• The funeral home has donated a library of books to the Public Library that focuses on death related issues, such as grief and recovery for survivors. Topics include coping with the loss of a spouse, helping children understand the loss of a loved one, etc.
• Acknowledgment Cards (Thank you's) should be sent out one to two weeks after the service. Along with thanking the obvious people (those people who sent flowers, memorials, food dishes, etc.), you should recognize other groups that contributed their time and talents. For example:
  - Police Dept.-if they provided an escort.
  - Any military organization that provided military graveside rites (A donation is much appreciated).
  - Any fraternal organization that conducted special services.
  - Those people who served the luncheon.
  - Any other individuals or groups who cared for or helped the family in a special way.
  
  *Some families find it convenient to thank others by having an advertisement printed in the classified section of the local
  newspaper.
• Contact your life insurance agent or company in order to apply for life insurance benefits. Be sure to change beneficiaries on applicable policies (those which currently list the deceased as the primary beneficiary). If you find
  you are having problems receiving your benefits in a timely manner, please contact us for assistance.
• Contact the Social Security Administration as soon as possible following the service.
  Local Telephone Number: 234-1554
  Toll Free Telephone Number: (800) 772-1213

* Currently a death certificate is not required by Social Security. The family may be entitled to a monetary benefit if there is a surviving spouse or minor dependent child. Check with Social Security to see if your family is eligible.

• Contact your attorney for any legal advise and to probate the will if necessary.
• Inventory the safety deposit box and update those persons with authorization to gain entry.
• Update the checking and savings accounts, brokerage accounts, as well as titles to the house, property and automobiles.
• Purchase a monument or marker. Many families are inundated with telephone calls and mailings from both local and out-of-state monument companies who wish to sell the family a monument. The family needs to take their time in selecting the appropriate monument or marker for their loved one. When the family is ready to purchase the monument they should always make sure they are getting what they want and at the best price.
• If applicable, have the deceased’s mail forwarded to the next-of-kin’s address. This allows the family to answer the mail in a timely manner.
• Contact previous employers regarding possible pension and life insurance benefits.
• Additional death certificates can be obtained from your funeral director
  
  For more information about our Aftercare program please contact us at aftercare@schmidtfamilyfuneralhome.com