The information listed below should be used as a guideline to initiate legal procedures. If you have any questions we suggest that you contact your legal counsel for further advise, since we, as funeral directors are not lawyers. This is just a guideline. Different institutions may vary slightly in their requirements and procedures.
Banks: One certified copy of the death certificate should be taken to each banking institution that is dealt with. They will in turn remove the deceased individual's name from all accounts, certificates of deposit, etc.
Property: Until it is decided if the property is to be sold or transferred, a certified copy of the death certificate should be physically attached to the deed. When changing ownership this copy will be needed.
Automobile: As with property, a copy of the death certificate must be submitted along with a department of motor vehicles form in order to change the name on the title. Until this is decided, attach a copy of the death certificate to the title. This can be done through a local auto tag agent and should be done within one year.
Stocks: One certified copy will be needed for each individual company in which stock is owned. You may be best served to use a stockbroker to change all ownership.
Life Insurance: Telephone each life insurance company and request that a claim form be sent to you. The claim form should be filled out and submitted along with the original policy (they may only request the top page), and a copy of the death certificate. It is suggested that this be sent certified mail or guarantee receipt.
This might be a good time to check your own life insurance to make sure your beneficiary is someone other than the deceased. If needed, ask the insurance company to send a change of beneficiary form to you.
Taxes: When filing taxes with both the state and federal bureaus, include a copy of the death certificate. Further tax implication may be discussed with your accountant.
Below are links to the Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration
and Vital Statistics Bureau of Oklahoma that may be helpful
Social Security Benefits
The funeral home has filed the preliminary form for the Social Security benefit. An eligible surviving spouse or dependent child may be entitled to a one-time death benefit in the amount of $255.00, with certain restrictions. It is the Social Security Office which determines if one is entitled to the death benefit. The Social Security office requires personal contact either by telephone or by visiting the local office. You may speak to a representative week-days from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Information Needed:
- Your Social Security number and the deceased worker's Social Security Number.
- A death certificate (Stephens Memorial Chapel will provide a statement that is used for this purpose).
- Proof of the deceased worker's earnings for last year (W-2 forms or self-employment tax return).
- Your birth certificate.
- A marriage certificate, if you are applying for benefits as a widow, widower, divorced wife, or divorced husband.
- A divorce decree, if you are applying for children's benefits (Need children's birth certificates and social security numbers).
- Your checking or savings account information, if you want direct deposit of your benefits.
You will need to submit original documents or copies certified by the issuing office. You can mail or bring them to the office. Social Security will make photocopies and return the original documents to you.
Social Security Administration offices:
Tulsa Administration Office, 4750 S. Garnett - 918-641-2400
For appointment to file for benefits - 1-800-772-1213
Or visit their web site -
Social Security
Our staff and Veteran's Affairs Office can help with questions regarding:
- Death Benefits
- Flag
- Head-stones Grave Markers
- Survivors and Dependents Benefits
Oklahoma Department, Tulsa Division,635 W. 11th. St., 918-764-7266
Muskogee Regional Office, 1-800-827-1000
Fort Gibson Memorial Cemetery, 918-478-2334
Or visit their web site -
Veteran Affairs
If you need a certified copy of a death certificate, feel free to contact Stephens
Memorial Chapel for assistance, or visit the Vital Statistics link
below.
If you need to request certified copies of birth certificates, you
can contact the following office.
Mayes County Health Department, 111 N.E. 1st. St., Pryor OK, 918-825-4224
Or visit their web site -
OK Vital Statistics
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