When a loved one dies, the decisions and details that need to be dealt with can seem overwhelming. Everybody is focused on managing their emotions, and so the idea of having to get through the funeral forms and other documents is far from welcome. Nevertheless, it is essential to take the time to get everything straightened away. Here are some first steps to take.
Statement of death
The first of the funeral forms you’ll have to deal with is the statement of death. However, you do not have to worry about it yourself; the funeral director will fill it out. You may need to provide some personal information, but you won’t have to do more than that.
Death certificate
The death certificate is the official document that will be needed to obtain certain benefits from the government and for other administrative procedures. The way to obtain the certificate varies from one region to another; to find out how to proceed, ask the funeral director or visit the government website of your province or territory and look up how to receive a death certificate.
Things to cancel
Although this step isn’t really directly related to funeral forms, it is an important administrative detail that comes up following the death of a loved one. You will have to contact the relevant agencies and organizations to notify them of the death. They include:
- Old Age Security
- Canada Pension Plan
- Employment Insurance
- Provincial and federal tax agencies
- Various departments responsible for official documents and identification, such as passport and driver’s license
Income tax report
The personal representative of a deceased person must also produce the final tax return. You have until April 30 of the following year to submit the report if the death occurred between January 1 and October 31. If the death occurred between November 1 and December 31, you have six months to do so.
Possible benefits
Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to survivor benefits, such as:
- An allowance or pension paid to a surviving spouse with low income
- Benefits for the dependent children of a contributor to the Canada Pension Plan
- Survivor benefits paid to an eligible person who lived or worked in another country
- A death benefit payable when a Canadian Forces member dies during service
- Income support for parents of murdered or missing children
A necessary evil
All the paperwork might seem unnecessary and cumbersome, but the various funeral forms are essential to getting everything in order. Just remember that the funeral director can be a support for you as you see to this daunting task. He or she can help you fill out some of the forms and clarify which other procedures you should follow.
