Open Care Senior Insurance Plan: Everything You Need to Know
Open Care Senior Insurance Plan: Everything You Need to Know Last Updated on: December 6th, 2024 Reviewed by Kyle Wilson Licensed Agent @ Burial Senior Insurance Open Care Senior Expense Insurance is one of the most popular options for seniors when covering end-of-life expenses. It is specifically a type of life insurance known to cover funeral, burial, or cremation services so that the needy do not bear the costs of your passing. Here’s everything you need to know about Open Care Senior Expense Insurance: its costs, benefits, and a few drawbacks. Get A Free Quote Get Free Quotes Customized Options Await Quotes Now What Is Open Care Senior Expense Insurance? Final Expense Open Care Insurance is specially designed to pay final expenses and provide for your funeral. That will decrease many of the financially staggering burdens left to your family, as they won’t be burdened with paying your funeral costs, medical bills, or other end expenses at such a hard time in your grieving period. – Key Features of Open Care Senior Expense Insurance Open Care Senior Expense Insurance provides several valuable benefits that place it as one of the most popular among seniors and families. No Medical Exam Necessary This is probably why one finds Open Care Senior Expense Insurance rather appealing-that does not require any medical exam. This would be the perfect solution for a senior person or an elderly individual with some health-related issues who would face challenges to qualify for conventional life insurance policies. With this policy, premium amounts are usually fixed; that is, they remain the same throughout the life of your policy. This helps stabilize finances and prevent the family from having to deal with surcharges at a later date due to unwarranted premium increases. Flexible Coverage Amount Coverage is from $2,000 to $50,000 for you to choose the appropriate amount of protection according to your needs. Whichever it is, be it a modest service or an elaborate funeral, Open Care Senior Expense Insurance works for you according to your requirements. Why Choose Open Care Senior Expense Insurance? Peace of Mind for Your Family The ultimate mission of Open Care Senior Expense Insurance is to help lighten the load on your family financially. The assured coverage of final expenses such as funerals, gives your loved ones peace of mind during some challenging and emotional moments of life. Guaranteed Coverage Open Care Senior Expense Insurance is guaranteed acceptance coverage, so you are all but assured that you will qualify for coverage regardless of your health. This is important to seniors who might have some health issues and can’t be approved for other types of life insurance. Ideal Candidates for Open Care Senior Expense Insurance This policy is great for seniors who want to pay off funeral costs, grave expenses, and other final expenses without leaving their families in dire financial situations. If you seek an uncomplicated, reasonably priced life insurance that is easy to qualify for, Open Care Senior Expense Insurance might just be what you need. – How Does Open Care Senior Expense Life Insurance Work? Designed with an easy-to-understand and accessible structure, Open Care Senior Expense Life Insurance can cover burial and final costs. The application process is simple and stress-free, which especially comes in handy for seniors or those with pre-existing health conditions, who may find it difficult to pass traditional life insurance policies. – Application Process No Medical Exam Needed One of the features Open Care Senior Expense Insurance boasts is that there is no need for a medical examination. That makes the process easier to apply and eliminates possible hurdles for people with health issues or those who are uncooperative towards traditional medical examinations. No Complicated Health Questions Rather than answering a long list of health questions, applicants need only fill out basic personal information. This is easy and fast and makes the process smooth for elderly people who may be applying for coverage. Fast Approval Process Open Care Senior Expense Insurance is generally approved quickly. The no-medical-exam policy and low administrative requirements for approval enable a decision as to coverage to be made in a minimum amount of time. – Types of Coverage Offered by Open Care Senior Expense Insurance There are two main forms of coverage options available under Open Care’s final expense insurance: both are suited for different needs and health situations, respectively. