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After the Funeral
This handout is provided as a resource of information addressing issues that may need to be attended to after the funeral
Thank You Cards:
The acknowledgment cards that our funeral home provide each family are to be sent to anyone who has shown an act of kindness to the family such as: making a memorial donation, sending a floral tribute, purchasing a mass card, delivering food to the home or sending a telegram. It is not considered necessary to acknowledge those who have visited the funeral home or sent cards of sympathy.
Lawyer:
Do I need one? You may not if:
1) You are the sole beneficiary of the estate and
2)The property of the estate can be transferred to you without legal documentation ( i.e. is joint)
We would recommend at least contacting a lawyer to get further information as to his/her necessity.
Mail/Address Change:
Mail will continue to be delivered or can be held at the Post Office until further direction is given. Mail redirection is possible at no charge. Please contact your local Post Office for the required documentation.
Bank Account/Safety Deposit Box:
Notify your bank immediately of the death for advice as to the requirements regarding the necessary papers and changes. A Funeral Director’s Proof of Death Certificate should be given to the bank at this time. The deceased persons next of kin or estate is entitled to all cheques (or direct deposits) which have been received as income for the month in which the death occurred. This includes Canada Pension, Old Age Security, Supplemental Benefits, Social Security Benefits, Veteran’s Benefits and most other provincial and federal benefit cheques. It may be beneficial to leave a joint account open for a couple of months to deposit any cheques made payable directly to the deceased.
Canada Pension:
There are three types of survivor benefits under the Canada Pension Plan which may need to be applied for
1) The death benefit is a one-time payment to the estate or person responsible for the funeral expenses.
2) The surviving spouse’s pension is a monthly pension paid to the spouse of a deceased contributor.
3) The children’s benefit is a monthly benefit paid to children of a deceased contributor.
We will provide the necessary application forms and will assist in completing, if required. When forwarding documents to CPP, it is recommended sending certified photocopies instead of original documents (excluding the Funeral Director’s Proof of Death Certificate). We can certify the originals if required.
Private Company Pension:
Notify the company immediately of the death for advice as to requirements regarding the necessary documentation.
Insurance Policies:
Notify each insurance company (Life, House/Apartment, Vehicle) and they will send a representative to see you or mail the forms, which will need to be completed. A refund may be applicable. Each company
may require a Funeral Director’s Proof of Death Certificate. If the death involved a fatal accident there may be special coverage in a policy.
War Veteran’s Burial Assistance:
If the deceased was receiving a war veteran pension, disability pension, or qualified at the time of death for benefits, the surviving spouse or estate can apply for financial assistance for the funeral costs.
Extended Health Care Coverage:
If the deceased had extended health care coverage, there may be a refund due. A Funeral Director’s Proof of Death Certificate will likely need to be sent to the insurer. If there is company health care coverage, the employer should be notified as to the death.
Health Card:
To cancel the Ontario Health Insurance coverage, forward the card along with the Funeral Director’s Proof of Death Certificate to the Ministry of Health, 1400 Weber St., East, Kitchener, Ontario. N2A 3Z8
Credit Cards:
Contact each company to cancel or transfer to spouse. They may require a Funeral Director’s Proof of Death Certificate. Cards being canceled should be destroyed and any outstanding balance paid.
Prepaid Accounts:
The companies (Newspaper, Telephone, Cable TV, Magazine Subscriptions, etc.) should be contacted and notified of the death, in order to cancel or transfer an account. A refund may be applicable.
Vehicle Ownership:
Take vehicle registrations to the nearest motor vehicle office (corner of Mornington St. and Graff Ave. in Stratford). Signature of the executor or surviving spouse is required for transfer along with possibly the Funeral Director’s Proof of Death Certificate, a Notarized Copy of the Will or a Statutory Declaration completed by a lawyer (if no Will exists). If a vehicle is being sold or transferred to someone other than the surviving spouse, the licence plates should be returned to the motor vehicle office. A refund may be applicable.
Travel Expenses:
Should you be travelling due to the death of a family member, most airlines and railways offer a Compassionate Travel Policy. The company should be contacted, since you may be eligible for a special discounted fare or a partial refund on the fare paid. They may require a Funeral Director’s Proof of Death Certificate or will contact the funeral home to verify the death.
Income Tax:
An Income Tax Return will need to be filed with Revenue Canada for the deceased for the year in which the death occurred. The publication “Preparing Returns for Deceased Persons” can be obtained by contacting the Forms Department of Revenue Canada at 1-800-959-2221.
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