Frequently Asked Questions
General
What kind of services does Sandy Funeral Home offer?
Sandy Funeral Home offers an array of personalized services ranging from traditional visitation and burial to direct cremation. We also offer headstones and pre-arrangements.
Do I need to come in to do the paperwork?
It is generally best to come in to make arrangements, however, we can make accommodation as needed.
Death Certificates
How many death certificates do I need?
The number of death certificates you will need depends on individual circumstances. During funeral arrangements we will help you decide how many you may need. Oregon charges a file fee to register a death in the state and charges per certified copy, so it is helpful to speak with a funeral director about how many you should purchase.
Who needs a death certificate?
Entities that will need an original copy of the death certificate are: Life insurance policies – each policy held will need its own original death certificate; Stocks and bonds; Annuities; Pensions; 401k and Retirement accounts; Trusts; Banks, State Treasury (tax purposes). Other entities that may ask for either an original or a photo are as follows: safe deposit box at a bank, DMV, cable, or phone companies. It is our recommendation to always offer a photocopy first.
Where can I get death certificates?
We will place the initial order for death certificates. If you need additional death certificates within six months of the date of death, we can help place additional orders with the county. After six months all death certificates must be ordered through the State. The most economical way to order death certificates from the State is to print out the order form, and mail in the necessary paperwork and payment. They can also be ordered online at www.healthoregon.org/chs or call 971-673-1190.
What is the difference between a short and a long form death certificate?
A long form death certificate includes all vital information about the decedent, as well as the cause of death; this death certificate form is what most companies will require. A short form death certificate includes all vital information about the decedent, but it excludes the portion containing the cause of death; this death certificate form is used only for real estate purposes.
Who can request a death certificate?
The legal next of kin, or a person that is deemed as having a personal or property right. For reference, see ORS 432.380 (2)(c)(B)(iii).
Disposition
Who can make decisions after my loved one has died?
The immediate next of kin will be the person responsible for making decisions about final disposition.
Can I pick who can make decisions after I die?
Yes, you can refer to the Oregon Law ORS 97.130. Please call our office to request this paperwork, and we will be happy to assist you.
Can I make decisions with Power of Attorney after death?
Unfortunately, no. Power of Attorney ends at the time of death.
Veterans
Will the Veterans Administration pay for my entire funeral?
All honorably discharged veterans are eligible to be placed at a National Cemetery. They provide a grave plot or a niche space (for cremated remains), grave liner (outer burial container), marker, and military honors, which includes the playing of taps and the folding and presentation of a flag, if requested by the family. We will assist the spouse or next of kin with additional benefits that may be available.
Do I qualify for a gun salute?
The military has specific requirements that must be met, and the funeral home staff can help navigate through the application process.
Pre-Need
Can I prepay for my funeral?
Yes
What are the benefits of pre-paying?
There are many benefits of prepaying for your funeral arrangements. The benefits include peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones as it removes the burden of making decisions during a highly emotional time, it is an opportunity for you to have a say in your disposition and services, and prices for your selected services can be guaranteed if paid for in full ahead of time.
Social Security
Who notifies Social Security?
The funeral home will notify social security of a death. Once their social security number is given, a report will be made by the funeral director. If you need to report a death to social security, you must call.
Do I qualify for Social Security Death Benefits?
Surviving spouses are eligible for a one-time death benefit of $255.00. There may be benefits available for dependent children. We suggest that the family contact social security directly to confirm. If you have more questions, please call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Medicaid
We strongly suggest preplanning when going on Medicaid. Your case worker should also be recommending this. During the time of application, there is what they call a “spend down process” and during this time, Medicaid will allow one to purchase a pre-need policy. They allow you to pay for your complete cremation or burial services. They require that the policy be irrevocable and the funeral home the beneficiary.
Cemeteries
We can work with any cemetery of your choosing. There are several cemeteries in the Sandy area that we work closely with. These include Sandy Ridge Cemetery, Firhill Memorial Cemetery and Cliffside Cemetery.
Headstones
Can I add information to a headstone?
Yes, with proper permission from the parties involved, we can add additional information.
Can a headstone be relocated?
Yes, with the proper permission a headstone can be moved.
Can I make and install my own headstone?
You can make your own headstone, though there are very specific requirements that must be met per cemetery regulations. For installation, the headstone must be set in cement, and you must be licensed and bonded in order to be granted permission by the cemetery to install a headstone. Please contact the cemetery for more information about this process.