| Q: |
What if a death occurs out of state? |
| A. |
Our staff will make all arrangements including preparation and transportation. We have a 24-hour toll-free number available for such emergencies: 1-866-500-COOK. |
| |
| Q. |
How, exactly, does cremation work? |
| A. |
A cremation chamber uses heat and evaporation to reduce the container and its contents to basic elements. This means that the final remains are not actually ashes, but very fine bone fragments. |
| |
| Q. |
How does the cost of cremation compare to the cost of a body burial? |
| A. |
The basic charge for cremation is usually less but with so many options available this can depend largely on what else the family chooses to do regarding funeral or memorial services. |
| |
| Q. |
What kind of urn do you recommend? |
| A. |
The decision is yours to make. We offer a number of options to meet various tastes and budgets. Our selection includes wood, ceramic or sculptural pieces in a variety of prices. (Your funeral director can go over these with you in more detail.) |
| |
| Q. |
Do I still need a casket? |
| A. |
Not necessarily a casket, but state law requires that you provide an acceptable container to be utilized in the cremation process. |
| |
| Q. |
How do most religions feel about cremation? |
| A. |
Most major religions now permit cremation, although individual congregations may differ on the matter. If you have any questions, we'd encourage you to talk to your clergy. |
| |
| Q. |
How quickly can a cremation occur? |
| A. |
As soon as we have the proper documentation (death certificate signed by a doctor, medical examiner's permit and family authorization to cremate). |
| |
| Q: |
What death benefits will Social Security pay? |
| A: |
The deceased must have been credited for work covered by Social Security (1 1/2 to 10 years depending on age at time of death). Those who are eligible to receive benefits include:
- The surviving spouse ($255 lump sum burial benefit)
- Children of the deceased who are still minors
- Additional "special cases" (contact Social Security administration)
|
| Q: |
What Veteran's Benefits are offered? |
| A: |
The following benefits are available to veterans:
- American burial flag
- Presidential memorial certificate
- Headstone or marker
- Free interment in a national cemetery (for example, Fort Custer in Battle Creek)
- Burial benefits up to $650 (depending on eligibility)
- County burial benefits of $250-300 (depending on eligibility)
|
