Helpful Information

SOCIAL SECURITY – If you are working and paying Social Security, some of the taxes you pay are applied toward survivor benefits. The amount of these benefits will be determined by Social Security. Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation will notify Social Security of the passing. The family may need to contact the Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 to determine benefits. The operator will need to know the deceased person’s social security number, date of birth, and survivor’s information.

 

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION – If you are an honorably discharged veteran, your survivors may be eligible for a wide range of benefits, including burial costs. Information on a wide variety of topics may be obtained by calling (952) 496-8176. For specific information about benefits, have your VA number available. Some of the other benefits currently available to survivors of honorably discharged veterans may include a burial flag, a veteran’s marker for the grave and, in some cases, burial allowances.

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES – Survivors of employees of the federal government may be eligible for a wide range of benefits including group life insurance, annuities and health insurance continuation. For more answers contact the Office of Personnel Management at (888) 767-6738 or visit their website www.opm.gov.

 

WILLS AND LIVING TRUSTS – Everyone should have a will drawn up by an attorney. Such a legal document can prevent problems for the survivors while also ensuring that your personal wishes will be carried out. The making of a will and/or living trust gives you a degree of immortality because you can direct decisions concerning the management of your assets after your death. You should name an executor of your estate, someone you can trust to complete the necessary paperwork in a timely matter. When there is no will and/or living trust, the estate is divided according to state law, in which case your possessions and assets might not be distributed as you would choose.

LIVING WILL – This is a legal document in which you state your wishes about certain kinds of medical treatment and life-prolonging procedures. The document takes effect if you can’t communicate your own healthcare decisions. Laws vary from state to state. It is recommended to have it reviewed by your doctor for legal questions and making your wishes known.

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY – The power of attorney is a written document authorizing another person to act on your behalf. It can be limited to certain issues or be a general attorney-in-fact. You should discuss this with the person you’ve chosen to make sure he or she understands your wishes and agrees to take on the responsibility.

 

PROBATE – Probate is the process of settling your estate and the transfer of your property to heirs or beneficiaries under the supervision of a probate court. Probate can be avoided in many cases by setting up a living trust.

 

 

 

LIFE INSURANCE – Life insurance cannot eliminate the emotional loss a family feels after the death of a loved one, but it may help to eliminate the financial hardship for the family. This contract is an agreement of the insurance company to pay money to a designated beneficiary upon the death of the policyholder.

 

 

Remember

Should death occur, contact us immediately at our main number, (952) 492-2818. We will assist your family in making necessary arrangements.

Should death occur while away from home – in any other city, state or country – contact us immediately. We will arrange for transportation of the deceased and handle all financial and other details for you.

Remember our phones are answered 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

We celebrate each life with honor, care and compassion.