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We Honor the Dignity of Those Entrusted to Our Care
& Respect the Wishes of Every Family We Serve

When Selecting a Funeral Home
To Care For Your Loved One & Your Family
Only the Best Will Do.

A Remembrance Gathering plays a significant role in our lives and is an essential component of the healing process. Gather to honor, remember and celebrate their history, personality and accomplishments. A Remembrance Gathering is an opportunity for family and friends to share experiences that should be recognized and cherished. Think of all the things you should remember, the work and play, the interests, and above all, the people who were a part of it. Planning a Celebration of A Lifetime will provide meaning and lasting memories for everyone in attendance.

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We're Hospice
Collaboration Experts

Two hands holding either side of a red paper cutout heart

The ABFH network of locally operated funeral homes appreciate the trust that families & hospice caregivers place in them and they constantly strive to be deserving of that trust. At no time will family members be without support. The strong attachments & trust developed in one supportive environment (hospice) are shared & transferred to another (ABFH funeral home) as the family moves through the process of dying, death & bereavement.

When you consider the philosophy of hospice & funeral service, it is clear why the continuum of care provided by the professional staff of ABFH funeral home providers is a "natural extension" of hospice care.

For Those of The Christian Faith

Like all Christian worship, the Christian funeral service has both a vertical and a horizontal dimension. Taking a phrase from an old sacramental form, we attend a funeral to "remember and believe." At the Christian funeral we want and need to remember. The Christian funeral throbs with very human emotions and ought to both reflect them, & minister to them. The Christian funeral is, therefore, a public ritual in which grief is expressed, precious memories are rehearsed, and lifetimes are remembered.

The Christian funeral service focuses mainly on the deceased entry into Heaven and God’s ability to give the grieving strength to cope with their recent loss. According to the New Testament, Jesus sacrificed himself to his enemies and was crucified. This sacrifice was made to pay for the sins of all mankind.  A true believer in Jesus and the Christian faith will be forgiven for sins as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice and gain eternal life in Heaven. Christian funeral services serve the same purpose: to pray for the soul of the deceased, as well as to offer comfort and support to the bereaved.

Power of Attorney
Ceases Upon Death

A Power of Attorney is a document that grants another person permission to act on their behalf, during life, thus when that individual passes away, the document is null and void. After death, the executor or personal representative of the estate takes over the responsibility for managing the deceased's affairs, which includes distributing assets and settling debts, according to the terms of the will or state law.

Rightfully so, many people wonder what is within the agent’s power once the principal dies. After all, it would certainly be convenient. As such, can a power of attorney withdraw money after death is a common question and the answer is a resounding NO. They no longer have the authority to make any decisions on behalf of the estate.

Social Security Death Benefits

Social Security pays out two types of death benefits. The first is a lump sum death benefit of $255. The second is an ongoing monthly death benefit called a survivor benefit. Both are covered below.

1. Lump Sum Social Security Death Benefit

A spouse (who is living in the same household) can receive a one-time lump sum benefit of $255. If there is no spouse, a dependent child generally age 18 or under (see exceptions to the age 18 rule on the minor child section of Social Security's website), is then eligible for a one-time lump sum death benefit.

The lump sum death benefit is payable as long as the deceased worker was considered to be currently insured, which means they had at least 6 quarters of earnings covered by Social Security withholding during the full 13-quarter period prior to their death.

Below are general guidelines on who should file an application for this lump-sum benefit:

  • If the Social Security death benefit is being paid to a widow or widower who is receiving a spousal benefit, then no application need be filed.
  • If the Social Security death benefit is being paid to an eligible dependent child, then an application must be filed within two years of the insured worker’s death.

It is always best to call Social Security to report a death immediately and to find out what paperwork they may need. The Social Security website provides a list of information that you will need to complete the death benefit application. You'll want to read through this list and gather the needed info before you apply.

2. Ongoing Monthly Social Security Death Benefit

Monthly survivor benefits are paid to widow/widowers, dependents, or minor children as follows:

Benefits for Dependents or Those Caring for a Minor Child

  • A child of the worker who is under age 18, under age 19 and attending a full-time elementary or high school, or over 18 and disabled before the age of 22 may be eligible for an ongoing monthly survivor benefit.
  • A parent of the deceased worker who is age 62 or older and was dependent upon the worker for support may be able to receive an ongoing amount.
  • The mother or father who cares for a dependent child of the deceased worker can also receive a benefit. The child must be under the age of 16 (or disabled before 22). This mother or father’s benefit is different than a widow or widower’s benefit in that it can be paid to someone of any age, whereas a surviving spouse must be age 60 or older to claim a widow or widower’s benefit.

Benefits for a Spouse

  • A current spouse who has been married to the insured worker for at least 9 months and who is age 60 or older can receive a lifetime monthly income as a Social Security survivor benefit
  • An ex-spouse of the worker (if they were married at least ten years) who is age 60 or older, and who did not remarry before age 60 can also receive a lifetime monthly survivor benefit. (If you re-married but are now divorced again you may still qualify.)

Benefits to above persons may be paid if the worker was fully insured or currently insured.
Currently insured is described earlier in this article. Fully insured is described below.
Fully insured means someone had 40 quarters of work covered by Social Security tax withholding.
Ongoing survivor benefit amounts are based on:

  • the earnings record of the person who is deceased
  • your current age
  • your relationship to the deceased worker

As a rough estimate, as a surviving spouse you could expect to get between 70% and 100% of the amount the deceased worker would have gotten at the deceased worker's full retirement age.

Promptly File an Application for Death Benefits

An application for an ongoing monthly Social Security survivor benefit should be filed within six months of the worker’s death as no more than six months worth of benefits will be paid retroactively.

Reasons You May Not Qualify for Monthly Widow/Widower Benefits

If you work, remarry before age 60, or are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record this could reduce or eliminate your eligibility for an ongoing monthly Social Security survivor benefit as a widow or widower.
Learn more on the Social Security website Survivors Planner page.