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Navigating Social Security After Death

Navigating the ins and outs of Social Security benefits can be a heavy lift, especially when the death of a loved one is a part of the equation. We’ve outlined a few of the questions we are most often asked below as well as direct contact information for the Social Security offices.

Who notifies Social Security of a loved one’s death?

Social Security should be contacted as soon as possible when a person in your family passes. Usually, the funeral director will report the person’s death to Social Security. You should give the funeral home the deceased person’s Social Security number if you want them to make the report.

What are the death benefits to surviving spouses or dependent children?

Social Security is a key source of financial security to widowed spouses in old age. About 7.5 million individuals age 60 and older receive benefits based, at least in part, on a deceased spouse’s work record. When a retired worker dies, the surviving spouse gets an amount equal to the worker’s full retirement benefit.

A widow(er), at full retirement age or older, generally receives 100 percent of the worker’s basic benefit amount. A widow(er), age 60 or older, but under full retirement age, receives about 71-99 percent of the worker’s basic benefit amount.

Children of the deceased generally receive Social Security benefits until age 18. But if they’re full-time students at an elementary or secondary school, they can continue to receive benefits either until they graduate or until two months after they turn 19, whichever comes first. An eligible child is typically the biological child of a deceased or disabled worker.

Do you have to pay back Social Security when someone dies?

When a person dies on the first day of a month or later, but before their regular payment date, this creates an underpayment. The reason that Social Security withholds payment in these cases or requires the bank to return the funds if the deposit has already been made, is because the person(s) entitled to the underpayment is determined by law. And, the person with access to the deceased person’s bank account may or may not be the person legally entitled to the underpayment.

Underpayments are payable in the following order (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.19/handbook-1902.html):

A. The widow(er) of the underpaid person if:

1.Living in the same household with the underpaid person at the time of death; or

2.Entitled to a monthly benefit on the same earnings record as the underpaid person for the month of death.

B. The child or children of the underpaid person entitled to monthly benefits on the same earnings record as the underpaid person for the month of death. If there is more than one entitled child, payment is made in equal parts to each child;

C. The parent or parents of the underpaid person entitled to monthly benefits on the same earnings record as the underpaid person for the month of death. If there is more than one entitled parent, payment is made in equal parts to each parent;

D. A widow(er) who does not meet the requirements of (A);

E. A child or children who do not meet the requirements of (B). If there is more than one child, payment is made in equal parts to each child;

F. A parent or parents who do not meet the requirements of (C). If there is more than one parent, payment is made in equal parts to each parent; and

G. The legal representative of the underpaid person’s estate.

The form SSA-1724 required to complete and submit is necessary for Social Security to determine which person(s) are legally entitled to claim any underpayment due to a deceased beneficiary.

How much does Social Security pay for a funeral?

The Social Security survivors benefits program pays a special one-time lump sum amount (called the “Death Benefit”) of $255 to help pay for funeral or burial costs for anyone who had qualified for Social Security benefits.

Planning for survivors:

Use Social Security’s Survivors Planner to look at survivors benefits from two sides:

how your family members are protected if you die, and
how you may qualify as a survivor on someone else’s Social Security record.

This protection is particularly important for young families with children.

Contacting Social Security

The most convenient way to contact Social Security anytime, anywhere is to visit www.socialsecurity.gov. There, one can: apply for benefits; open a my Social Security account, which can be used to review one’s Social Security Statement, verify earnings, print a benefit verification letter, change one’s direct deposit information, request a replacement Medicare card, and get a replacement SSA-1099/1042S; obtain valuable information; find publications; get answers to frequently asked questions; and much more. If you don’t have access to the internet, automated services are available by telephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778.

Can Families Be Present During Cremation?

Many people today are opting for cremation over traditional burial due to its numerous benefits. The simplicity and dignity of cremation, environmental concerns, and the flexibility cremation affords in ceremony planning and final disposition all add to its increasing popularity.

Witnessing a cremation can be for anyone for any number of reasons. It is often an overlooked opportunity in being part of the final journey of a loved one. The benefits of witnessing are largely personal. For many people, being present during the cremation is an important part of their faith and traditions. For others, it’s a respectful way to say a final goodbye. Some have the need to be reassured they have the ashes of their beloved. For others, it may demystify a process they weren’t able to be part of in the past.

Some families craft their loved one’s cremation like a memorial service or graveside service including a faith leader, celebrant or officiant offering a few words, scripture or prayer prior to cremation.

Lifesong, is often asked to call family or friends just before the cremation process begins so they may be there in spirit.

Because Lifesong’s crematory is located on-site, family and friends may view the Crematory, and are welcome to rest in the lobby during the process, enjoying the dignified space in comfort.

Once the loved one is cremated, there are many options for their remains. Remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered.

Although an urn is not required by law, it may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or the remains are to beinterred in a cemetery. If an urn is not purchased, or provided by the family, the cremated remains will be returned in a temporary container.

Lifesong often is requested to commingle ashes of parents or an individual and their beloved pet. Most full size urns are designed to hold the ashes of just one person, however, it is now common for most urn companies to offer dual capacity urns holding the ashes of two persons.

