After-Care Assistance Guide
Mogul Clients
2123 9th ST Suite 112, Tuscaloosa AL 35401
Checklist
Call the Social Security Administration office at (800) 772-1213. Social Security benefits include a one-time benefit of $255 to the surviving spouse or dependent children. Check with your funeral director to determine what claims have already been filed for you.
Veteran’s Administration claim forms can be completed at a Veteran’s Hospital, the funeral home or cemetery. Contact your funeral director or the county Veteran’s Services Officer to determine exactly what benefits have already been filed for.
Change the deed on your property and remove the deceased’s name from the deed. This is done at the county seat where the property is located. You will need a certified copy of the death certificate for this.
Change the title and registrations of your vehicles. This is done at the Division of Motor Vehicles. This includes cars, trucks, trailers, motor homes, mobile homes, etc. You may use a photocopy of the Death Certificate for this.
Contact all life insurance companies with whom the deceased had policies. Request a claim form or ask for help from the local agent. Send in the claim form, the policy and a certified copy of the Death Certificate. If you need any help, your funeral director can assist you.
Traditionally, life insurance companies require only two documents to establish proof of a claim: a Statement of Claim and the Certificate of Death (or Attending Physician’s Statement). Remember, though, that this is just a general statement and your insurance companies reserve the right to request further information or proof if they deem it necessary.
When filling out the claim form, you should have the following information available:
The policy number(s) and face amount(s)
The full name and address of the deceased
His/Her occupation and last date worked
Date, place and cause of death
Claimant’s name, age, address and social security number
There are several ways of settling insurance claims. In most cases, you opt for a lump sum benefit, or you may choose to have the money paid to you over a time period of your choice. In the latter case, the bulk of the money remains with the insurance company and continues to earn interest. In either case, check with your insurance agent, financial advisor or attorney to find out which method would be most beneficial for your particular situation.
Contact credit card companies to notify them of the death. Some credit cards and charge accounts include a life insurance policy with them. They may want a certified copy of the Death Certificate. If the card is held jointly, find out what documentation is required to change cards into the survivor’s name. Ask the credit bureau to assist you in transferring your spouse’s credit into your name. They may also be able to assist you in determining any outstanding obligations of the deceased.
Make a prompt request for release from each bank or financial institution in which the deceased and you held a joint account. This is necessary before you can withdraw funds from that account. A bank will usually stop payment on all checks as soon as a death notice is published. The bank must also have the account cleared by the state tax authorities.
Change over all bank accounts and remove the deceased’s name from those accounts. You may need a photocopy of the Death Certificate for this.
Contact any financial institution where the deceased had a loan and inform them of the death. They will be able to inform you if the loan was covered by credit life and what needs to be done to file the appropriate claim. A Death Certificate is often required.
Gather all of the bills together and make sure you are aware of all credit obligations of the deceased. Many instalment loans, service contracts, and credit card accounts are covered by credit life insurance, which pays off the account balance in the event of the death of the customer.
Contact all sources of retirement funds that the deceased was receiving and apply for any benefits that are due to you. You may need a certified copy of the Death Certificate for this.
Change all utilities from the deceased’s name. It is a good idea to use only your first initial and last name when listing your name in the phone book. This will help avert any unwanted or prank calls. Many, if not all, of these accounts should be placed in a joint account with another family member to help in processing future estates.
Contact all health insurance companies to notify them of the death and stop coverage on the deceased.
NOTE: If a company request a certified copy of the Death Certificate, but are not providing you with a benefit, allow the company to pay for their own certified copy, i.e.: a life insurance company will pay the claim for life insurance, so you need to provide them with a certified copy of the Death Certificate; a health insurance company, on the other hand, just needs to stop coverage. Allow them to provide their own certified copy of the Death Certificate if they require one.
Review your own insurance needs. Often, these can change after the death of a family member or other loved one. Good organization of your own insurance information can aid survivors at the time this information is needed.
If you have a large estate you may want to consult an attorney. If you use an attorney you will have to pay for their services, however, the help you receive may be invaluable.
