those who extended special help, or sent flowers, or made contributions to designated charities. While you may also wish to acknowledge letters of sympathy, it is not necessary to answer notes or cards. We can offer you a selection of acknowledgment cards, or you may want to use your personal stationery. It is also proper to acknowledge those who may have done special favors, such as the pallbearers and others.
3. Be prepared to receive marketing letters and phone calls for the deceased, which may continue for some time after death. You may request that your loved one be removed from phone and mail lists if these calls and communications make you upset.
4. Power of Attorney ends at death. You should meet with an attorney to determine the next steps or begin the probate proceeding. Provide the attorney with a copy of the will and certified copy of death certificate. If a properly prepared will exists, the executor named is authorized to make the necessary distributions. This can only be done after the will has been submitted for probate, and letters testamentary are received from your court. If there is no will, an appointed administrator will distribute all property according to your local laws. If there should be any questions regarding estates, please consult your attorney.
5. Notify insurance companies and file claims when applicable. Your insurance representative will be able to answer any questions you may have.
   1. Life Insurance - Your funeral director can assist you with policies assigned for funeral expenses
   2. Medical, Health, Disability, Travel and Accident Insurance
   3. Pension Benefits
   4. Homeowners Insurance
   5. Notify employer of deceased
6. Transfer vehicle title
7. Change auto insurance
8. Return PA Driver's License
9. Apply for appropriate benefits when applicable
   1. Social Security Benefits - Your funeral director will notify Social Security of the death
   2. Veteran's Burial and Survivor Benefits - Your funeral director will apply for these benefits
   3. Worker's Compensation Benefits
10. Notify Stockbrokers
    1. Change ownership of jointly- or solely-owned stocks
    2. Cancel any open orders arranged by the deceased
11. Notify Bank
    1. Change all jointly held accounts and correct tax ID numbers (usually Social Security numbers)
    2. Cancel direct deposit of retirement benefit payments
    3. Re-establish title of safe deposit box
    4. Re-establish outstanding mortgages, personal notes, etc.
    5. Apply for all credit life insurance which may exist
12. A monument or marker should be installed at the cemetery as soon as time permits. Many different styles are available, and it is wise to take your time in making your selection. Check with the cemetery official to find out if there are any restrictions as to size or material of the monument. Your funeral director or monument salesperson will be glad to answer your questions.