Packet- Death Benefits

Question 1

Most states including Maryland are required to make these in full at the conclusion of the arrangement conference. During the arrangement conference, the funeral director is required ethically to counsel the family on benefits and obligations concerning funeral expenses. He or she should also explain the funeral home payment policy.

Answer 1

Purchase Disclosures

Question 2

The owner of the funeral home can present this at the post funeral service conference when he or she delivers the certified copies of the death certificate and returns the cemetery deed. These items should only be given to the person holding the primary right of disposition.

Answer 2

Presenting the Bill

Question 3

• Amount of capital tied up
• Loss of interest on this capital
• Salaries for a credit department
• office supplies, equipment, potage
• Legal and other collection expenses
• Cost of credit information
• Financial loss to the business is because of bad debts (may have to go to court).
• Damage to public relations when the funeral home pursues accounts receivable.

Answer 3

Cost Factors to the Funeral Home when Establishing a System of Credit for the Consumer

Question 4

• Fix the responsibility to pay
• Obtain signatures
• Make terminology clear for discounts and pealties
• Make payment plans clear
• Inform PRD of legal action on delinquent accounts
• Promissory notes may be necessary
• Funeral director should prevent PRD from overbuying.

Answer 4

Elements of a Sound Credit Policy

Question 5

On the person with primary right of disposition.

Answer 5

Fix Responsibility to Pay

Question 6

If necessary have these witnessed and notarized. Should be on the sales agreement form.

Answer 6

Obtain Signatures

Question 7

To the person of primary right of disposition so they have an understanding of it.

Answer 7

Make Terminology of Discounts and Penalties Clear

Question 8

Any time they are available by lending institutions, banks and savings and loans, finance companies etc. or any plan made available by the funeral home.

Answer 8

Make Payment Plans Clear

Question 9

Inform them that the funeral home staff and/or a collection agency will pursue late payment.

Answer 9

Inform PRD that Legal Action will be Taken on Deliquent Accounts

Question 10

In certain cases where the funeral director anticipates problems. This should contain a “confession of judgement clause.”

Answer 10

A Promissory Note may be Necessary

Question 11

Causing both the funeral director and this person future conflict.

Answer 11

Funeral Direct Should Make sure the PRD Does Not Overbuy