EFM Aftercare Guide (Mack) Keep extra copies of the Death Certificate to send with your income tax returns if you still file.
Social Security Benefits
How Do I Claim Them?
The following information is designed to help you file for your Social Security benefits correctly so that prompt payments may be made:
Eligibility
The deceased worker must have credit for work covered by Social Security, ranging from 1 1⁄2 to 10 years depending on his or her age at death.
Who May Received Monthly Benefits?
A widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled.
A divorced widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) if the marriage lasted 10 years, or if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled.
Unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school full time).
Children who were disabled before reaching 22, if they remained disabled.
Dependent parent or parent 62 or older.
Lump-Sum Death Payment
A one-time payment of $255 is paid in addition to the monthly cash benefits described above. The lump-sum death payment (LSDP) is paid in the following priority order:
A surviving spouse who lived in the same household as the deceased person at the time of death.
A surviving spouse eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death.
A child or children eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death.
Applying For Benefits
You must apply in order to receive benefits. You may apply at any Social Security office or, if you wish, you may apply by telephone. Just dial the toll-free number (800) 772-1213 and the operator will schedule an appointment for you or arrange for the local Social Security office to take your claim by telephone.
Social Security Teleservice - Doing Business by Telephone
You may call Social Security toll-free, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The number to use is (800) 772-1213. To speak with a representative, call between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on regular business days.
At other times and on weekends and holidays, you may leave a message and they will call you back, in most cases, the next business day.
You may use the toll-free number to make an appointment either in a Social Security office or by telephone to apply for benefits, transact other Social Security business, or just ask questions. Website: www.ssa.gov
Veterans' Benefits
EFM Aftercare Guide (Mack) How Do I Claim Them ?
Military veterans and their dependents are entitled to a variety of benefits depending on their circumstances. Contact U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to determine what benefits can be claimed and then gather the information required.
Before you can file you will need:
1 Certified copy of or original DD214 (Enlisted Record and Report of Separation).
2 Certified copy of or original marriage certificate.
3 Certified copy of Death Certificate.
4 Verification of amount of life insurance you will receive as a result of Veteran’s death.
5 Paid receipts for funeral and cemetery expenses.
6 Paid receipts for hospital and doctor bills incurred by last illness, if applicable.
7 Social Security number for yourself and your dependent children.
If these are dependent children:
1 For Children under the age of 18, or over 18 and still in school, you need certified copy of or original birth certificates for each.
2 If over 18 and still in school, you will need VA Form 21-674 filled out.
If either of you currently receives Social Security Benefits . . .
You will need to know the exact amount received for each of you.
If you already have a VA claim number
You must furnish the VA with the claim number you have been assigned.
If either of you receive additional income
The source and exact amount of the benefit must be reported to the VA.
If the veteran or yourself was previously married
A certified copy of or original divorce decree, or a Death Certificate providing the previous marriage was dissolved by divorce or death.
− IMPORTANT −
If you qualify for Social Security benefits, you should go to a Social Security office BEFORE going to a Veterans Affairs office. Once you have all the forms and information that apply to you, call the VA office and make an appointment to file your claim. Your VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE phone number is listed in your local telephone directory under: United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Toll-free telephone service is available throughout the United States: 1-800-827-1000. Website: www.va.gov
Dealing with Grief
All of us must face the reality of death at some point in our lives — the reality of being separated from a cherished loved one. It is uncomfortable for many people to think about death and contemplate its eventuality. Yet only then can we fully understand the value and meaning of our own lives and of those around us; only then can we begin to live our lives to the fullest.
Every death changes the lives of those close to the deceased person. The ability to adapt to the changes around you is the key to accepting and dealing with death. As in other aspects of our lives, the more we resist and fight against inevitable changes, the more pain we experience and the unhappy we become.
In experiencing grief, we may go through a full range of sometimes contradictory emotions such as denial, anger, sorrow, guilt and relief. We may even fluctuate, from feeling stable to being deeply depressed. Ultimately, we must arrive at acceptance, the last stage of the process. We know we have achieved this stage when we can see the life of our loved one as a fond memory instead of dwelling on the person’s death as a harsh reality. Only then can we go on living our own lives again.
