Websites Featuring Information of Funeral Service and End-Of-Life Issues

Before the Internet, it was often difficult and time consuming for survivors or persons dealing with end of life issues to get the necessary facts to make informed decisions, or to explore available options. Now, it is possible to access at one's convenience a variety of Websites that can be enormously helpful. Consumers without home computers can visit most local libraries to use the Internet and print out the information they need.

The New York State Funeral Directors Association's Website "www.nysfda.org" contains a wealth of information and resources for consumers with questions about funerals. Topics include cremation and burial options, pre-arrangement and Medicaid issues, and information on merchandise selection and purchase.

This site also provides resources for dealing with grief and bereavement and links to other sites that can be helpful. For those individuals who do not have a family funeral director, there is a searchable listing of New York State Funeral Directors Association's members so that a neighborhood funeral home can be located quickly and easily.

Consumers may also print out a "Personal and Financial Affairs Checklist" to record all important data in one place to make it easier for survivors to find Social Security numbers, veteran's service records, etc. needed to complete paperwork at the time of death. The checklist can also disclose the individual's funeral service preferences if he or she has not preplanned a funeral.

The Veterans Administration's Website "www.va.gov" provides information on dependents' and survivors' benefits. It also links to the National Cemetery Administration's site designed to help survivors of deceased veterans research the VA's national cemeteries and burial benefits. This site also has information regarding military funerals, reimbursement of burial expenses (if applicable), availability of cemetery markers and guidelines for the procurement of a burial flag.

Death and survivor benefits for widows, widowers and dependent children can be researched at the Social Security Administration's Website "www.ssa.gov.". In addition, the Website has information on what to do when a beneficiary dies, disability benefits and SSI benefits for low income seniors.

Internet communication features have made dramatic changes in the ways we memorialize loved ones. "www.eRemembrances.com" is a memorial program developed by the New York State Funeral Directors Association. This service will notify family and friends in a fraction of the time that phone calls would require, and let them know the details of the funeral service without having to repeat the story over and over again. A life story can be created for the Website using photos and text. The "eRemembrances" Website will also feature an online condolence response form allowing friends and family to respond immediately with words of comfort and support. Links to other sites will allow friends and family hundreds of miles away to instantly send flowers or fruit, or e-mail a lovely message of sympathy.

Using these Website addresses with their up-to-date information and services can be very helpful to survivors and loved ones who are trying to cope at a very stressful time in their lives. Remember, too, that funeral directors are available anytime and welcome phone calls and inquiries about funeral service.

back to top