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Eligibility: This plan is also open to aged persons in the bracket of 50-85 years old. No Health Questions: Based on the name, there’s no health question included, so basically anyone in this age group can qualify. Waiting Period: The policy ensures that the accepted amount will be paid as a death benefit; however, this can take anywhere from 2 years. If a death occurs before the end of the waiting period, the beneficiaries are returned the premiums paid with interest. Best for Seniors with Health Concerns: This plan is suitable for people who may fail a medical checkup yet still want to provide insurance for their families in case of final expenses. Simplified Issue Life Insurance Health Questions Mandatory: This program requires a few basic health questions. If the person being solicited is in good health, there might be instant coverage. Immediate Coverage: For those who are healthy enough to pass the basic health questions, this plan gives fast access to a death benefit that does not involve waiting periods typically associated with the guaranteed issue plan. Better for Healthier Individuals: This plan is more favorable if you are generally a healthy individual since it covers you right away. – Choosing the Right Coverage While both types of coverage make sure your final expenses are covered, the plan best for you is based on your health and age. The guaranteed issue plan provides peace of mind to those who may have difficulty qualifying for other forms of life insurance, while the simplified issue plan gives a more immediate solution for those with better health. Be it plan A
How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Washington: 2025 Update
How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Washington: 2023 Update Last Updated on: November 25, 2024 Reviewed by Kyle Wilson Licensed Agent @ Burial Senior Insurance Funeral expenses in Washington have increased over the years, costing as much as $9,000. There are, however ways to minimize these costs. Alternatives for burial such as cremation would be helpful. Discussion on burial, cremation, and planning options will help families answer, in preparation, How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Washington? Get A Free Quote Get Free Quotes Customized Options Await Quotes Now Funeral Costs in Washington: An In-Depth Overview Indeed, planning a funeral is a process that has to be done on an individualistic scale. Knowing the costs will help families during trying times to make informed decisions. The average funeral in the state of Washington for all essentials stands at ranges of between $6,000 to $9,000. The final expense amount varies based on the services chosen, the location, and the funeral home. In general, these costs cut across the main services: Viewing: The visitation or wake, in which family and friends pay their respects. Burial: This includes the gravesite, preparation, and interment. Transportation: Moving the deceased from the place of passing to the funeral home and ultimately to the cemetery. Embalming: The preparation of the body for viewing. In general, this will be needed for open-casket services. Casket: An important cost, with prices that can vary widely depending on materials and design. Its funeral home service fees are charges for organizing the ceremony, staffing and coordinating with other service providers. Although those are the core parts of an obsequy, other expenses such as plots in cemeteries, headstones, flowers, obituary notices, and catered meals for the reception would be paid for separately. It can run into hefty amounts before long, so that is the reason why budgeting must be taken seriously. Average Funeral Costs by County in Washington The charges for funerals, as expected, vary widely across counties in Washington state because of local economies, competition among funeral establishments, and custom practices in different regions. Some averages in various counties across the state include: County Average Funeral Cost Benton County $7,219 King County $5,993 Pierce County $6,730 Snohomish County $6,333 Spokane County $6,742 Yakima County $7,481 These figures give a snapshot of how much families can expect to pay in different areas. For example, the average cost in Yakima County is higher than in King County, whereas the latter is counted as an urban county with more funeral homes to choose from. – Factors That Influence Funeral Costs When, for example, in the calculation of how much does a funeral cost in Washington, the following factors should be considered to affect the price: Location: There are more choices available in urban locations like Seattle or Tacoma, but the cost is higher because demand is higher and operational costs run higher. In rural areas, there are fewer choices, but these may be less expensive. Type of Services: A full-service funeral with a viewing, burial, and traditional ceremony will cost more than options like direct cremation or a simple memorial service. Comparison of Funeral Home Options To decide on a good funeral home, families must prepare to face the challenges of paying for services and merchandise because the funeral home itself establishes every other home’s prices. Personal Choices: The cost depends on the choices made regarding the casket, grave marker, flowers, and many more things. – Reducing Funeral Costs Knowing how much a funeral costs in Washington is just half the process. Families can do several things to keep control over expenses without sacrificing dignity for the service: Consider Cremation: Simple cremation, that avoids embalming and viewing, is often the lowest, and one might pay less than $2,000. Shop Around: Funeral homes are required by law to make a GPL available upon request. Comparing these lists can reveal huge cost differences. Pre-planning is when one prepares and pays for their funeral in advance, so families need not lock into today’s prices but can save their families from bearing those expenses. Explore your payment options: Such life insurance, burial insurance, or prepaid funeral plans can help pay for expenses and ease the financial burden of this difficult time. Funeral Cost Breakdown