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Survivor's Information |
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The Death of a Loved One The time immediately following the death of a loved one can be days of intense sorrow and emotional stress. During this time, the family must make a number of difficult decisions. It is hoped that these guidelines may guide your family through the difficult problems of this trying time and that our staff can assist you in any concerns that may arise. Death Certificates The Funeral Home handles the details associated with the death certificate and the burial permit. You have or will have received copies of the Funeral Directors Proof of Death forms from our office to assist with any estate work that will need to be done. You have received or will receive copies of the " Funeral Directors Proof of Death Form" these copies will assist you in all the estate affairs that you as a relative or executor may required to do. If you are asked for a Certified copy of the death certificate ( Which is the official government form) we would be more than happy to assist in filling these form with the Saskatchewan Vital Statistics Office - Saskatchewan Heath, 1919 Rose St. Regina , S4P 3V7. There is a $20.00 fee for each certificate needed. The forms may be obtained at the Funeral Home. Canada Pension Plan Eligibility: Canada Pension Plan contributors qualify their estates for the lump-sum Death Benefit if they have made contributions to the Plan for the minimum qualifying period required by the legislation. A person was required to contribute to the Plan from January 1, 1966, or from the month following the persons 18th birthday, whichever occurs later. Benefits: There are
three possible Survivor's benefits payable: Application: the lump-sum Death Benefit is not paid automatically. The person having the responsibility for the administration of the estate should make sure that a written application for this benefit is made s soon as possible following the contributors death. Applications should be made to the nearest district of local office of the Canada Pension Plan. In Moose Jaw the office is located at Government of Canada Human Resource Centre - 111 Fairford St. E - Monday - Friday 9 - 4 p.m. Phone: or Toll Free : 1-800-277-9914 Saskatchewan Pension Plan Those who have contributed to this Provincial pension plan must fill out the required application of death form.( It may be obtained from your funeral Director). Please notify SPP of the death by calling 1-800-667-7153. P.O.Box 5555 608 Main St. Kindersley Sk. S0L 1S0 Along with the completed application you will need to provide SPP with: - a copy of the members death certificate from Vital Statistics or the funeral home that handled the arrangements. - a copy of the members birth certificate - a copy of the designated beneficiary's birth certificate, and - a copy of the marriage certificate if the beneficiary is the deceased spouse. Insurance Contact the agents of all insuring companies as soon as possible. Agents will supply the necessary claim forms. All policies should be closely examined with agents, including lapsed policies to check for any extended coverage. Any survivors' like insurance policies, which name the decedent as a beneficiary should be change. Funeral Insurance Companies: In some instances a person may have a insurance specifically for payment of their funeral. The Funeral Director will assist you with these policies and submit the required claims forms. Such policies may be with: Purple Shield Company of Canada (Family Side), Life Investors of America etc. Bank Accounts and Safety Deposit Box Consult your bank to answer any specific questions. A bank account solely in the decedent's name may require probate action or a consent to transfer to transfer from a governmental agency. Some banks may permit a release from smaller accounts for the payment of funeral expenses. When a death occurs , a safety deposit box provides the tight security the name implies. A safety deposit box held in the decedent's name, may be sealed until an official takes inventory of the contents. Consult the bank and a Lawyer regarding legal procedures. Investments Bonds, Stocks, Retirements Accounts & Superannuation Savings bonds held in the sole name of the deceased must generally be probated. Bons may be transferred to a named survivor, subject to estate taxes. Consult a your Investment Officer, Tax Advisor, Banker of Lawyer. In regards to stocks contact the issuing broker or investment officer. Stocks and Bonds held solely in the deceased's name must generally also be probated. Determine if they may be any tax implications. For Retirement Accounts ( RRSP , RIFS etc) consult employers or a lawyer regarding the status of retirement plans and survivors benefits. If the decedent was paying into a Retirement Savings Plan- if self employed or without an employer's pension plan - the amount in the account will go the beneficiaries. Consult the insurance agent, investment officer, bank of a lawyer. Real Estate Real estate jointly held by a husband and wife is transferred to the surviving spouse. The services of a Lawyer - as in all real estate matters are advisable. Property, which is solely in the decedent's name, or owned jointly by the decedent a party other than the surviving spouse, may require probate action whether or not a will exists. Land Titles will require a copy of the Provincial "Certified" Death Certificate. Automobile Any titled, automobile vehicle, such as a car, truck or recreation vehicle, become part of the estate when the decedent is the sole owner. For information regarding the transfer of title, contact your local license bureau or a Lawyer. Saskatchewan Government Insurance Coverage: For Saskatchewan residents who are hurt or killed in a traffic accident in Saskatchewan or if you are in a accident outside the province while riding in a Saskatchewan licensed vehicle you may be covered under the Automobile Accident Insurance Act. Death payments are made in two cases: - If the traffic victim dies within 90 days of the accident - If the accident makes the victim totally or continuously disabled and the victim dies within 2 years of the accident. A death payment to the primary dependant may be up to $10,000 . Inquirers for this benefit may be made to your local car insurance company or directly to Saskatchewan Government Insurance Saskatchewan Blue Cross - MSI Saskatchewan Blue Cross- MSI with its head office in Saskatoon serves the entire province. If you have purchased the accidental death package for funeral expenses Blue Cross - MSI should be contacted. In some cases if death occurs away while on vacation they may pay for the transportation back home. 516 - 2nd Ave N. P.O. Box 4030 The Last Post Fund Funeral and Burial Benefits for eligible war veterans and peacetime disability pensioners. Financial eligibility is based on an assessment of financial resources at the time of death of the deceased. This assessment depends on the marital status of the deceased and whether there are dependent children. If eligible assistance may be provided up to a maximum amount specified by government regulations for funeral services, cremation, burial , transportation , and grave headstones. Information may be obtained at the Saskatchewan Branch : 506 Federal Building Department of Social Services The Saskatchewan Government will provide a basic allowance to cover the costs of a funeral of a person whose estate is insufficient to cover the costs of a burial or cremation. Application for assistance for funeral expenses is to be made to the local department within 90 days of the date of the death. Families are advised to make an appointment with a Social Worker to fill out the application forms, these may be obtained at 36 Athabasca St. W. Moose Jaw. Phone: 694-3647.
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