Help for Those Needing Financial Assistance
We understand that during the process of caring for someone who is dying, many families experience extreme financial difficulty. There may be resources available to help those in need.
Our family takes great pride in serving all who call our firm, including those with financial difficulties. We work closely with the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security, Monroe County Department of Social Services and other potential sources of funding.
Let us do an assessment and determine the level of help that is available.
Cash Benefits for Veterans
Service-Related Death
VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001. If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.
Non-Service-Related Death
For deaths on or after October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses (if hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at time of death), and a $700 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery).
If the death happened while the Veteran was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the Veteran’s remains may be reimbursed.
Social Security
Currently, if the deceased was married at the time of death, a lump-sum death benefit of $255 is payable to the eligible surviving spouse from Social Security. Vay-Schleich & Meeson will assist our families in starting the process of claiming benefits.
Burial Assistance Program
The Monroe County Department of Social Services will provide benefits for residents who are indigent or who have no assets to pay for their funerals. Currently, the maximum benefit is $1250. These benefits are based subject to approval and an investigation by the County.
We have an established relationship with the Monroe County DSS and will take care of the application and paperwork effectively and efficiently on your family’s behalf.
Burial Assistance Program (PDF)
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Life Insurance Assignment Program
Needing to use the proceeds from a life insurance policy to pay funeral expenses can become a challenge, as most funeral homes require payment for their services in advance. Our life insurance assignment program will alleviate using a credit card or other forms of borrowing while the claim is being processed.
For a small fee (that is paid to the assignment company) our family will confirm that the policy is valid and enforceable, what the death benefit amount is, and process the claim for benefits on behalf of the beneficiary(s).
Our firm usually receives payment within 3 days of the initial request. When families choose this service and there are enough available, there will be no additional funds due from the family. Should there be an overage of funds available, they are paid directly to the beneficiary(s)—the funeral home is only paid the amount of the funeral bill.
Payment Options
Our family has established a payment policy that serves all families fairly. With flexible payment options, you can choose an arrangement that best fits your family’s resources.
- Cash, Check
- MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover
- Life Insurance Assignments
- Veteran’s Benefits
- Department of Social Services
- Third-Party Financing
- Burial trusts
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