Post Services

We understand that navigating paperwork during this difficult time can be overwhelming, and we are here to help ease the burden by notifying the appropriate insurance companies, requesting the necessary claim forms, and guiding you through the completion process. To process these claims on your behalf, we kindly request a certified death certificate along with the original insurance policy or a notice displaying the policy numbers and the beneficiary's name. We are prepared to assist you with a wide variety of coverage types, including individual, employer-provided, and government life insurance, auto and homeowners policies, credit card and credit life insurance tied to mortgages or personal loans, as well as coverage obtained through fraternal or civic organizations.

If the deceased was a veteran, your family may be eligible for benefits such as partial reimbursement of burial expenses, an American Flag, a government cemetery marker, and educational or monetary assistance for dependents. Because some of these offerings require meeting specific eligibility guidelines, a Veterans Administrator is available to help you navigate the application process. To file for these benefits, the administrator will require a copy of the death certificate, the veteran's Social Security number, their service number, a copy of the paid itemized funeral statement, and their discharge papers. You can reach out to the local agency for support by calling (845) 291-2470.

If the deceased was ever employed under Social Security, Survivors Insurance may provide death benefits to a surviving spouse, unmarried children under the age of 18, and potentially others. In addition to possible monthly benefits, a one-time lump-sum death payment might also be available. As part of our service to you, we will file the Social Security Form SSA-721, the Statement of Death by a Funeral Director, on your behalf. This special form notifies the agency of the passing and does not require a death certificate. Once they receive this notification, a Social Security representative will usually contact you by telephone. To process your claim, they may ask for your Social Security number, the decedent's Social Security number, proof of age and marriage, children's birth certificates, recent tax information, and proof of support if you are applying as a dependent parent or grandchild. Please note that any benefit payments mailed to the deceased during or after the month of their passing must be returned. You can reach the local Social Security office directly at (845) 565-7041.

This information has been designed to guide you through the many details that need to be addressed in a timely manner following a loss. We sincerely hope this material brings you some clarity and relief during this transition. If there is anything we have not covered or if you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us, and we will make every effort to assist you.

While estate tax laws have been significantly simplified in recent years, there are still several important procedures that must be carefully followed to ensure everything is handled correctly. These necessary steps include the following.

1. The surviving spouse in most circumstances receives most assets tax free. There are some restrictions that may apply, but most restrictions have to do with the size of the estate.

2. Heirs to an estate, when there is no surviving spouse, could have significant tax consequences.

3. If an estate is valued below $10,000.00, Small Claims Forms may be presented to the Surrogate's Court.

Competent legal & tax advice should be sought to avoid any possible complications. Some things that constitute an estate are: personal belongings, real estate, stocks, bonds, bank accounts, collectibles, etc. Most times, an estate does not include insurance.

Certified copies of the death certificates are generally needed for:

* Insurance

* Bank Account, including certificates of deposit, money markets, etc.

* Stocks, bonds, investments

* Real Estate (if selling or transferring deed) a surviving spouse does not have to change deed

* Automobile (to sell or transfer title)

* Veterans benefits (paid for by Veteran's Agency)

* U.S. Government Form SSA 721 is used in lieu of a death certificate when filing for Social Security Benefits

* Other personal property with titles (recreational vehicles, boats, etc) when selling or transferring title

* Employers that offer death/survivor benefits

Note: A safe deposit box remains sealed until examiner is present.

If you were previously covered under the decedent's group health insurance plan, it is important to contact the provider to determine whether you can remain on that policy or if you will need to secure your own coverage. We also recommend submitting all outstanding medical bills for payment as promptly as possible. Additionally, it is a good idea to inquire with the health insurance company to see if your family is entitled to a refund for any prepaid premiums.

New York State procedures concerning the transfer of titled vehicles, including cars, motor homes, mobile home, trailers and boats can be obtained through your local Motor Vehicle Department. Generally you will need title, registration, and insurance card.

It is important to be aware that once a bank learns of a death, whether through formal notices or personal contact, they will typically seal all safe deposit boxes belonging to the deceased. Unless you are the surviving spouse, any accounts held solely in the deceased's name must be accessed by the executor of the estate. However, in New York State, a surviving spouse is permitted to access funds up to a specific dollar limit, regardless of whether the account was held jointly or solely in the decedent's name. Accounts held jointly can continue to be accessed as usual. We highly recommend conferring directly with the appropriate bank officers to navigate these specific rules and manage any of the decedent's financial transactions.

It is generally appropriate to send thank you cards within a week or two following the service to express your gratitude for flowers, masses, spiritual bouquets, donations, and other acts of kindness. Formal responses are not typically required for sympathy cards or condolences offered at your home or the funeral home, though you may certainly choose to acknowledge them if you wish. You might also want to extend a special note of thanks to the pallbearers for their meaningful contribution. To assist you with expressing your appreciation during this time, we provide you with personalized thank you cards.

A husband and wife can generally still file a joint federal income tax return even if one spouse passes away during the year, and all income from jointly owned assets should be included on this return. If an estate account is established for separately owned property, the estate will need to file its own distinct tax return. Typically, aside from income earned after the date of death, any money or property received from the estate is not taxable to the recipient. However, if taxable income is distributed to someone from an estate, the estate will issue a Schedule K-1 form to notify the recipient of the exact amount that must be reported on their personal tax return. Since tax laws can be complex, we highly recommend consulting your lawyer or accountant as your best source of guidance. Additionally, if you are a surviving spouse over the age of 64, you may be eligible for further benefits through the Supplemental Security Income Program, also known as SSI. If the Social Security Administration does not reach out to you within three weeks, please contact them directly at 1-800-772-1213 to ensure your benefits are processed.

For qualified Medicare recipients, it is important to ensure that all outstanding medical bills are properly filed. If you need any help navigating this paperwork, your local Social Security office is available to assist you with submitting the necessary Medicare documents.

If the deceased participated in a pension plan, profit-sharing or stock purchase program, credit union, or any donation-type plan, it will be necessary to contact their employer to discuss the available options. We are more than happy to assist you with this step by making telephone calls or drafting letters on your behalf. Please keep in mind that many of these employer-sponsored programs include valuable survivor benefits, potential lump-sum death payments, and ongoing retirement income.