According to research, there are generally 10 stages in the grieving process:
Shock and surprise. News of someone’s death is almost always a shock.The reality of the death may occur in a few minutes or a few days.
Emotional release. The release of tension and feelings is necessary and usually occurs at the funeral or with family and friends, but it is only the beginning of the grieving process.
Loneliness. After the funeral , when family and friends have gone home , feelings of emptiness may occur. Feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression begin.
Physical distress and anxiety .This stage can make the person feel so alone that he or she may develop the same physical symptoms that the deceased had.
Panic. It may become difficult to concentrate on any thing because of constant memories of the deceased. In fact, this may cause a person to worry about his or her own stability. Not knowing what to do or what is happening can result in panic and weakened self-esteem.
Guilt. The surviving person dwells on the things he or she could have done for the deceased. They may also feel responsible for the person’s death.
Hostility and projection. This is a difficult stage for relatives and friends because the survivor suddenly becomes hostile to those whom he or she thinks could have prevented the death. Family and friends should try to be tolerant and non-defensive.
Lethargy. The person suffers in silence, weary from depression and frustration. Becoming more active is the answer.
Gradual overcoming of grief. Through the affection and encouragement of friends and family, gradually a new meaning of life unfolds. The person’s outlook becomes brighter and more realistic.
Readjustment to reality. Recalling the deceased becomes a pleasant experience and planning for the future becomes more realistic.
If you are grieving, and you are experiencing any of these symptoms, realize that they are all quite normal and in many ways a necessary part of the process.
Basic Needs of the Bereaved
Companion ship and privacy—a balance between the two. They need time to reflect on their feelings as well as time to share their feelings.
Opportunity for the expression of grief without embarrassment.A comfortable environment is needed where the bereaved can open up and express their feelings.
Recognition of them any symptoms that may occur as a result of intense grieving. These symptoms often resemble physical changes that occur during or after a serious illness and may include . . .
- Loss of sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of motivation
- Inconsistencies in behavior
Support and assistance in becoming socially reactivated .They need someone upon whom they can depend and trust to help them in variety of social situations.
A firm focus placed on the crisis/loss without being made to feel that they have a physical or mental illness.
Special assistance regarding business affairs and legal matters.They need someone to help them think clearly to settle important issues and plan for the future.
Above all, they need the opportunity to re-tell their experience of loss . An active listener can dramatically facilitate the healing process. Be patient, and non-judgmental. Help them discover their own conclusions to the issues they need to resolve.
Support Group & Hospice
We hope the following list of support groups and organizations will be helpful to you and your family as you work through the grieving process. If we may be of assistance to you or your family in any way, do not hesitate to contact us. Most of these organizations have local chapters.
Provides education, helpline support, support groups, and resources about Alzheimer’s and related disorders.
The AARP has a widowed person’s service: a non-profit, non-denomination program serving the newly widowed of any age.
Provides education, helpline support, support group information and information about Cancer.
Support groups for mothers who have lost a child.
A support ministry for mothers/couples who have lost a child. A support ministry for mothers/couples who have lost a child.
Provides education, help line support, support group information and information about Parkinson’s disease.
www.home.earthlink.net/~shashikala/index.htm
Provides education and support with the loss of a loved one with Kidney disease.
Provides education, support group information with the loss of a loved one with heart disease.
The Elephant in the Room
There’s an elephant in the room.
It is large and squatting, so it is hard to get around it.
Yet we squeeze by with “How are you?” and “I’m fine” . . .
And a thousand other forms of trivial chatter.
We talk about the weather.
We talk about work.
We talk about everything else - except the elephant in the room.
There’s an elephant in the room.
We all know it is there.
We are thinking about the elephant as we talk together.
It is constantly on our minds.
For, you see, it is a very big elephant.
It has hurt us all. But we do not talk about the elephant in the room.
Oh, please, Raymond Mack Sr name.
Oh, please, say again Raymond Mack Sr
Oh, please, let us talk about the elephant in the room.
For if we talk about Raymond Mack Sr death.
