Is Financial Assistance Available?
Funeral expenses often come at an unexpected time. The following are brief descriptions of organizations that may offer assistance. Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium will be pleased to provide further information should you desire it.
• Alberta Widow’s Pension Program is a special program for widows ages 55 to 64
• Canada Pension Plan is available for those who have contributed. The benefits available include Survivor’s Benefit (monthly payment made to the surviving spouse), Orphan’s Benefit, and Death Benefit (a one-time lump sum payment made to the estate).
• Company, union, fraternal or organizational benefits may be available depending upon the employer or organization.
• Compassionate Air Fare is provided by many airlines for families attending a funeral or a sick family member where death is imminent. Check with the particular airline for details.
• Crimes Compensation Board can authorize funds toward funeral expenses, loss of support by dependents of victim and other costs should a death occur from a crime of violence.
• Life Insurance Policies pay the death benefits as set out by the policy directly to the named beneficiaries.
• Cheques (Canada Pension, Supplemental Benefits, Company Pension etc.) received as income for the month in which the death occurred become the property of the deceased person’s family or estate.
• The Public Trustee will authorize an allowance for funeral costs if this office was looking after the deceased’s affairs. It is important to contact this office before arrangements are made for the funeral.
• Social Services may provide government assistance if financial eligibility is met.
• Workers’ Compensation Board may make funds available to spouses, children and other dependents providing the cause of death is attributed to the work place.
• The Last Post Fund for Veterans was organized to provide a dignified funeral, interment and marker for honourable discharged veterans without sufficient funds.
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