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Prearrangement Information Prearrangement
Questions
Two reasons most people consider prearranging their wishes are. First - is peace of mind, knowing that you have left all of your affairs in order. It is a true selfless act. The benefit goes to your family at the time of death. It releases the family from much of the burden at that critical time. It is a comfort during life to know your family is protected in the event of your death. Second - is the knowledge that funeral choices are being carried out to YOUR specifications. Rather than waiting until death when everyone is dealing with the immediate chaos of grief, you have a more calm and thoughtful time to reflect on your needs. WHAT IS A PREARRANGEMENT? Enclosed in this booklet you will find a home prearrangement form for your personal use. There are three sections of consideration when prearranging a funeral:
WHAT DOES IT COST TO PREARRANGE? Nothing - You can simply fill in the accompanying form and send it to the funeral home to be kept on file, and let your family know you have done it. You can make an appointment and visit the funeral home and choose a casket or go over the details, at no cost.
Once you have prearranged your funeral you may wish to look at funding this cost. In other sections of this booklet you will find discussions on Canada Pension death benefits, insurance, DVA., or other possible funding mechanics. Prepaying a funeral is one of those options. You pay for the funeral and services at today’s rates. Under provincial law 100% of your money goes into trust, where it will stay until death. While in trust it earns interest to offset inflation and the interest earned is not taxable (you do not receive a T5 slip every year). The funeral home guarantees that at the time of death the funeral and services will be provided. If the trust account has not earned enough interest to keep up with inflation the funeral home makes up the difference, and under Ontario law if there is more money than necessary it is refunded back to the estate. If you move, you can transfer the trust funds to a funeral home where you are going. You can cancel the trust at any time and receive your money and interest back. * IMPORTANT POINT * Remember funerals are not for the deceased, but rather for the living. When you consider the type of funeral you want, include your family in these decisions. Some people say, "When I die just dispose of the body. It’s easier for everyone." Be sure everyone agrees. If you are killed suddenly by a heart attack or in an accident they may need and want an opportunity to say goodbye. Have your plans reflect the needs of those you love. To do that you have to communicate with them before you prearrange. WHAT IF I HAVE NO MONEY? If you are living on Social Assistance, Mother’s Allowance, Old Age Pension or Disability or simply living cheque to cheque it may be impossible to save for a funeral. People who do not have enough funds for a funeral can apply at the time of death to the Sudbury District Social Services and they will pay all costs of the funeral.
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