Embalming is not required for burial. Some families that opt for a public viewing with an open casket prefer to go in for embalming. It is also necessary when the body is transported by air or rail and when burial is delayed by more than 8-12 hours. Entombments too require embalming due to sanitary reasons.

Every state has different rules and regulations. We encourage you to check with your funeral director. Your family members would need to secure all permits and authorizations, notify friends and relatives and, if needed, make preparations for transport of the body. Religious considerations and preparation of the cemetery site are some other factors that influence the time lag between death and burial.

Interment refers to opening and closing of a grave or crypt for burial. The fee includes routine services such as administration, record keeping, obtaining and completion of authorizations, permits and forms. The fee also covers cost of equipment used as lowering devices, vault set up and site preparation services such as tents, chairs, etc.

• The following people are eligible for survivors benefits:
• Widows and widowers aged 60 years or older
• Widows and widowers (at any age) if caring for the deceased's children who are under age 16 or disabled.
• Divorced wives and husbands, aged 60 years or older, if married to the deceased for 10 years or more.
• Widows, widowers, divorced wives, and divorced husbands age 50 or older, if they are disabled. Children up to age 18.
• Children aged 18 - 19 years, if they attend elementary school or high school full time.
• Children over the age of 18 years, if they became disabled before 22.
• The deceased worker's parents aged 62 years or older, if they were being supported by the worker.
• A Special One-Time Payment: In addition to the monthly benefits for family members, a one-time payment of $255 can be paid to a spouse who was living with the worker at the time of death. If there is none, it can be paid to a spouse or to children who are eligible for benefits. However, the payment cannot be made if there is no eligible spouse or child.

To apply for benefits: You can apply for benefits by telephone or by going to any Social Security office. You may need some documents (see next question). But don't delay your application because you don't have all the information. If you don't have a document you need, Social Security can help you get it.

• Your Social Security number and the deceased worker's Social Security number.
• A death certificate.
• 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 benefits as a divorced wife or husband.
• Children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers, if applying for children's benefits.
• 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 them or bring them to the office. Social Security will make photocopies and return your documents.