Benefits and Financial Matters

FINANCIAL MATTERS

You may have to make decisions involving will filing; revision of wills for survivors; transfer of assets such as bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, trust funds, and deeds/mortgages; charge accounts; cars; as well as probate and tax procedures such as filing estate tax returns. We are able to refer you to a selection of competent attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors. We can assist you in filing life insurance claims. 

SOCIAL SECURITY

A lump sum death benefit of $255 is available for surviving spouse or minor children, if qualified. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You may apply for benefits by telephone or by going to any Social Security office. You may need some of the documents shown on the list below. If you don’t have a document you need, Social Security will help you get it.

• Your Social Security number and the deceased’s Social Security number
• A death certificate
• Proof of the deceased worker’s earnings for last year (W-2 forms or self employment tax return)
• Your birth certificate • Your marriage certificate if you are applying for benefits as a widow/widower
• Your divorce decree if you are applying for benefits as a divorced spouse • Children’s birth certificates and Social Security numbers if applying for children’s benefits
• Your checking or savings account information if you want direct deposit of your benefits

You will need to submit original documents or copies certified by the issuing office. You may mail or bring them to the Social Security office. 

VETERANS BENEFITS

Burial benefits and a Presidential Memorial certificate are applied for by Howe- Peterson. A casket flag and grave marker are available to those who qualify. We will apply for the government marker at your request. Please note that you must pay the cemetery for the marker installation fee before we will order the marker. For more information regarding Veteran's Benefits you may call 1-800-827-1000.

There is also the Wayne County Soldiers and Sailors Death Benefit, which is approximately $300 to those who qualify. We will assist you with transportation to the Wayne County offices.