If you would like to speak to Lifesong directly to explore witnessing and cremation options, please request an appointment with one of our advisors at (850) 627-1111.

Traveling with Cremated Remains

Transporting cremated remains is becoming very common with the rise in cremation and families’ wishes to be scattered in a favorite place or buried in a family plot. The loss of loved ones is an emotional experience — adding in the additional stress of air travel with the ashes of the deceased can elevate an already precarious emotional state. Knowing what to expect when you arrive at the airport with cremated remains can make the process a little less taxing mentally and emotionally.

The first step in successful travel with cremated ashes is to contact the airline(s) directly to see what their policies are. Take care to contact each airline if connecting flights route through multiple airlines. Some airlines such as Delta give passengers the option of checking the cremated remains as carry on item or as checked baggage like typical luggage. Other airlines require cremated ashes to be sent only via cargo. Contacting the airline will help ensure that you are not held up for unnecessary and preventable reasons.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a clear process for screening crematory remains. Their officers routinely conduct these types of screenings throughout our nation’s airports. Crematory remains in carry on must pass through the X-ray machine to be screened. If the X-ray operator cannot clear the remains, TSA may apply other, non-intrusive means of resolving the alarm. If the officer cannot determine that the container does not contain a prohibited item, the remains will not be permitted.

“Our guidelines for traveling with crematory remains are not intended to make this already emotionally difficult process more complex than needed. However, crematory remains are one of the many sensitive items that could be exploited by someone wanting to conceal a dangerous item. TSA officers are trained to treat all travelers’ belongings with care and respect and will not open containers with cremated remains, even if the passenger requests this be done.”, says TSA Social Media spokesman, Bob Burns.

A past TSA officer in both passenger checkpoint and checked baggage serving as a Passenger Support Specialist recommends “travelers place cremated remains in their carry on luggage. It allows the traveler to be present during screening and for the officer to inform the traveler what additional actions, if any, will be required to clear the remains.” Checked bags are subjected to rapid and sometimes rough movement along a series of conveyor belts as they make the trek to and from the aircraft. Checked bags are only in TSA’s possession for a fraction of their journey to the aircraft.

The TSA suggests you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material, such as wood or plastic. If the container is made of a material that generates an opaque image, TSA officers will not be able to clearly determine what is inside the container and the container will not be allowed. Securing the container in a clear zip-lock bag with the Certificate of Cremation may seem overly precautious, but may also help with seamless travel. Some airlines such as Jet Blue require this documentation as well as a certified copy of death. Not every airline requires this documentation, however, it does help with validity of the carry on baggage and it’s contents.

Contacting the airline(s) you will be travelling with for their policies, securing the ashes in a container acceptable to pass through X-ray machines as a carry on item and carrying the Certificate of Cremation and a certified copy of death will best prepare you for travel with the cremated remains.

Below, find additional helpful frequently asked questions and links on transporting remains:

How big of a container can I put the ashes in?

The maximum carry-on baggage size for all major airlines is 22” x 14” x 9”. The cremated ashes container cannot be any larger than these measurements. The urn can be stored in your carry-on baggage upon arrival onto the aircraft but will have to be removed from baggage at the security check point and passed through the X-ray.

Do I need any kind of documentation when I travel with ashes?

If you have the Certificate of Cremation it is a good idea to bring that with you to the checkpoint as authentication that the baggage is in fact cremated ashes.

What instructions do I give to the funeral director to prepare the ashes for travelling?

Ask that the cremated ashes be place in a non-metallic shipping container. Often times the ashes will be placed in plastic bag inside the container for added protection and the funeral home typically supplies airline supported containers that will pass airport X-ray machines.

What kind of containers acceptable to pass through the x-ray machine?

Scan-able containers include: cardboard, fiberboard, cloth, plastic, transparent glass and wood. Non-scan-able containers are prohibited for carry-on baggage and consist of containers that are metal, stone or ceramic.

I’m uncomfortable sending the urn through the x-ray machine. Can I carry it through the metal detector?

The ashes are sent through the X-ray typically while you are walking through the metal detector and you can be at the end of the conveyor to receive them. If at any point in time the TSA has a question about the contents or the container needs to be sent through, your baggage will be handled with the upmost care and respect.

Where can ashes be stored or scattered after cremation?

In Florida, there are no state laws that restrict where you may keep or scatter ashes. Cremation ashes may be stored in a crypt, niche, grave, or container at home. If you wish to scatter ashes, you have many options. Cremation renders ashes harmless, so there is no public health risk involved in scattering ashes. Use common sense and refrain from scattering ashes in places where they would be obvious to others.

