I was blind-sighted by this discovery as my parents were both professional people and always on top of things like this. They even have long term health care. Now in assisted living and Mom's Alzheimer's is final stages she can not communicate and Dad confused also. Don't know if agencies, SS have provisions that offer. What do I do next?
31 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
ADVERTISEMENT
If a person would choose to donate their body, they need to sign forms and make certain that you qualify. (Not all bodies do.)
Also, with any professional associations they may have belonged to.
The Funeral Trust does not have to be purchased from a funeral home, and therefore better when planning ahead becomes portable to ANY funeral home anywhere in the US In Wisconsin in 2012 the Funeral Director private investment trust came up $20 million short, as it was not through insurance , rather risky stock investments
They also pre paid for their burial plots. It was such a relief when they passed that my mom didn't have to come out of pocket for anything. They chose a irrevocable plan because that way medicare and medical can't count it as income.
I would agree with the other posts. If possible, pre-paid funeral service is a wonderful idea. In our situation, though, the pre-paid services did not cover all of the expenses-(copies of death certificates, other "add-ons"). However, our total cost was under $300.
Make sure to check with her financial institution to see if there are any "premium-free" life insurance policies that are offered as a "perk" of being a customer. We were surprised to find that she had a policy through her credit union.
Please keep in mind that there are state laws that will supersede some of what is written here.
I just went through the Medicaid filing process for my Dad now in a NH. Mom still alive. Had to liquidate their assets. Mom gets to keep his SS to pay her rent, (i.e. she is called the "community spouse"), and I purchase two Irrevocable Funeral Trusts, one for each, with as much money as I could in the spend down to Medicaid, to help pay for their funerals.
I hope this helpful to you!
-SS
If you want or they have mentioned in the past that they want to be buried, you are allowed to keep out enough to bury them. It is a certain amount in each state. In this state, the money has to be spent (preplanned) and you must show the facility the receipt.
I'm not certain about every state, but SS will send you a check, small, about $250 to help w/ expenses. The funeral homes and crematorium's know exactly how much it is.
Additionally, when they pass, SS will ask that you return the last check they sent out. I never understood this part, because they always pay after, never before anything. I feel as if they are cheated out of their last bit of money.
There are other monies you are allowed to keep out. It may be best to check with the social worker or financial office at the facility where your parents are located. They are a good first source. They have been wonderful for me where my father is, as they know all the rules associated with the particular state in of which they reside.