Perhaps we can talk about Raymond Mack Sr's life.
Can I say “Raymond Mack Sr ” to you and not have you look away?
For if I cannot, then you are leaving me alone...In a room... With an elephant.
By Terry Kettering
Reprinted with permission of
Bereavement Publishing Inc
Your Will
No matter what the age or financial situation, every adult should have a will. A will is a legally binding document that can prevent a great deal of problems for your survivors. A will directs how a person wants property to be distributed after death and appoints a trusted person to be the executor. If you die without a will, state law will determine who inherits your property and assets, and it is unlikely that they will be given to the persons you desire or in the proportions you would choose. Without a will, state laws and the probate judge will determine who will administer your estate, handle financial matters, and act as guardian for your children. Through a will, you can make these choices and decisions yourself.
In making your will, you should name an executor of your estate. Because he or she will be responsible for filing with the court and carrying out the provisions of your will, the executor should be someone with whom you feel completely confident.
Upon your death, your will must be probated and your estate administered. The will is formally offered in court. The court then approves the personal representative, estate inventory is prepared and filed, and debts and taxes are recognized and paid. Finally, the representative files his or her account and requests that the remaining estate assets be distributed in accordance with your wishes, as stated in the will. This process takes time, is complicated, and has legal pitfalls. You are advised to discuss the administration of your estate with an attorney.
The law is quite specific in its requirements with respect to the drafting, execution and witnessing of wills. Wills may be contested due to legal technicalities that may have been overlooked when prepared by someone inexperienced with the procedure. For this reason, the services of a competent attorney are recommended both in drawing up the will and in settling the estate. Some homemade or “do-it-yourself” wills lack some necessary legal requirements and are subsequently ruled invalid by the courts. In any event, it is always wise to comparatively shop for an attorney you can afford, trust and feel comfortable with.
You should review your will every few years, particularly if you have moved or if your family situation (i.e., divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, etc.) has changed since you last executed a will. State laws vary as to formal requirements and as to the rights of children and grandchildren born after a will was executed.
In the absence of a will, the procedure is the same, except that the court, not you, makes many of the critical decisions. In addition, the process is likely to take much longer, and your estate may be subject to much higher tax rates than if you had left a will. In the meantime, your assets may be tied up for quite a while before being distributed by the court in accordance with state laws inheritance.
Federal and state laws regarding wills and estate taxes change from time to time. Your attorney should review your will periodically to ensure that it takes maximum advantage of the changes in the law.
Advance Care Directives
How do you want to be cared for at the end of life?
The best time to plan for that is now – before you are in crisis. Advance care planning involves thinking, talking and writing about what medical care you would want – or not want – if you are so ill that you cannot communicate your wishes. Share your beliefs and values about end-of-life care with family members, friends and your doctors. Then record your thoughts in documents known as advance directives – a living will and medical power of attorney.
Types of Advance Directives
A HEALTH CARE PROXY (durable power of attorney) is a document that names someone you trust to make health decisions if you can’t.
A LIVING WILL tells which treatment you want if your life is threatened, including dialysis and breathing machines, resuscitation if you stop breathing or if your heart stops, tube feeding, organ or tissue donation after you die, etc.
What to Do with Your Advance Directives
Keep the original copies of your advance directives where you can easily find them.
Give a copy to your health care proxy, health care providers, hospital, nursing home, family, and friends.
Carry a card in your wallet that says you have an advance directive.
Review your advance directives each year.
How to Get Advance Directives
Get an advance directive from your health care provider, attorney, local Area Agency on Aging, or state health department.
EFM Aftercare Guide (Mack) Also, Caring Info provides free advance directives and instructions for each state that can be opened as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file. Go to www.caringinfo.org and click on your state to get its advance directives and instructions. These materials are copyrighted by CaringInfo. Permission is granted to download a single copy of any portion of these texts. Use by individuals for personal and family benefit is specifically authorized and encouraged. Further copies or publication are prohibited without express written permission. If you have any questions call their HelpLine at (800)658-8898 or email them at [email protected]. If you have any legal questions regarding the state documents, contact your state attorney general's office or an attorney.