Scattering ashes in an established scattering garden. Many cemeteries provide gardens for scattering ashes. If you’re interested, ask the cemetery for more information.
Scattering ashes on private land. You are allowed to scatter ashes on your own private property. If you want to scatter ashes on someone else’s private land, you should get permission from the landowner.
Scattering ashes on public land. Check both city and county regulations and zoning rules before scattering ashes on local public land, such as in a city park.
Scattering ashes on federal land. Officially, you should request permission before scattering ashes on federal land. You can find guidelines for scattering ashes on the websites for some national parks.
Scattering ashes at sea. The federal Clean Water Act requires that cremated remains be scattered at least three nautical miles from land. If the container will not easily decompose, you must dispose of it separately. The EPA does not permit scattering at beaches or in wading pools by the sea. Finally, you must notify the EPA within 30 days of scattering ashes at sea.
The Clean Water Act also governs scattering in inland waters such as rivers or lakes. For inland water burial, you may be legally required to obtain a permit from the state agency that manages the waterway.
Scattering ashes by air. While there are no state laws on the matter, federal aviation laws do prohibit dropping any objects that might cause harm to people or property. The U.S. government does not consider cremains to be hazardous material; all should be well so long as you remove the ashes from their container before scattering.

TSA and Airline information

Transportation Safety Administration 1-866-289-9673

American 1-800-433-7300

Delta 1-800-221-1212

Frontier Airlines 1-800-432-1359

Jet Blue 1-800-538-2583

Southwest Southwest 1-800-435-9792

United 1-800-864-8331

Going ‘Green’ for your Funeral?

There are many ways to embark on the journey to the great beyond. For most of American history, there have been a few staples we’ve come to expect of funerals: a coffin of choice, subdued flower arrangements, a grave-site burial and the traditional granite headstone.

However, these staples aren’t necessarily needed in honoring our loved ones.

More recently, Americans are exploring the direction of “green” burials.

The rising trend of “green” funerals has to do with a growing effort to “green-ify” the burial process. Green burials do away with both the embalming chemicals and the extraneous cement, steel or other non-biodegradable materials conventional burials put into the earth and lack the carbon footprint of cremation.

Consider this: Typical American funerals are responsible each year for over 30 million board feet of casket wood, 90,000 tons of steel, 1.6 million tons of concrete for burial vaults and 800,000 gallons of embalming fluid. Cremation can be an environmental shocker of it’s own with the incineration process emitting dioxin, hydrochloric acid, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide.

“Green cremation” processes including liquid cremation (or alkaline hydrolysis) claims to be one of the least damaging methods for the environment and ‘possibly the most peaceful way to be put to rest’ (However, this process is legal in only 14 states, and at this point is quite costly.).

Forgoing a funeral or memorial service is often seen as the easiest and most cost effective alternative. However, the least expensive choice is not always the best one. Grief experts universally agree that having a ceremony for your departed is a significant part of the healing process.

If cremation is the right option, there are limitless eco-friendly options that can be used in honoring the dead. From bio-degradable urns for water burials to eco-friendly urns for earth burials (often made from hemp, cardboard, or bark), green burial products are easily obtainable.

Reasons for choosing one type of burial over another are as varied as you can imagine, but for many people it can come down to cost, environmental impact and legacy. Each option has its pros and cons, and it is important to consider the individual’s situation and honor their beliefs. Cremation, for example would still be a better choice than using a green cemetery miles and miles away if your carbon footprint is a concern.

In the end, the impact you leave on the environment after you die is far less important than the footprint you leave while you’re still alive. Contact Lifesong to explore the options that best fit your needs.

What exactly is a Cremation Society?

If you’ve made it this far you’re more than likely interested in cremation when your time on earth is over. And for good reason; cremation is much easier on your family members left with the task of arranging your funeral (which btw you should go ahead and take care of ahead of time so they don’t have to). But who do you turn do when cremation is the choice and the need for a provider arises?

Cremation Societies are nothing new although they may be new to Tallahassee. In fact the Neptune Society was founded in 1973 and operates as a subsidiary of Service Corporation International (SCI) aka “Dignity Memorial.” As the cremation rate in America grew, SCI saw a demand for a funeral service company that exclusively provided “direct” or “simple” cremations. A direct cremation simply means a cremation WITHOUT a ceremony.

Aside from cost, the Cremation Societies we know today aren’t much different from those of years past. They usually operate out of a strip mall and are dependent on a licensed funeral home & crematory establishment. This means they share the facilities, vehicles, equipment, and even employees so they can offer the exact same direct cremation services at a discounted rate. You might be wondering why the parent funeral home would allow the subsidiary cremation society to pirate their potential client families. It’s because there are other competitors in the market, some of them family owned, who usually offer cremation services at a lower cost. So the Cremation Society exists to better compete with the local firms.

Over the years, cremation societies have become known as the funeral provider of choice if a family desires a simple cremation. But as your local funeral & cremation provider, I urge you to do your due diligence. More often than not, your local funeral home is more competitive in pricing and more flexible and accommodating when planning a cremation. Your local funeral director isn’t working for commissions and has a vested interest in making their families happy so they’ll choose their firm again in the future. Take the time to meet with a funeral director at 2 or 3 different firms. Ask questions about pricing, how long they plan to be apart of our community, and operating procedures. What if I need help with VA benefits or scheduling the burial of Dad’s ashes at the Tallahassee National Cemetery? There are many aspects to consider when selecting a funeral home or crematory. But the most important thing is how the people within care for their client families.