in Washington This is where understanding the breakdown of funeral costs becomes crucial for those organizing a rightful farewell with their means in check. The following are the average costs of common services related to funeral services in Washington: Service Average Cost Basic Services $1,541 Viewing and Visitation $257 Embalming $642 Graveside Service $247 Direct Cremation $1,366 Direct Burial $916 – Direct Cremation and Low-Cost Funeral Options In the state of Washington, many direct cremation services take place; it is a very reasonably priced service, something like $1,000 to $3,000. In this service, removal, transportation to the crematory, and basic cremation services are included. This service can’t be likened to a traditional funeral setting since the service doesn’t require embalming, viewing, or any elaborate ceremonies. Factors Influencing Funeral Costs in Washington Multiple factors determine funeral expenses in Washington. Some of these factors include: Type of Service: Traditional burials tend to be relatively expensive compared to cremations because they often involve more services and lots of material. Choosing a Casket or Urn: Again, options for caskets and urns for cremation are extremely wide in the price range. Materials, designs, and craftsmanship can bring prices from $500 and up to more than $10,000. Funeral Home Fees: Select a Washington funeral home that is transparent with regard to its pricing. Packages vary greatly, and comparing prices helps avoid unexpected charges families may incur. Additional Services: Other optional services will include floral arrangements, obituary notices, catering, and memorial videos that may double the price tag of a funeral. – Planning Ahead Knowing the elements and considering low-cost options, such as direct cremation, will make it easier for Washington families to make an informed decision. Planning and comparison of funeral service providers ensure that families can pay their
Affordable Burial Insurance with no Waiting Period
Affordable Burial Insurance with no Waiting Period Last Updated on: November 20, 2024 Reviewed by Kyle Wilson Licensed Agent @ Burial Senior Insurance Affordable Burial Insurance with No Waiting Period Here’s a way to plan for your final expenses so you will not have to worry at all and feel anxious about the high funeral and burial service cost that might leave the remaining family members burdened. Cheapest Burial Insurance with No Waiting Period: there are different options if you want to gain the cheapest burial insurance with no waiting period, or perhaps you just need coverage straight away, as some come with immediate cover. Get Free Quotes Customized Options Await Quotes Now What is Burial Insurance? Final expense insurance or burial expense insurance is another term to which burial insurance refers. It provides funds to pay for funeral and burial services. It is life insurance, not medical life insurance; hence, often people would not need a medical checkup to become insured, which becomes easy in cases of seniors and serious health conditions. Burial insurance for seniors is especially ideal because its premiums are very affordable, and people start getting coverage right away. That is practically the best solution for those not want to leave their loved ones with costly funeral expenses. Burial insurance is somewhat unique because of the specific type of coverage it offers, about final expenses-whether that be the cost of the funeral or the final arrangement being a burial or cremation. When paid out, the death benefit is directly payable to the insured’s beneficiary, and so can be used towards covering last end-life costs or funeral costs. How Does Burial Insurance Work? Well, how burial insurance works in the first place is pretty simple. After getting coverage through the application, you pay premiums monthly, and when you die, your death benefit will be paid to your beneficiary. Of course, the most interesting difference between these two kinds of insurance is that they are burial insurance as opposed to life insurance. Burial insurance has a purpose- it is designed for the times that you’d need a funeral-related expense, and your coverage usually begins immediately after approval. No waiting period burial insurance is perfect for those who need immediate coverage. Most standard life insurance policies have a waiting period of 2-3 years during which, in case of death, nothing shall be paid except by an accident. No waiting period burial insurance secures immediate coverage for final expenses. Here’s how burial insurance with no waiting period works: Application Process There are two basic types of burial life insurance: Simplified issue and guaranteed issue. Simplified-issue burial life insurance will usually require a few health questions and no medical exam, whereas guaranteed-issue burial life insurance will usually have no health questions or at least, few of them and carries a waiting period. Premiums: Premiums are usually calculated based on age, health, and the sum covered. For funeral insurance for seniors, the amounts are a little higher but affordable. Benefit of Death: The death benefit will be paid upon the grant of credit so that the funeral bill will not be paid by your loved ones. Pros & Cons of Burial Insurance Policies As with any type of insurance, there are both advantages and disadvantages to purchasing burial