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The following is a list of some supportive
resources that are available to those experiencing serious
illness or death of a loved one.
Veteran's Affairs benefits:
There are numerous benefits available
to veterans, especially those who have served during wartime.
Some of these include pension, healthcare, prescription
assistance, headstones, grave markers, and burial flags. Contact
the VA at either http://www.va.state.al.us or at:
http://www.va.qov
Social Security benefits:
There are survivor benefits and a
onetime lump sum death benefit of $255 available through the
Social Security Administration. Upon death, immediately contact
Social Security at: 1-800-772-1213 to notify them of a loved
one's passing. Their website is also very helpful and offers
detailed information on benefits: http://www.ssa.gov or
http://ssa.gov/pubs/deathbenefits.htm
Funeral planning information:
The following websites offer
comprehensive information on funeral planning, including
downloadable funeral planning guide, cremation options, grief
support and much more at: http://www.funeral-help.com/options.html
or:
http://www.funeralplan.com
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The FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
provides free brochures explaining the Funeral Rule. Write
Public Reference, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C.
20580, and ask for: Funerals: A Consumer Guide, or telephone
202-326-2222 (TDD 202-326-2502) in Washington. The web site
for obtaining information or making a complaint is:
www.ftc.gov
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Funeral Consumers Alliance is the
only national funeral consumer advocacy group and it offers
many helpful publications at minimal cost. The Address is
FCA, 33 Patchen Road, So. Burlington, VT 05403; telephone
800-765-0107 to join or order materials, or go to:
www.funerals.org
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AARP, a non-profit, non-partisan
organization of and for seniors, publishes Funeral Goods and
Services and Prepaying Your Funeral? For free copies go to:
www.aarp.org/contacts/ . or write: AARP Fulfillment, 601 E
Street, Washington, D.C. 20049.
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Senior Resource Guide:
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Offers a current,
informative/educational listing of local senior resources
every 6 months; their catalogues can be found in public
location such as libraries, physician offices and grocery
stores. They offer a free referral line as well at:
1-800-955-8510.
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