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Advanced
planning allows families to consider options available to them
without the burden of emotional stress, which accompanies death.
The planning of a funeral can be overwhelming if not given forethought.
You can take full control of your own funeral when planned ahead,
relieving the pressure on your loved one in their time of grief.
How do I go
about making pre-arrangements? top
Simply
contact our funeral home and we will arrange for one of our
funeral directors to meet with you either at the funeral home
or at your home, whatever is convenient for you. When pre-arranging
your funeral, the funeral director will ask you to choose the
specific services (viewing, funeral service, method of disposition
- burial, entombment, cremation) and merchandise (casket, vault,
urn, prayer cards, register book, etc.). The Funeral director
will answer any questions that may arise and provide an itemized
statement of what you choose including all charges as well as
your trust fund agreement.
What type of
services do you offer? top
Although
you will be able to arrange any type of funeral service to suit
your personal preferences, the following types of services are
those which would be considered traditional:
- Viewing, next day church service, followed by burial,
entombment or cremation.
- Viewing, next day service at the funeral home, followed
by burial, entombment or cremation.
- Viewing, service at the funeral home, followed by burial,
entombment or cremation all occurring on the same day.
- Viewing, church service followed by burial, entombment
or cremation, all occurring on the same day.
- Direct Burials with graveside services.
- Direct Cremations with memorial services held either at
church or at the funeral home.
If I make pre-arrangements,
must I prepay at the same time? top
When
prearranging a funeral, you can simply come into one of our several
locations or we can accommodate you by telephone, mail or at your
home. We can then complete pre-arrangements with the option of
prepayment. Prepayment is not required.
If I prepay
my funeral where is the money held? top
When
prepaying a funeral a FDIC insured account is opened with the
NJ Prepaid Funeral Trust Fund located in Manasquan, NJ. Your
money stays in your name and is pooled with thousands of other
accounts to earn the best possible interest. You can either
prepay the entire amount, or establish an account with an initial
$500 deposit, thereafter making periodic payments. If payment
is made in full there is usually sufficient interest accrued
to offset any cost increases when our services are needed.
Can I withdraw
my money at any time from the Trust Fund? top
There
are two types of accounts with the NJ Prepaid Funeral Trust
Fund. An irrevocable account will be established only if you
are trying to qualify for Medicaid. In that case the only way
your money can be withdrawn is upon the death of the funeral
recipient. If this is not the case, a revocable trust is opened
and your money can be withdrawn at any time by contacting the
funeral home.
Why should
I prepay my funeral if I am applying for SSI Medicaid assistance?
top
If
you or someone in your family is going to apply for SSI Medicaid
assistance, it is a good idea to prepay the funeral. Federal and
State law allow you the opportunity to completely pay for the
funeral of your choice before your assets are depleted by medical
care and before your assets are reduced to SSI/Medicaid eligibility
levels.
What are the
benefits of prepaying my funeral? top
The
New Jersey Prepaid Funeral Trust Fund is a FDIC insured, safe,
well-managed trust with the best possible interest rates available.
The account has no age limit or health limitations. Deposits
may be made after initial setup and there is no ceiling. It
is excepted for SSI/Medicaid asset exclusion. This account is
payable upon death unlike other bank accounts that may close
or freeze at the time of death. Unless you set up a SSI/Medicaid
account, your money is 100% refundable with interest and with
no penalty. All accounts are transferable.
What if I change
my mind after making pre-arrangements? top
You
can change your arrangements at any time.
What if I
move out of the area after prepaying my prearranged funeral? top
Since
your account is completely transferable, you can shift your
arrangements over to another funeral home. If you set up a revocable
account (non-SSI/Medicaid) you could close your account if you
so wish.
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