insurance. – Pros: Immediate Coverage This is the biggest plus of a no-waiting period burial insurance: It begins immediately upon its approval. Hence, when it starts to pay out when your family needs it, there would be no waiting time. Easy Qualification Even when suffering from some health conditions like diabetes or hypertension, you qualify to buy burial insurance with no waiting period. Some of the policies are easier in qualification requirements than the traditional life insurance would be, such as the simplified issue burial insurance. Guaranteed Acceptance: Many burial insurance policies offer guaranteed acceptance with no questions asked relating to health. This is really apt for people who happen to have an existing condition or even older people who cannot qualify for other forms of insurance. – Cons: Less Coverage: Burial insurance typically would offer much less coverage compared to other life insurance. If you need life insurance for funeral costs but also other expenses, then traditional life insurance would be ideal for you. Guaranteed issue policies have waiting periods: While most other burial life policies benefit immediately, the waiting period of guaranteed issue policies is such that the death benefit will not be ready. Burial Insurance vs. Life Insurance A lot of people confuse burial insurance with life insurance because at face value, both are pretty much types of insurance that deliver the death benefit, which is really misleading since they come with different purposes as well as differences in coverage amounts, corresponding premiums, and also the expenses they’re supposed to cover. – Burial Insurance Also referred to as final expense insurance or funeral insurance, burial insurance helps pay for the costs of funerals, burial expenses, and other last expenses. Most of these insurance policies, like the one quoted above, fall in the range of coverage from $5,000 to $25,000, although the size of the policy is typically much smaller. That is why burial insurance is quite brilliant for the elderly or someone who just would like to know that his or her loved ones will not be saddled with funeral expenses. Key features of burial insurance Lesser death benefit: Usually in the range of $5,000 to $25,000. No waiting period: Most burial insurance plan offers coverage immediately, and your death benefit can be accessed by the beneficiaries once you die. So, the longer time will have no impact on them because there is no waiting period. Very limited coverages: Only for the very minimal costs of death, which will be only the funeral service costs, the expenses of burial, cremation, and those related costs. This makes burial insurance perfect for those who need a low amount of coverage but will still want the surety of knowing that their funeral costs
Burial Insurance Arkansas: Coverage for Final Expenses
Burial Insurance Arkansas: Coverage for Final Expenses Last Updated on: November 13th, 2024 Reviewed by Kyle Wilson Licensed Agent @ Burial Senior Insurance Get A Free Quote Burial Insurance Arkansas is merely life insurance that covers any burial or funeral cost, and many Arkansas families invest in such policies for security, just in case a serious thing happens so they won’t burden family members when it hits them. Now, even with affordable terms, the funeral expenses will not stress families much. There are varied comparisons of options from providers that help determine the best Burial Insurance Arkansas plan to suit one’s needs and budget. Get Free Quotes Customized Options Await Quotes Now Why Burial Insurance Matters for Arkansas Residents Burial Insurance Arkansas is one of the leading sources to protect loved ones from unexpected costs. A funeral can run into multiple thousands of dollars quickly, so it can put a heavy burden on grieving families. Burial insurance in Arkansas offers peace of mind and covers these costs, so families aren’t burdened financially. Lincoln Heritage is among the best-known. They have final expense insurance, ranging from a variety of policies especially dedicated to funeral and burial expenses. Having plans available that cater to the flexibility of aged individuals, Lincoln Heritage is quite excellent among its clients who wish to consider burial insurance in Arkansas. Arkansas Insurance Regulations for Burial Insurance The Arkansas Insurance Department Funeral Services Division regulates all types of Burial Insurance in Arkansas from application to finalization. It has standard requirements that every provider has to meet, ensuring consumers have equal benefits without losing the protection and controls funeral services practice and burial insurance Arkansas plans across the state, including the likes of Lincoln Heritage. These rules keep the policies of Burial Insurance Arkansas cheap and hassle-free. Additionally, they will also help protect consumers from the companies charging more than is necessary thereby making available to Arkansas residents some of the cheapest burial insurance in Arkansas. Before buying the policy, it may be useful to refer to the guidelines by the Arkansas Insurance Department for a better understanding of your customer rights. What Does Burial Insurance Cover? Many funeral-related costs are usually covered by burial insurance coverage. These may include: Funeral home services The casket or urn costs Burial plot or cremation fees Memorial service