The death of a special person is often unexpected. Knowing what to do next, and where to find support and information, can help make a difficult time just a little easier.
Final Arrangements
Funeral costs vary widely based upon the desires of the decedent and his or her family. All funeral directors are required by law to provide pricing information over the telephone, and many offer general information about cost on their websites.
Certified Death Certificates are important documents that you will need to complete a variety of post mortem tasks, such as: file for life insurance benefits, transfer or close bank accounts and credit cards, and transfer home or auto property titles. Death certificates can be obtained at the funeral home, or by contacting the appropriate state agency; in Illinois, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health, in Indiana, contact the Indiana State Department of Health. There are costs associated with requesting death certificates. It’s a good idea to think about all the legal and financial reasons you may need a death certificate, and order them all at the same time to avoid additional processing fees down the road. It’s also a good idea to order a few more than you think you might need, just in case.
One of the most common fears families experience when facing the loss of a loved one is whether they can afford funeral and burial arrangements. The following list of federal, state, religious and other charity resources are examples of programs and services that may provide financial assistance with funeral, burial and/or cremation assistance. If your loved one was a police officer, fire fighter, teacher, member of a fraternity or sorority, or other organization, there may also be assistance programs available through their membership.
Funeral & Burial Assistance
Illinois Department of Human Services
Illinois Attorney General Crime Victims Compensation
Family and Social Services Administration of Indiana
Indiana Criminal Justice Institute
U.S Department of Veterans Affairs
National Center for Victims of Crime
Social Security Administration
Medicare
U.S. Department of Interior/Indian Affairs
Catholic Charities
Lutheran Social Services
National Alliance for Grieving Children
National Donor Family Council
National Donor Memorial: Honoring America’s Organ & Tissue Donors
Saving Sight (formerly Heartland Lions Eye Bank)
Sesame Street Grief Management Resources
Willow House
Donor Families Services
Jewish Family Service Agency
Muslim Community Center
The Tristen Scott Foundation
The Aidan Shea Foundation
Whole Body Donation
Whole body donation is another way in which your loved one can leave a meaningful legacy to humanity through medical education and research. In most cases, whole body donation includes complimentary cremation and return of remains within a few weeks following the death.
Whole Body Donation Programs by State
Biogift
Science Care
Medcure
Genesis
Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois
Indiana University School of Medicine
Transportation of Remains
On occasion, families may wish to return the body of their deceased loved one to another state or country for burial. Transporting human remains is a complex process involving state, federal and international laws, and can be quite expensive; ranging anywhere from $1000-$20,000 or more. Your funeral director can help guide you on how to arrange these services. Most airlines also have programs to assist with shipping remains. Embassies and Consulates of the country you wish to transport remains to may also be helpful. The following list of resources may be helpful in getting more information to assist you with transportation issues.
Everplans
International Mortuary Shipping
National Funeral Directors Association
U.S Embassy and Consulate in Mexico
Mexican Embassy/Consulate General – Chicago
Death Investigation
Families may have many questions regarding their loved one’s eligibility to donate once the coroner’s office is involved. Is organ and tissue donation possible? Will it interfere with an autopsy? Gift of Hope has developed resource guides to answer all your questions.
Death Investigation Facts
Grief, Bereavement and Mental Health Resources
Donation is a meaningful end-of-life decision that can help ease grief and bereavement following the loss of a loved one. While donation helps transform tragedy into triumph, there are still painful and tender moments along the way. You are not alone; Gift of Hope Aftercare Specialists are here to guide and support you every step of your journey as you learn to live without your very special person. We can be reached at: DonorFamily@GiftofHope.org, or by calling (877) 577-3747.