Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the funeral home can help you obtain death certificates from the local Register of Deeds.  The state of Wisconsin charges $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy.

Certified Copies of the death certificate are often used to help settle your loved one's affairs after they pass.  Common reasons you'll need them are for bank accounts, insurance policies, pensions, and real estate.  Many other companies you contact may need a certified copy or sometimes they will accept a scanned copy.  Social Security will not need a copy as the funeral home will notify them of your loved ones passing." 

No, the funeral home will notify social security of their passing.  Please remember that a person has to live every day in a month to receive benefits for that month.  If they do not, Social Security will automatically withdrawal the payment. If you have any questions regarding benefits, please reach out to Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office.

Yes, Social Security does provide a one time death benefit of $255 to a surviving spouse or dependent child.  You will need to contact Social Security to receive this benefit.  You can do so by going to a local Social Security office or calling 1-800-772-1213.

No, they will be notified through the same process that Social Security is notified.

The answer is yes and no.  You are allowed to scatter cremated remains on private property as long as you have the permission of the landowner.  Scattering cremated remains on public land or waterways can sometimes be allowed depending on where it is but usually requires you to obtain a permit before doing so.

There are many options available today for how you can use your loved ones' cremated remains to memorialize your loved one.  The most common choices are to keep them at home in an urn, bury them in a cemetery, place them in a niche or mausoleum, or scatter them.  

For those veterans who were discharged other than dishonorable, yes they are likely entitled to a few benefits.  The most common are that they are entitled to an American flag, burial in a national or state run veterans cemetery for no charge, and military honors.  If a veteran is receiving any monthly benefits relating to their service, or if they pass away in a VA run facility, it is possible that they are entitled to some monetary benefits.  To find out or apply, please visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance/, or contact your local County Veterans Service Officer.