expenses Transportation for family members Unlike standard life insurance policies that cover larger amounts and require extensive underwriting, burial insurance is usually easier to obtain. Policies are often approved with minimal health questions, and most residents over 50 can qualify. Cheapest Burial Insurance Options in Arkansas Key Point Details Low-Cost Burial Insurance in Arkansas Many providers offer competitive quotes for burial insurance in Arkansas. Comparison of Lowest Cost To ensure the lowest cost, comparisons and rate calculations should be made across various providers. Special Plans for Seniors Many insurance companies offer special plans for senior citizens, making it easier to find affordable final expense coverage. Simplified Application Process Providers like Lincoln Heritage offer simplified application processes and quick approval without medical exams. Free Burial Insurance in Arkansas Some companies offer free burial insurance for those who qualify based on financial need or special assistance programs. Availability of Free Insurance Free burial insurance may be offered through local agencies or nonprofit organizations that have allied with the Arkansas Insurance Department Funeral Services Division. How to Choose the Right Burial Insurance Policy in Arkansas The right choice of burial insurance, its coverage amount, and the provider’s reputation, among several other factors, should all things to be calculated. Here are a few tips for selecting the policy that needs your attention: Calculate the estimated cost of funeral arrangements that you would want. This includes services, gravesites, coffins, and more specific wants. Arkansas Insurance Regulation: There should be a check whether the policy complies with the insurance regulations prevailing in Arkansas, as such laws control unfair trade practices. Compare Providers: Get several quotes from providers. Seek reputable companies such as Lincoln Heritage, which retains a substantial market share within the final expense market. Consider Age and Health: Some policies offer lower rates if you are younger or in good health. Burial insurance, however, usually has a guaranteed acceptance feature, so regardless of your age or health condition, you can qualify for coverage in Arkansas. Why Do Arkansas Residents Need Burial Insurance? The funeral costs in Arkansas may easily reach from $7,000 to $10,000. That is a huge expense one’s loved ones may not be ready for. When one does not have adequate coverage, it is left to their loved ones to pay for the funeral services, the grave lot, the headstone, and all the other expenses associated with funerals when they are still grieving. In Arkansas, particularly, it is through this type of insurance that money will be able to lift the burden of these costs and ensure families are spared hassling with death on their economic terms. Why burial insurance is important for Arkansas Residents, especially with consideration of Arkansas Insurance laws and the availability of inexpensive plans such as Lincoln Heritage. Immediate Financial Assistance for Funeral Costs The ability to quickly cover funeral costs is one of the biggest benefits of obtaining burial insurance. When a person dies, a family usually gets instant financial demands to cover the cost of the funeral service, burial plot, and other final expenses. This type of insurance gives comfort in that all of these bills can be covered as soon as possible, saving the family from huge sums to be generated within a short period. Funeral Expenses: Funeral parlors charge very high sums for services such as body preparation, transportation, and ceremony preparations. Burial Plot: A burial plot costs dearly in Arkansas, where the cost is usually location-dependent. With burial insurance, this fee doesn’t burden the family anymore. The cost of the headstone or memorial plaque sometimes adds to the overall funeral cost, but the burial insurance covers this. Providers like Lincoln Heritage offer affordable burial insurance options that
Define Interment Funeral: Understanding the Funeral Process
Define Interment Funeral : Understanding the Funeral Process Last Updated on: August 26th, 2024 Reviewed by Kyle Wilson Licensed Agent @ Burial Senior Insurance Get A Free Quote Have you ever wondered about the different ways we honor our loved ones after they pass away? Among the various funeral practices, define interment funeral as a timeless tradition that holds deep cultural and emotional significance. But what exactly is an interment funeral, and why does it play such an important role in the way we say our final goodbyes? Understanding this practice can provide insight into how we celebrate and memorialize life, even in the face of loss. Get Free Quotes Customized Options Await Quotes Now How to define interment funerals? What is interment? Put simply, it’s when we place someone who’s died in their final resting place. Define interment funeral in a way that it is a process of burying a deceased person’s body in the ground, usually within a cemetery. This could be a traditional burial or a natural burial, where a coffin is lowered into the ground. But nowadays, when people talk about interment, they’re often talking about the interment of ashes. There are lots of ways that ashes can be interred. We’ll look at some of your options below. It’s good to know that the meaning of interment is different from “internment”. It’s easy to mix the two up because they sound the same and have very similar spellings. Internment (with an “n” in the middle) is when somebody is placed in prison, usually within the military. Where can an interment funeral ashes take place? The procedure for the interment funeral ashes starts with finding a permanent location. Possible locations include: A Local Authority cemetery A burial ground or churchyard A green or natural burial ground (they tend not to allow headstones) Interment funeral Options for the Cremated Body – Lawn Crypt Essentially, a lawn crypt is a type of underground mausoleum. It’s built deeper into the ground and can house multiple caskets. Often made of concrete, a lawn crypt possesses a drainage system, which protects the grave’s contents from the elements. In some cases, families are all buried together, but it’s not a requirement. Make sure to ask a cemetery representative if they use individual grave markers or just one for everyone buried in the lawn crypt. – Traditional burial In traditional burial, the body is interred whole and may be preserved by employing embalming so that the deceased can be displayed before the funeral rites and burial rites. Before burial, the cemetery prepares the location by digging a hole at the grave and may then place a grave liner or burial vault in the hole. The casket is then placed in the grave by the cemetery grounds crew after the committal service and more soil is then added to the grave. Finally, a tombstone with an epitaph is placed at the site as a form of honoring the deceased – Mausoleum A mausoleum is an above-ground structure used when the remains are placed in a casket. They provide individual methods for remembering your loved one, such as name etchings, nameplates, and vases for flowers. A mausoleum commonly contains individual or companion niches and safeguards the body from the environment. It is made of community mausoleum and private mausoleum kinds. In most situations, a private mausoleum is far more costly. Mausoleums are ideal for people who wish to have their remains buried with their loved ones in their tomb. – Natural (or Green) Burial There is another form of full-body interment that is natural or green burial. Green and natural burials are an attempt to mimic the natural process of decomposition as closely as possible. The main differences are two-fold: The main differences are two-fold: 1) Green burial does not allow for any type of embalming, while the cemetery ground is approved merely for green burial. 2) Green burials can only happen on very specific areas of land while a natural burial can happen on any piece of private property or any cemetery that permits it. Other Interment funeral Options A few lesser-used interment options are: Burial of ashes in a biodegradable urn by planting it with seeds so that a tree will grow on the site After cremation, the ashes are combined with cement to form a reef to assist the oceans to recover. They include, for instance, the launching of the cremated body into space. Being involved in burial at sea service is an option that is possible with both the full body and cremated body. For other options, refer to Meaningful Ways to Honor Your Loved One’s Ashes – Burial Vault or Mausoleum A burial vault is a structure built within the grave that holds one or many remains. An example of this would be a mausoleum. A mausoleum is essentially a large tomb. It is a monument, often made from stone, designed to house the remains of one or several individuals above ground. Like burials, mausoleums commonly contain personal mementos to markers related to the deceased. There are many types of mausoleums. Common ones include: Public/common Mausoleums. This is a structure that holds multiple individuals inside of the same place. Anyone is allowed to visit and pay their respects. Private Mausoleums. This is a type of mausoleum restricted for family use. These can be found on private property or purchased at a cemetery. Garden Mausoleum. This type of mausoleum is found outdoors and often decorated with flowers, plants, statues, and more. Sarcophagus mausoleums. This type of mausoleum is partially underground and has no door or windows within the structure. Vestibule Mausoleums. This is a small structure that looks similar to a house. There is typically a door entrance that leads into an inner burial vault. These are also often private or family-owned. – Columbarium Entering the final arrangements of the cremated body, the most common choice is a columbarium. Columbaria are made of a large number of small spaces also referred to
Social Security Burial Benefits: Support for Funeral Costs
Social Security Burial Benefits: Support for Funeral Costs Last Updated on: September 12th, 2024 Reviewed by Kyle Wilson Licensed Agent @ Burial Senior Insurance Get A Free Quote When planning for the future, it’s important to consider all aspects of end-of-life arrangements, including Social Security burial benefits. The Social Security Administration pays a one-time, Special Benefit payment to help with burial expenses after the death of a Social Security beneficiary. This is known as the Social Security burial benefit or death benefit. To qualify for this payment, there are some basic conditions that you have to fulfill. For instance, one must have contributed to Social Security or be a dependent of the contributor, be it as a spouse or a child. Let’s discuss more about it. Get Free Quotes Customized Options Await Quotes Now What Are Social Security Death Benefits? Social Security Death Benefits are provided to the surviving spouses, children, and other dependents of a deceased eligible employee. This benefit, designed to ease the financial strain the loss of one’s spouse or parent puts on the family, is especially useful for families with young children. The monthly benefit amount depends on the earnings of the deceased person. In other words, if they contributed to Social Security more, their benefits would also be more. This amount is a percentage of the deceased’s basic social security benefit or his average earnings over a period. Also, depending on the situation of the death, the benefit of a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 may be paid to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the deceased person; or if living apart, was receiving certain kinds of Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record. When there is no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child who qualifies for the benefits. Who is Eligible to Receive Social Security Death Benefits? Any woman or man with no spouse and above the age of 60 years A surviving divorced spouse, under certain conditions Any widow or widower at any age who is looking after the deceased’s child under 16 years of age or is disabled and receives child benefits. An unmarried child of the deceased who is one of the following Under the age of eighteen (up to nineteen if he or she attends elementary or secondary school as a full-time student). People above 18 years of age with a disability that affected them before they reached 22 years of age. Does Medicare or Social Security Pay for Funeral Expenses? The short answer to this question is no; they don’t. Medicare covers medical care, which ends when you die. Medicare doesn’t have a death benefit either, but Social Security does offer burial benefits. The Social Security Administration will give a one-time $255 payment to a surviving spouse or child, called a special lump-sum death payment. You do have to meet certain requirements: The spouse must have been living with the deceased or receiving certain social security benefits on the deceased’s record. If there’s no surviving spouse, the payment goes to a child eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record in the month of death. After seeing how much a funeral can cost, you realize that $255 from Social Security is a nice gesture, but it will only cover a few floral arrangements. Who can claim benefits from my record? Burial benefits are divided into two categories: those that kick in before a worker’s death and those that go to the worker’s survivors. The second kind of benefits are often called survivor or Social Security burial benefits. Here are the rules: While you’re alive, your spouse and any ex-spouse(s) become eligible to claim spousal benefits from your record, beginning when they turn 62. For your husband or wife to claim Social Security spousal benefits (equal to 50% of your benefit) you must have already claimed your primary benefits. Divorced spouses, though, can begin claiming benefits on their ex’s record whether or not the ex has filed for retirement benefits. Minor children and disabled children of any age who became disabled before age 22 are also eligible to receive benefits if their retired parent has started claiming primary benefits. After a worker eligible for primary Social Security benefits dies, a few classes of protected individuals are entitled to claim Social Security Burial Benefits (equal to 100% of the deceased’s benefits). The folks with this kind of Social Security eligibility include: Surviving spouses (a.k.a. widows and widowers) married for at least 10 years, who can start collecting reduced benefits when they turn 60 and full survivor benefits at full retirement age Surviving divorced spouses married for at least 10 years, who can collect reduced benefits from age 62 and full benefits at their full retirement age, provided they don’t remarry. Dependent parents, if the worker’s financial support made up at least half of their support Minor children up to age 18, or up to age 19 if still in secondary school Adult children if disabled before age 22 The mother or father of the deceased’s children (including an ex-spouse), who is caring for the deceased’s minor children, can claim Social Security death benefits until the children reach age 16. Can my surviving spouse claim my Social Security burial benefits and their primary benefits? These benefits were designed to protect the non-working spouses and children of workers, not to provide extra money to surviving spouses whose work histories make them eligible for benefits on their record. A surviving spouse whose age and labor force participation make them eligible for primary Social Security benefits should not expect to receive full Social Security death benefits on top of their check. The Social Security Administration wants to guard against what it considers “excess benefits,” so will adjust the benefits of anyone who is eligible for both spousal/death benefits AND primary benefits. Social Security will pay out the larger of either the spousal/survivor benefits or the primary benefits, but not both. This is known as the Dual Entitlement
